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wEsTERN FOREST GENETlcS ASSOC IATIO
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1984 Annua I
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August 7 to 10, 1984 University of Victoria
Victoria, BC, Canada .
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Genetic Gain: Incorporation and Implications
for Forestry.
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Program and Abstracts '
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GEl\ETIC GAIN: INCORPORATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FORESTRY PROGRAM MONDAY, AUGL6T 6
1900 to 2100 Regis tration, Begbie Building. Residence rooms available.
TLESDAY, AUGL6T 7
0800 to 1200 Registration, Begbie Building
0915 Opening remarks and amouncements
WFGA Chairman Dr. Don Lester
Begbie Room 159
Theme panel
0925
Genetic Gain: Incorporation and Implications for Forestry
Panelists:
"Sideboards of Tree Improvement"; Dr. Roy R. Silen, U.S. Forest
Service, Corvallis, Oregon
"Genetic Gain: Its Capture and Packaging for Regeneration";
Richard F. Piesch, Weyerhaeuser Corp., Centralia, Washington.
1030 to 1050
Refreshment break (Poster Sessions
1050
"Genetic Gain Implications for Forest Management and W ood
Sup ply"; Peter Ackhurst, B.C. Forest Service, Vancouver, B.C.
an
display)
"Tree-Improvement Implications for Wood and Forest Products
Quality"; Dr. Robert M. Kellogg, Forintek Corp., Vancouver, B.C.
1230 to 1330
No-host Lunch (Poster Sessions
1330 to 1410
"Genetic Gain and Economics in Tree-Improvement Programs "; Dr.
Thomas Thomson, Univers i1y of Illinois, Urbanana, Illinois
1410 to 1425
"Predicted Genetic and Economic Gains from Tree Breeding for t he
Northern Region"; G.E. Howe and T.L. Raettig
1425 to 1500
General discussion
.+:u>
1.500 to 1600
an
an
display)
panel presentations
Refreshments and Poster Sessions
"Cortical and Needle Resin Monoterpenes in Sitka Spruce and
Resistance to the White Pine Weevil, Pissodes strobi"; J.E. Brooks
"Seed Production from B.C. Ministry of Forests Orchards"; M.
Crown and C. Bartram
"Container Seed Orchards - An Economical Alternative?"; A.M.
Eastham and S.D. Ross
"C ertification of Lodgepole Pine Seeds of Canadian Origins under
the OECD Scheme"; D.G.W. Edwards and F.T. Portlock
"A Breeding Program far Coastal Douglas-fir"; J.C. Heaman
R.N. Hattie
&
"Tree Improvement of Coastal Douglas-Fir"; J.C. Heaman, F.C.
Yeh and C.C. Ying
"Selection of Traits for Growth, Form and Wood Quality in
Douglas-fir Progeny: II Genetic Control of Juvenile Growth Form
Features"; John N. King
"Return of the Expatriate Radiata"; W.J. Libby and J.H. Russell
"Clonal and Population Variation of Populus trichocarpa and Its
Hybrids with P. deltoides in Herbicide Tolerance"; Diane Marie
Shirley
"lsozyme Analysis of Pollen Competition in Douglas-fir"; J.E.
Webber and F.C.H. Yeh
1 ..1 :}
J.j-11.i'- (,.
1600 to 1800 "Age-Related Outcrossing Rate in Western Hemlock"; Francis Yeh
and Mike Meagher
.
Optional tours (Tours depart from front of Begbie Building)
zboo to2100 WFGAAmual Meeting, Begbie 158
2 oo to2300
Wine and cheese social, Faculty Club
f
WEDNESDAY, AUGL.5T 8: FIELD TRIP
Theme: •fntegrating Genetic Gain and Forestry"
0030
Buses depart from Lot 5 (behind Cadboro Commons)
1000 to 1115 Jordan River: Western Forest Products Ltd. management; B.C.
Forest Service: Douglas-fir progeny test
1115 to 1200 Travel to Port Renfrew
.
1200 to 1300 Box lunch on the beoch and introduction to B.C. Forest Products
1300 to 1430 Forest management by B.C. Forest Products; tour B.C. Forest
Service provenance and early progeny tests
1430 to 1500 Travel to Robertson Valley
2
1500 to 1600
Forest management by Pacific Forest Products Ltd., ecosystem
mapping, private tree-improvement program
1615
Arrive at Cowichan Lake Research -station; refreshment
1645 to 1800
Tours, Cowichan Lake Research Station:
archives, provenance and progeny tests
1000 to 1830
Swimming Break
1830 Barbeque dimer, host: B.C. Forest Service. Spousal tour to Duncan
Forest Museum will join this tour at Cowichan Lake Research
Station for BBQ
2100 Buses department for Victoria; return approximately 2300 hours
propagation,
gene
THURSDAY, AUGLST 9
0830 to 1015 Technical sessims, Begbie 159
Session A: Biological Bases to Genetic Gain
"Genetic Variation of Wood Specific Gravity in Lodgepole Pine
Pinus contorta spp. latifolia"; A. Yanchuk, F.C. Yeh and B.P.
Dancik
"Sitka Spruce Provenance Research in the Coastal Region of
British Columbia"; Cheng C. Ying
"Vegetative Growth in Provenances of Lodgepole Pine"; Conor
O'Reilly and John N. Owens
"The
Cold Hardiness Adaptive Response of Green Ash to Geo­
climatic Gradients''; M.W. Williams, Jr. and K.C. Steiner
"Evaluating Breeding Zones for Sierra Nevada Ponderosa Pine
Using Multilocus Analyses of Enzyme Genes"; R.D. Westfall and
M.T. Conkle
"Population Genetic Structure of Jeffrey Pine"; Glenn R. Fumier
"Demonstration of Gene-for-Gene Relationships By Analysis of
Host-Parasite Differential Interactions"; F.E. Williams
IOl5 to 1035 Refreshment break (Poster Sessions on display)
I035 to 1235 Session B: Biological Impacts of Geoetic Gain in Forestry
"Diallel Crosses in Coastal Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii
(Mirb.) Franco"; J.C. Heaman and F.C. Yeh
"Results from Genetic Tests in Weyerhaeuser's Douglas-fir Applied
Tree Improvement Program"; R.W. Stonecypher
3
"Using Growth, Adaptation, and Stability Parameters to Delineate
Provenance Transfers for Douglas-fir in Southwest Oregon"; R.D.
Mangold and W.T. Adams
"Reproductive Phenology and Its Impact on Genetically Improved
Seed Production in a Douglas-fir seed orchard"; Yousry El-Kassaby,
Anita Fashler and Oscar Sziklai
"Variation in Seed Orchard Reproductive Bud Phenology: Limit­
ations to Supplemental Mass Pollination (SMP)11; Nicholas C.
Wheeler
"Effects of Crossing Errors on Genetic Gains in Full-Sib Seedling
Seed Orchards"; W.T. Adams and T.L. White
"Pollination Mechanism in Western Hemlock"; Anna M. Colangeli
and John N. Owens
"An Efficient Sampling Method to Estimate Abortion Losses in
Coastal Douglas-fir Seed Orchards"; V.C. Bartram
1235 to 1330 No-host Lunch (Poster Sessions on display)
1330 to 1445 ''Estimating Seed Efficiencies in Coastal Douglas-fir Seed Or­
chards'' ; G.E. Miller
"Quantification of Seed Orchard Extraction and Germination Effi­
ciencies"; C.L. Leadem
"Early Detection of Graft incompatibility for inland Douglas-fir
and the Selection of Compatible Rootstock"; D.L. Foushee
"Control of Contarinia ore onensis Foote in Douglas-fir Cones
Using Stem Injections or Foiar Applications of Metasystox-RR";
D.W. Summers
"Evaluation of Weed Control Treatments in an Interior Spruce Seed
Orchard"; P.J. Birzins
1445 to 1530 Session C: Calculating and Accelerating Genetic Gain
"Two-Year Results of o Diallel Cross in Western Hemlock"; M.D.
Meagher and F.C. Yeh
"Genetic Structure and Mating System in a White Spruce Stand:
Implications for Testing Open-Pollinated Families"; John N. King
and Bruce P. Dancik
"Heritiability of Total Height in Ten-Year-Old Interior Spruce
ca (Monench) Voss and P. engelmanni Parry"; G. Kiss and
Picea
F':c.Y
g,1hu
Buses depart from in front of Begbie Building for tour of "High­
T ech" seed orchards; refreshments served on arrival
1530 1800
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Buses return to University
4
FRIDAY, AUGUST IO
Joint meeting with
Grcx.p
North
American Quantitative Forest Genetics
Opening remarks, NAQFGG Chairman Dr. Douglas Shaw, Inter­
notional Forest Seed Co., Birmingham, Alabama; Student U nion
Building Theatre
08!0 to 1200 Technical session
Theme: "Estimating, Predicting and Accelerating Genetic Gain"
'Predicting Genetic Gains in Volume Yields for the Northern
Region: Using the Stand Prognosis Model"; George E. Howe and
Terry L Raetig
"Confidence Limits for Genetic Gain Predictions"; C.B. Talbert
"Effect of Family Size and Number on the Accuracy and Precision
of the Estimates of Genetic Parameters in the IUFRO Douglas-fir
Provenance-Progeny Trial"; Yousry El-Kassaby, Anita Fashler and
Oscar Sziklai
"Genetic Gain from Provenance
Kung
X
Plantation Interaction"; Fan H.
"Genetic Gain from Selection Within a Large Wind-Pollinated
Lodgepole Pine Progeny Plantation"; Cheng C. Ying
"Gains From Selection in Pines in Central Georgia"; Earl R. Sluder
"Estimates of Additive and Nan-Additive Genetic Variance from a
Douglas-Fir Diallel Established with Rooted Cuttings"; R.W.
Stonecypher
"How to Increase Genetic Gain"; Francis C. Yeh
5
ABSTRACTS
Genetic Gain:
Incorporation and Implications
for Forestry
Abstract Sideboards of Tree Improvement RoySilen
This paper highlights pertinent findings of genetics and yield during the 30 years since
tree improvement begin in coastal Douglas-fir. Statistical rather than biological models
have dominated for genetic improvement. The distinction between two concepts ­
genetic gain versus biomass-per-unit-area gain - are illustrated by a classic study in
breeding of maize spanning 20 generations, which resulted in a 70 percent genetic gain in
corn yield. Only two of the three genetic strategies were effective. Harvest index was
improved by reallocating more stalk biomass to grain yield. Biologically, plants needed to
be shortened to prevent lodging and slimmed to grow more stalks per unit area. Rotation
length was shortened as fewer days were needed to grow smaller maize plants. In
contrast, there was no genetic gain in total above-ground biomass or leaf area index,
although fertilizer and irrigation produced large gains in both.
These same three strategies were analyzed for Douglas-fir viewed as an annual crop
growing on a framework of pre-existing living biomass. Possible genetic gains in harvest
index of Douglas-fir stemwood are considered from reallocation of biomass of bark,
branches, cones, roots, and wood density. Biological limits (sideboard) are suggested by
the maize study. Since two-thirds or more of annual biomass of mature trees is already
allocated to stemwood, potential of this strategy would appear modest. "Beam-of­
uniform-resistance" concepts are also considered.
Breeding for earlier maturation of an annual crop is not analogous to shortening Douglas­
fir rotations with genetically-accelerated growth rates. Biomass production is reduced for
a large portion of a rotation, when open space is required under intensive management, to
quickly achieve large stem size. Genetic gains in growth rate can be used, as fertilizer is,
to accelerate production of photosynthetic surface to quickly capture canopy openings.
Data is already ample to assure success in breeding faster-growing genotypes. One
biological sideboard is the tyrannical inverse relationship between growth and hardiness
which agriculture has not yet broken. Another is the precision, perhaps template-like, of
adaptation to the regime of local environments. This precision is seen in high resolution
maps of genetic variation presented from six commercial tree improvement field tests
that reflect the close correspondence of height growth to land forms and species ranges.
Although it is convenient to use genes for fast growth that have developed on mild, moist
sites, safety would lie in using the ample local pool of growth variation. A recent attempt
to produce locally specific seed orchard seed is cited.
The maize study suggests that genetic biomass improvement through genetics may be
u ncertain for Douglas-fir. In addition, biomass data worldwide show that some Pacific
Northwest conifer stands already rival world maxima. Annual biomass production is
related to leaf area, which varies with site constraints. Coastal stands carry high leaf
densitities and attain high photosynthate productivity in periods of "free growth".
Improvement would likely involve site enhancement aimed to carry even more leaf area.
Once accomplished, the needed genetic changes in growth rote seem readily attainable.
Sideboards of drought and cold are economically and even politically difficult to overcome
in western North America.
The author reviews applicability of plant and animal breeding models and concludes that
special biological models ore needed for genetics improvement of western American
species.
8
Abstract Genetic Goin: Its Cq>ture and Packaging for Regeneration
Richard F. Piesch
Capturing genetic gain potential and transferring it into a regeneration system is, in
essence, the goal and "bottom line" of tree improvement. How well we accomplish this
goal has great impact on the value of our future timber resource. From the point we first
enter natural stands to make phenotypic selections, to the point seed orchard seed are
used for regeneration, there are many leverage points by which we can affect the amount
of genetic gain achievable.
Emphasis is given in this presentation to the state-of-the-art applications, i.e., what can
we do today to affect this gain? Can we really capture significant gain with phenotypic
selection? How do our breeding and testing strategies, and the way in which they are
implemented, impact genetic gain? Haw might we effectively use information derived
from breeding and testing programs in the management of production orchards? What are
some key leverage points in the production and allocation of seed orchard seed in
capturing and transferring gain potential to the field? Obviously, there is no universal set
of "right" answers to these questions. Hopefully though, the discussion will surface the
many opportunities by which we may impact gain.
While much can be done with today's technology, there is even greater promise for
tomorrow. The establishment of advanced generation orchards is imminent, along with
their even higher genetic gain potential. They may be very non-conventional in terms of
today's standards, being designed and managed to fully take advantage of advancing front
concepts and leading edge technolgoy. The capture of additional genetic gain may well be
possible through vegetative propagation. While both tissue culture and rooting of cuttings
appear to be promising technologies with high gain potentials, key questions regarding
biological, production and economic considerations remain unanswered.
In summary, the opportunities we have for incorporating genetic gain into forestry are
great. The level of gain achieved will reflect our ability to recognize and act on these
opportunities.
9
Abstrcx:t
Genetic Gain l111>lications for Forest Management and Wood Supply
Peter Ackt-urst
The paper describes the forest resources of British Columbia, the tree improvement
programs presently in progress, and the needs for genetic gain from the view of a forest
manager.
Tree improvement programs are in place in British Columbia. A large breeding and
research program is developing to provide genetically improved seedlings for the future. A
complete seed orchard program has been designed and is being implemented to meet the
needs of the entire province.
Genetic gain is needed in the second growth forests of British Columbia ta meet the
demand for wood products in the future. To maintain and increase the allowable annual
cut of the province, genetically improved stock is required in operational quantities ta
reforest the province.
A tree improvement program must be considered as a part of a complete silvicultural
system. Tree improvement programs must be designed to fit into the forest management
programs where the greatest gains can be made.
Work is still required to fully integrate the tree improvement program and possible
genetic gains into the forest management programs.
There is a great optimism about the contribution tree improvement programs can play in
the forests of the future.
10
Abstract
Tree Improvement Implications for Wood and Fore st Products Quality
R.M. Kellogg
The objective of most intensive forest management practice, including tree improvement,
is to accelerate volume growth. This accelerated growth and reduced rotation periods will
result in a forest resource with a high proportion of jwenile or core wood. Jwenile wood
is on inferior row material for many end products. The properties of jwenile wood for
several B.C. species and the effect of these properties on end-product quality will be
discussed. Particular attention will be focussed on the effect of juvenile wood on the
strength and stiffness of structural lumber produced from fast-grown second growth
Douglas-fir.
For existing stands, short-term technical solutions to the problems of utilizing this
material must be found. However, the potential exists through tree improvement to
compensate for the anticipated loss in wood quality. The potential and strategies for
change through the control of wood density will be discussed.
11
l
Abstract
Genetic Gain and Economics in Tree Improvement
Thomas A. Thomson
Genetic gain is one of the components used in estimating the benefits accruing to tree
improvement programs; thus, it is an important portion of the economic picture. In
addition, the economics of forest management, the cost of tree improvement programs,
projected future stumpage values, number of acres, and most important, the chosen
discount rate, simultaneously interact to determine the overall economic desirability of
tree improvement.
Genetic gain affects the economic desirability of certain choices. In seed orchards
established prior to progeny test information, the optimal roguing is determined by the
relationship between the number of orchard trees and the average genetic gain produced.
For orchards established after progeny testing is completed, genetic gain is a factor in
determining the number of ramets to establish. Economically-guided cone induction
treatments are also a function of genetic gain.
Areas for further study include whether to plant genetically improved seedlings "off site",
and strategies for capturing genetic gain over time as a function of number of progeny
tests and the period over which selection decisions are made
•
. 12
Abstract
Predicted Genetic and Economic Goins From Tree Breeding for the Northern Region G.E. Howe md TJ... Roettig
Computer models estimated yields and associated net values and benefit/cost ratios for
plonting, growing and harvesting on improved versus on unimproved stand on each of ten
sites on Northern Region Notional Forests; The sites represented the array of lands
schedule for planting with genetically improved trees and ranged in productivity from
<20 cu ft/A/yr to >120 cu ft/A/yr CMAI. Land expectation values were calculated, using
4 percent discount rate, and the current inventory value was added, where appropriate.
Genetic gains were calculated as the difference, over a common rotation period, between
the yields of the improved and unimproved alternatives, and ranged from 4.5 percent to
35.8 percent.
The improved alternative generated a higher PNV on nine of the ten sites. PNV
differences ranged from 0 to +$124 per acre. B/C ratios for the improved alternatives
equalled or exceeded those for the unimproved, but the comparisons were strongly
associated neither with genetic gains nor absolute differences in yields. Genetic gains
were not associated with PNV differences because genetic gain was a measure of relative
difference in yields, while PNV difference was a function of absolute difference in yields.
Absolute differences in yields were strongly associated with land productivity. For the
most productive lands, project planting of genetically improved trees generated a higher
PNV than regenerating the same site by natural seedfall.
The western white blister rust resistance breeding program is economically most
beneficial per acre, but the Douglas-fir program is most favorable in absolute terms due
to the large number of highly productive acres on which Douglas-fir is being planted.
Stumpage values assumed 2 percent real appreciation and no depression due to increased
volumes from genetic improvement. The latter assumption was tests. The ten site-specific
results were extended to all comparable acres in the region to portray total yield
increases across forests and in time. These increases could add net revenue of
$128,000,000 per year by the end of the 21st century.
13
ABSTRACTS
TECHNICAL SESSION
Session A
Biological Bases
to Genetic Gain
ABSTRACTS
Demonstration of gene-for ene relationships by analysis
of host-parasite differential interactions.
F. E. WILLIAMS
Dept. of Biology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby,
B.C., Canada, VSA 1$6
Population genetic structure of Jeffrey pine
GLENN R. FURNIER
Department of Forest Science, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2Hl
The mating system was examined in five Jeffrey pine
populations.
outcrossing
All populations were predominantly
(t
.935).
•
Genotype frequencies
The gene-for-gene relationship theory has trans­
formed the understanding of host-parasite interactions in
plants, and yet the number of proven gene-for-gene
relationships remains small. This is largely due to the
time consuming genetic tests which have traditionally
been required for conclusive demonstration of a gene­
for ene relationship. Analysis of host-parasite differential
interactions provides a rapid means of conclusively
demonstrating a gene-for ene relationship. This paper
describes the kinds of host-parasite differential inter­
actions necessary for demonstration of a gene-for-gene
relationship.
at 20
allozyme loci fit Hardy-Weinberg expectations.
Geographic patterns of allozyme variation were examined
at these
20 loci in 14 populations.
polymorphic.
Eighteen loci were
Significant allele frequency differences
were observed at 11 loci between populations in the
Klamath Mountains, an area where Jeffrey pine is
restricted to ultramafic soils, and populations in the
remainder of the range.
Mean heterozygosity was lower
in Klamath populations than in the remainder of the
range
(.185 vs
•
•
255).
The one Sierra Nevada
population sampled on ultramafic soil was more similar
to Klamath populations than were other Sierra Nevada
populations, suggesting the possibility of genetic
adaptation to ultramafic soils.
Variation within
populations accounted for the largest proportion
(86.2%) of total gene diversity.
The cold hardiness adaptive response of green ash to
geoclimatic gradients.
M. l.J. WILl.I.AHS, JR., AND J.:. C. STEINER
Forest Resources Lab.7 nie Pennsylvania State
University, University Park, PA
Vegetative Growth in Provenances of Lodgepole Pine
CONOR O'REILLY and JOHN N. OWENS
genetic variation in cold tolerance among and within
Department of Biology, University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, V8W
natural populations of green ash.
2Y2
tolerance was highly correlated with mean minimum daily
January temperatures at each population's geographi
1983 among 7 provenances of lodgepole
origin
pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) growing in a
provenance trial near Prince George7 B.C.
Shoot
Shoot growth cessation
Genetic variation within northern populations was
near zero in the fall, winter
while needle grOwth cessation occurred between late
The number of dwarf shoots on
July and mid-August.
sprin3.
species'
The average
but was
Populations near the northern limit of the
ore hol!lozysous
natural range are evidentally
for the loci governing cold tolerance than are
percent of polycyclic shoots differed among provenances
and was correlated with shoot length.
and spring.
significant in southern populations in the winter and
1983 shoots varied among provenances and
was not correlated with shoot length.
Rates of fall acclimation and
although &Ol!le l ebraska and South Dakota populations
were unusually hardy in the fall.
varied among provenances from late May to mid-June,
4th whorl
(R'Lc 0.91).
spring deacclimation were sicilar for most ponulations
extension began in early May and needle emergence in
mid-May for all provenances.
Seasonal changes
were large in all populations and overall cold
Fourth whorl shoot and needle elongation was
measured in
16802
Artificial freezing tests were used to evaluate
populations farther south. possibly a reflection
Also, the
f
selection pressures.
number of polycyclic shoots varied with whorl position
and year of branch growth.
Genetic variation of wood specific gravity in
lodgepole pine Pinus contorta spp. latifolia
A. Yarchuk, F.C. Yeh and B.P. Darcik,
Dept. of Forest Science, Lhiv. of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. T9' 2G6
Evaluating breeding zones tor Sierra Jfevada ponderoaa
pine using mul tilocus analyses or enzyme genes.
R. D. WESTFALL llDd M T. CONKLE
Institute of Foreat Genetics, Pacific Southwest
Forest and Range Experiment Station, USDA Forest
Service, Berkeley, Cl 911701
Open-pollinated progenies from nine trees i n
each o f t w o provenances from each o f five geographic
areas were assessed for wood specific gravity at age
The results
14, using the Pilodyn instrument.
indicated only the importance of area and trees
within provenance effects.
Wood specific gravity was highest for trees from
northern coastal sources and decreased in a southern
The individual tree
easterly direction across B.C.
heritability for wood specific gravity was 0.34 .:.
0. 16 •
GenotJpic data on 30 isozyme loci in 520 pon­
derosa pine plus trees in the Sierra Nevada were
transformed to allelic scores and regressed against
latitude, longitude, and elevation, using canonical
correlations.
combination of linear, quadratic and
crossed variates were maximallJ oorrelated vitb the
allelic acores in the t'irat three canonical vectors.
Tbe 1'1rst vector was associated vitb 13 loci and var­
iates derived from latitude and longitude, the aeoond
.vector with elevation Yariablea and 11 loci, and the
third with latitudet longitude, and elevation vari­
ables and 9 l o ci .
These results, along witb those
from ca noni cal and discriminant analyaee. vere used to
develop geographically discrete classes in the Sierra
Nevada.
16
ABSTRACTS Sitka Spruce Provenance Research in the Coastal
Region of British Colll!Dia
Cheng C. Ying, Research Branch, Ministry of Forests
Victoria, B. C. Canada. VBW 3E7
A range-wide collection of 43 provenances were
tested over 14 locations established from 1973 to
1975. Sitka spruce has shown a strong clinal
north-south and coast-inland trends in growth and
hardiness; provenances of southern latitude and
outer coastal origin are faster growing, but less
hardy than northern and inner coastal provenances.
Introduction of southern coastal provenarces into
northern sites with mild winter and strong maritime
climate involves very little risk of winter injury,
but can substantially improve the procuctivity of
the plantation; the results indicate a potential of
51J!: gain in growth by planting Oregon - Washington
coastal sources on coastal areas of Vancouver Island.
17
ABSTRACTS
Session B
Biological Impact
of Genetic Gain in Forestry
•
AsSTRACr5
Effects of Crossing Errors on Genetic Gains in Full­
Sib Seedling Seed Orchards
W. T. ADAMS and T. L. WHITE
Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University
and International Paper Company, Portland, Oregon
J
Pollination Mechanism in Western Hemlock
ANNA M. COLANGELI and JOHN N. OWENS
Department of Biology, University of Victoria,
P.O. Sox 1700, Victoria, British Columbia, VBW 2Y2
Controlled pollinations at various stages
following bud burst determined that western hemlock
(Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) does not have an
optimum time of pollination. Cones are receptive for
approximately 17 to 21 days from bud burst to the start
of seed cone elongation. Pollen adheres preferentially
to the bracts. The roughly sculptured, microspined
surface of the pollen becomes entangled in the thread­
like, waxy cuticle layer of the bract. About five to
six weeks after pollination pollen germinates on the
bracts and forms long pollen tubes that grow towards
and into the micropyles.
Biochemical genetic markers (isozymes) were used
to assess the validity of 77 full-Sib progenies of
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. (Franco))
produced for seedling seed orchard stock. When
15-29 individuals from each of these progenies were
examined, 27 percent of t.he faJLil.ies verL found to
contain two or more individuals with genotypes that
could not have come from the intended parenrs.
potential effects of invalid crosses on genetic gains
of seedling seed orchard progeny is examined.
Strategies for minimizing the negative impact of
invalid crosses on genetic gain are discussed.
Reproductive phenology and its impact on genetically
improved seed production in a Douglas-fir seed orchard.
An Efficient Sampling Method to Estimate Abortion
Losses in Coastal Douglas-fir Seed Orchards
Yousry El-Kassaby, Anita Fashler and Oscar Sziklai
Pacific Forest Products Ltd., Victoria, B.C. VSW 2M3
and Faculty of Forestry, U.B.C., Vancouver, B.C.
V6T lWS Canada
V.C. Bartram Silviculture Branch, Ministry of Forests 1450 Goverrvnent Street, Victoria, B.C. Reproductive bud phenology of a Douglas-fir (P eudo­
.Uu.ga menz.lu.U IM.i.Ab.) F.1u1nc.o) seed orchard was
monitored for two years to determine the validity of
one primary seed orchard assumption, namely, that of
panmictic equilibrium. The effect of this assumption
on seed production was also discussed. The study re­
vealed significant variation in reproductive bud
development and overlap between reproductive bud flush
of individual trees. These conditions both affect the
seed orchard seed quality and quantity by reducing the
breeding population size and by lowering seed yield.
Two proposals to maximize seed production and genetic
efficiency by reducing the effect of panmictic
disequilibrium are presented.
A sampling method to estimate average female ud/
flower/cone abortion losses in four Douglas-fir seed
orchards is described. The efficiency of this method
is compared to alternate sampling methods. Calculated
future sample size and manhour requirements to
estimate mean abortion loss at an orchard level are
presented for various population sizes and precision
levels.
This work is the result of a joint Silviculture
Branch (MOFl. Research Branch (MOF), Canadian Forestry
Service effort to quantify orchard seed losses from
the time of flowering through to seed gennination.
Evaluation of weed control treatments iu an
spruce seed orchard
Early detection of graft incompatibility for inland
Douglas-fir and the selection of compatible rootstock
D .L. FOUSHEE
College of Forestry, Wildlife and Range Sciences,
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, 83843
i nte rior
P.J. BIRZINS
B.C. Ministry of Forests, Kalamalka Research Station
and Seed Orchards, 3401 Reservoir Rd., Vernon, B.C.,
VlB 2C7
Two laboratory techniques, electrophoresis and
anatomical examination, were used to detect graft
incompatibility of inland Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga
menziesii var. glauca) at an early stage and to
identify graft compatible parent trees. Scion from
21 plus trees was grafted onto 625 rootstock and
examined for incompatibility symptoms after two
growing seasons. Assays for peroxidase and esterase
were effective in determining the status of a graft
in 83% and 81% of the unions, respectively. The
average graft incompatibility of the inland trees in
this study was 34%. This is in agreement with Copes'
estimate of. 35% average incompatibility for coastal
Douglas-fir (var. menziesii). Two trees with
incompatibilities of only 9% and 14% were identified.
Controlled crosses of these parent trees should yield
seed for growing compatible inland rootstock.
The effectiveness of mulch and herbicide weed
remets
are described. Test plots were assessed for material
and labour costs, seedling tolerance to the treatments,
broac.leaf weed control, grass weed control and the
Simazine
percentage of weed encroachment on the plots.
is r ecommend ed as an effective and economical herbicide
control treatments a.round recently planted
at the orchard site.
20
ABSTRACTS Diallel Crosses in Coastal Douglas-fir
menziesii (Mirb.) Franco
J.C. Heaman and F.c. Yeh Research Branch, 8.C. Ministry of Forests Victoria, B.C., Csnada.
VSW 3E7 Estimating Seed Efficiencies in Coastal Douglas-fir
Seed Orchards
/. Pseudotsuga
G. E. Miller Pacific Forest Research Centre Canadian Forestry Service S06 West Burnside Road, Victoria, BC
As part of the main breeding program,
(E.P. 708), progenies from a six-parent diallel were
measured at 11 locations to evaluate the roles of
GCA, SC'A, maternal and reciprocal effects.
Analysis
of tree heights at age seven revealed only the
VSZ 1H5
Seed efficiency (the number of seeds produced +
the potential or target number of seeds) is one
measure of the effectiveness of seed orchard manage­
ment.
importance of GCA and its interaction with
The interactions appeared on specific,
locations.
extreme, sites.
The narrO'tll sense teritability for
These results indicate that
height was 0.28 !. 0.18.
progenies from a half diallel and a program of
recurrent selection will be effective for the
genetic inprovement of height in COF.
Two different sampling schemes,
one two-phase
and one single-phase, have been compared for coastal
Douglas-fir seed orchards.
The single-phase scheme
(cone dissection) is appropriate when sample size
requirements are small while the two-phase scheme
(cone slicing and cone dissection) is appropriate
when sample size requirements are large.
Calculated
sample size requirements for both schemes are
presented.
Quantification of seed orchard extraction and gennin­
ation efficiencies.
C.L. LEADEH
Research Laboratory, Sritish Columbia Ministry of
Fa.rests, 4300 North Road, Victoria, B.C., V8Z 5J3
J
R. W. Stonecypher Centralia Research Center, Weyerhaeuser Company 534 N. Tower Street, Centralia Washington 98531 Extraction and germination efficiencie for 1983,
the second year of a five·year seed production study,
are reported for four B.C. Ministry of Forests seed
orchards.
Separate analysis of progeny and family tests in six
low elevation Douglas-fir breeding populations gave the
following results:
1. In 11 of the 12 tests analyzed, there were
significant differences among families for
height ond volume.
Results obtained in 1983 essentially confirm
results obtained in the first year. Few seeds remained
in cones, with extraction efficiencies ranging from 93%
to 981 and averaging g51. Filled seed percentages
improved substantially during processing, increasing
from soi to 99: from primary to final cleaning. The
1983 germination efficiencies were also high. averaging
96i for the four orchards. At the end of two years. it
appears that extraction and germination efficiencies of
orchard seed lots are probably very close to operational
limits.
2. Family differences of 7 and 18 percent were
detectable at the 5 percent significance level
for height and volume respectively.
3. Although significant family x location inter­
actions were indicated in 9 of the tests, rank
change interactions were important in only 2
of the 12 tests.
4. The average volumes of select hal f·sib families
were greater than the non-select sources in
all six progeny tests.
Using Growth, Adaptation, and Stability Parameters to
Delineate Provenance Transfers for Douglas-fir i n
R. D. Mangold & w. T. Adams, Dept.
Southwest Oregon.
Control of Contarinia oregonensis Foote in Douglas fir
cones using stem inJect1ons or foliar applications
,
of Metasystox-RR
D.W. Sunrners
Silviculture Branch, British Columbia Ministry of
Forests, 1450 Government St. Victoria, B.C. V8W 3E7
Forest Science, OSU, Corvallis, OR 97331.
Current seed zones in southwest Oregon often are
To
established using 500-foot elevational bands.
determine whether seed zones could be more broadly
defined, we measured growth, adaptation and phenotypic
stability
on 2-year-old seedlings
in a
nursery with
Population of the Douglas-fir cone gall midge
(Contarinia oregonensis Foote) in cones were reduced
89.31 by injecting trees with Mauget Injecticide R
{Metasystox-RR) at a rate of one 2 ml capsule/15 cm of
tree circumference. There were slight indications of
a reduction of the Douglas-fir seed chalcid
(Megastignus spermatrophus Hachlt) as well but the
populat1on was too small for definite conclusions to
be drawn. These injections are expensive but may be
useful i n some circumstances.
4 test environments.
Thirty families from each of
3 elevations from the Umpqua National Forest were
tested.
Middle elevation trees were the most •table,
were intermediate for most traits, and were not sig­
nificantly different from low elevation seedlings for
growth traits or from high elevation trees for pheno­
logi cal traits.
A provenance-transfer m o d e l was
developed based on 3 criteria: growth, adaptation and
stability.
RESULTS FROM GENETIC TESTS IN WEYERHAEUSER'S DOUGLAS­
FIR APPLIED TREE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Middle elevation seedlings satisfied all
3 criteria sufficiently well for us to s uggest that,
in the absence of a local source, the middle elevation
material could be used to regenerate the entire ele­
Galls midge control was also obtained using a
foliar sproy of Metasystox-R R at 0.5% and 1.01.
Populations were reduced 1001 compared to the control.
Foliar sprays of Metasystox-RR are no more expensive
than the current control method.
vation band (610-1220m).
While long-term testing is
needed, we suggest that seed zones in this region can
be vider in elevation than their current dimensions.
21
ABSTRACTS
Variation in aeed orchard reproductive bud phenology:
Limitations to supplemental mass pollination (SHP).
NI CHOLAS C. WHEELER
Weyerhaeuser Company, Western Forestry Research Station,
P.O. Box 420, Centralia, Wa, 98531.
,/
One approach to capturing aenetic gain in wind..
pollinated seed orchards is to practice supplemental
pollination
(SHP).
A number of biological and logi•­
tical problems must be overcome for SKP to be auccesa­
ful.
One economic limitation to SHP is the cost
a11ociat.ed with •ultiple visit• to individual trees.
It would be convenient and coat-effective if a large
proportion of a tree'• atrobili were aiau.lt.aneously
receptive. Phenology at.udies in Weyerhaeuser'• Douglas­
fir orchards indicate considerable variation, both among
and within clones, exist in reproductive bud phenology.
Buds in the upper crown are typically receptive well
before those in the lower crown.
To a lesser extent
buds on the north side are receptive before those on
the south side. Implications for SHP are noted.
22
ABSTRACTS
Session C
Calculating and
Accelerating Genetic Gain
•
'ABSTRACTS Genetic structure and mating system in a white spruce
Two-year Results of a Diallel Cross in Western Hemlock
stand: Implications for testing open-pollinated
families
H.D. Meaoher and F.C. Yeh
BC Ministry of Forests
1450 Government Street, Victoria , BC
John N. Xi.ng, Bruce P. Dancik
Department of Forest Science, University of Alberta
in Edmonton,
817 General services
Bldg.,
Edmonton,
Alberta T6G 2Hl
A 12 x 12 diallel cross was made to evaluate the
relative roles of selfing , general combining (GCA),
specific combining , maternal and reciprocal effects
in western hemlock. Progeny from 133 of the 144
possible crosses were raised for one season in a
greenhouse and for a second season in nursery beds.
Two growth characters (total and upright height) were
measured.
Embryos and megagametophytes of open-pollinated
37 white spruce (Pieea glauaa (Moench) Voss}
seed of
trees from a seed production area were analyzed by
starch gel electrophoresis to determine the 9enetic
structure and mating system over two seed crop years.
nalysis of four polymorphic enzyme loci
Pgm,
and
Pgi-2J
(Gdlz, Idh,
for spatial and temporal genetic
Analyses indicate only the importance of selfing,
GCA and reciprocal effects. Narrow-sense heritability
for total and upright heights are 0.21 and 0.39,
respectively. These results suggest that the testing
of open-pollinated families and a program of recurrent
selection are effective for the genetic improvement
of total and upright heights in western hemlock.
structure and mating system indicated substantial
deviations fro:m the random mating model that is
assumed when open-pollinated families are designated
as half-sibs.
V8W 3E7
Pooling seed years may eliminate some
of this bias.
Heritability of Total Height in Ten-year Old
glauca (Moench) Voss and
/.Interior Spruce Picea
I.I" f· engelmanni Parry
G. Kiss and F.C. Yeh
Research Branch, 8.C. Ministry of torestS9
Victoria, B.C. Cenada.
VSW 3E7
Open-Pollinated progenies from 174 parent-trees
were outplanted at three sites. Analysis of height
at age ten revealed that 75 percent of the
phenatypic variance was due to differences between
half-sib progeny within plots.
Interaction between site and parent-tree was not
significant.
t-eritability estimates among
parent-trees (family) and among individuals were
0.68 and 0.26, respectively. Similar findings for
height were found at ages three and six.
These results are discussed in relation to
phenotypic selection in wild stands, the choice of
sites for progeny testing and possible genetic gain
from a two-stage selection scheme by eliminating the
poorer parent trees and all but the best tree of
each parent.
24
POSTER SESSIONS
POSTER SESSIONS
Cortical and needle resin monoterpenes in Sitka spruce
and resistance to the white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi
Certification of Lodgepole Pine Seeds of
Canadian Origins under the OECD Scheme
J.E.Brooks
Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser
University,
D.G.W. Edwards and F.7. Portlock
Burnaby, B.C. VSA 156
Canadian Forestry Service
Pacific Forest Research Cen tre
The relative monoterpene content of Sitka spruce,
Victoria, BC
sitchensis, needle and cortex oil was analyzed by
gas chromatography.
Forty resistant trees of several
provenances on 3 sites were identified on the basis of
Tree seeds of Canadian origin have been exported in
good growth form and lack of damage by the white pine
weevil, Pissodes
!.!.!.!?.£! .
considerable quantities to Europe and ScandinaYia for
a number of years.
The international movemer1: of
and paired with susceptible
trees that had been infested by the weevil.
The resis­
seeds for reforestation requires that species and
tant trees had significantly lower amounts of isoamyl
locations of seed sources be properly identified, and isovaJerate in the needle oil at all 3 sites and lower
certified.
amounts of isopentenyl
has been responsible for certifying all fores t
susceptible trees.
isovalerate at 2 sites, than
Since 1970,
the CanaC i an Forestry
Ser\•ice
tree
seeds, collected in Canada, for export under an
Levels ofo<-pinene, camphene and
·
myrcene were significantly higher in some resistant trees
but these differences were not consistent between sites.
international control
scheme es:.ablished by the
Organization for Economic Coop
era :.ion and Development
The cortex oil of resistant spruce had significantly
in 1967.
lower amounts of myrcene than susceptible spruce at one
specifically as it has BPF::ied tc lodgepole pinl· seeds·
site only.
The operation of
the OECD Scheme,
fTom British Columbia and the: Yukon Territory,
These inconsistencies indicate that the
is
reviewed and illustrated.
po:ential of using monoterpene spectra to identify
resistance to the white pine weevil is limited.
A Breeding Program for Coastal Douglas-fir
J.C. Heaman & R.N. Hattie,
B.C. Ministry of Forests, (Research Branch), Victoria, e.c. vs 3E7
SEED PRODUCTION FROM BC MINISTRY OF FORESTS ORCHARDS
By M. Crown - Seed Production Officer (Coast), Box 816
Duncan, BC V9L 3Y2
As the overall tree irrprovement program in
Coastal Douglas-fir developed, a breeding program
was established in 1973 to create pedigreed
progenies from the selected plus trees. These
seedlings have been established on
widely-distributed test sites to evaluate
performance and adaptability and for selection of
material for second level orchards and continued
breeding. The scale of the project has made it
necessary to spread the work over several years.
The poster outlines the aims, objectives and methods
used to carry out the project, its progress and
through some specific examples, its scope.
and C. Bartram - Planning Officer, 1450 Government St.
Victoria, BC V8W 3E7
Charts and data are provided for the Quinsam,
Koksilah, Snowdon and Dewdney Orchards with regard to
actual seed production compared to predicted needs and
actual seed usage (1980-B4).
A "first approximation" of the ability "to
produce broadly adapted seed
" is made by graphics
of relative contribution of the female parents for the
1983 crop year.
. • •
Pertinent conclusions and comments are provided
as "food for thought".
Tree Improvement of Coastal Douglas-fir Research Branch, B.C. Ministry of Forests, Victoria, e.c.
Container Seed Orchards - An economical alternative?
J.C.
A.M. EASTHAM and S.D. ROSS
B.C. Ministry of Forests, Research Laboratory,
Following studies in inbreeding ( .P. 474) and
variation (E.P. 478), phenotypic selection for
growth and form was started in 1957 (E.P. 479). The
selections were propagated for the breeding
collection and for some first level orcha ds.
Studies of wide interracial crosses from across the
species range fallowed (E.P. 513) and the breeding
collection was expandec. Studies of geographic
variation and adaptability started in 1966
(E.P. 599). As the clones matured a pilot project
using a factorial mating design was startec
(E.P. 707), followed by the long-term breeding
program (E.P. 708) for resele:tion amongst pedigreed
families tested widely. All these pa:ts of the
program are now yielding informa:ion an::l rr.aterial
which will lead to cantinuea im;:iravemen: of planting
stock on the coast.
4300 North Road, Victoria, B.C., VBZ 5J3
Inadequate flowering in the traditional, soil-based
seed orchards has limited the production of genetically
Container seed orchards are being inves­
improved seed.
tigated as an economic alternative for seed production.
The concept is to rear large numbers of small trees in
containers maximizing seed produced per unit area.
Vegetatively propagated ramets are grown for 3-5 years
followed by biennial application of cone enhancement
treatments.
vew JE7.
teaman, F.C. Yeh, C.C. Ying.
Cultural treatments such as root pruning,
high temperature, drought stress and fertilizer
applications are used to enhance flowering in conjunc­
tion vi.th applications of gibberellin /7 (GA /7).
Various facilities such as heated and unheated plastic­
houses are being used along with several production
schemes to determine the most cost-effective production
Abundant cones have been reliably produced
on western hemlock and white/Engelmann spruce.
schedule.
26
POSTER SESSIONS
Selection of traits for growth,
Isozyme Analysis of Pollen Competition in Douglas- fir.
J.E. Webber and F.C.H. Yeh
8.C. Ministry of Fore s t s , Research Branc h , 1 4 5 0 G.overnment Street, Victoria , B . C. VSl 3E7
form., and wood quality
in Douglas-fir progeny :
II
Genetic control of juvenile growth form features
John
N.
King
Department of Forest Science,
in Edmonton ,
817
University of Alberta
General Services Bldg . , Edmonton ,
Alberta T6G 2Hl
Certain juvenile growth features appear to
be
/ theTwo reciprocal time-of-pollination experiments tested
11first .. on1 first.. in" hypothesis in Douglas-fir.
E1ectrophoretic analysis of isocitrate dehydrogena se
( J O H ) alleles was used to distinguish between two marked
male rarents in resultant seeds. In the first test, one
each of two foreign pollen parents was applied first
followed by the other 5 min or 24 h later. In the
second test, a self and foreign pollen parent were
compared in a similar reciprocal a rrangement 5 m i n . 6 h
and 24 h apart. Results from both experiments suggested
that where two foreign pollen lots arrived wi thin 5 m i n
of each other, both parents contributed t o the seed
produced. In the case where the second pollen parent
arrived 6 or 24 h later, the first was in a more favour­
able posi tion for fertilization of the ovules but whether
it competed successfully for seed formation depended on
its viability. When self pollen was applied first . seed
yields were lower and the predom inate male parent was
attributed to the foreign pollen lot.
of
prime importance in causing distorted growth symptoms
in young plantations of Doug las-fir.
sinuosity of stem and branches;
These include
forking and multiple
leader growth: and lammas and prolepsis.
Preliminary evidence suggests these juvenile
growth features are under strong genetic control and
their influence on the form. of young Douglas-fir can
be removed i n a relatively simple selection scheme .
RETURN
O F THE EXPATRIATE RADIATA W J L i bby and J H Russe l ) Forestry , U of Cal i fo rn i a , Berkeley 94720 USA
Radiata p i ne was i n t roduced to Austra l i a and New
Zea1end f rom the nat i ve popul ations at AOo Nuevo and
Monte rey in the 18SO ' s .
Si nce then, the nat i ve stands
have been repeate d l y h i ghgraded for several generat ions
whi l e the Austra l i an and New Zeal and forests have been
pl anted wi th l o ca l l y-deri ved radiata s e l ected for
g rowt h , form and v i g o r .
In New Zealand expe r i ments ,
New Zealand t rees outperform rec.ent i n t roduct i on s f rom
a l l 5 nat i ve popu l a t i ons .
ls thi s due to hlm'l'lan­
di rected s e l ect i on , to natural selection f o rm i n g a New
Zealand l and race , to release f rom inbreedi n g , o r to
some comb i nation of these factors? Th i s poster
presents the early performance in Cal i fo rn i a of
po p u l a t i o n samp l e s f rom the nat i ve Monterey and Ano
Nuevo s t an ds , and of 38 f u l l - s i b fami l i es from radiata
Sus­
breeding programs in Austra l i a end New Zea l and.
cept i b i l i ty to western gal l rust , not yet present Down
Unde r , i s of part i cu l a r i nterest.
Age-related Outcrossing Rate in Western Hemlock Francis Yeh and Mike Meagl'er Research Branch, B.C. Ministry cf Forests, Victoria, B.C. , Csnada VBW 3E7 ;'
Mating system was studied in 3 geographically proximate populations of western hemlock (
heterophylla) of ages 30, 70 and 300. Average
genetic distance was nearly 1 , indicating the
likelihood of c0111o
11 n descent. Outcrossing rate
decreased with age, from 1 . 0 in 30-yr old to 0.5 in
JOJ-yr old stand. Wright ' s fixation index was
nearly zero in mature trees. Low level of
out.crossing was due Primarily to inbreeding, not
selfing because (1) stands were in inbreeding
equilibrill11 and (2) no detectable depression in
filled-seed % was found.
Implications to parent-tree selection and 0-P progenies for western hemlock will be discussed. Clonal and population variation of Popu lus trich ocarpa
and its hybrids with
tol eranc e .
!.:...
deltoides in herbicide
Diane Marie Shirley
Univ ersity of Washington
Four clones from each of ten natural populations
of Populus trichocarpa and ten hybrids with
•
P.
deltoides were established in a field trial and
treated with oxyfluorf en, oryzalin, pronamide and
simazin e .
An ANOVA conducted at the end of the s eason
showed the effects of treatment, clones , populations,
clones within a population,
treatment x clone,
treatment x population, and treatment x clones within
a population to be significant.
Hybrids , as a group
were more tol erant of the herbicides than were t h e
black cottonwoods.
A s econd study, now in progr e s s , utilizes clones
selected from the earlier study but grown under more
controlled environmental conditions.
results will be discuss ed .
Preliminary
27
ABSTRACTS
TECHNICAL SESSION
Estimating, Predicting
and Accelerating Genetic Gain
ABSTRACTS
Predicting Genetic Gains in Volume Yields for the
Northern Region: Using the Stand Prognosis /.bdel
by George E . Howe and Terry L . Raetig
y
Effect of f ami l y size and number on the accuracy and
!/
precision of the estimates of genetic parame?ters in the
IUFRO Dou glas-fir .. provcn;ince-progeny t r i a 1 .
Yousry El-Kassahy1 A.1!ta FaGhler and Oscar S:i:iklai
Pacl!ic Forest Products Ltd .
'I'he Stand Prognosis Jodel predicted genetic gains in
volume yields for ten sites in the Northern Region ,
USDA Forest Service , ranging in productivity fran. (.
20 to > 120 cu.ft . /Nyr. MAI . These sites were
typical of those scheduled to be planted with improved
stock from the Northern Region 1 s extant breeding pro­
gram for six species.
In each of the ten analyses ,
an unimproved stand (usually the existing stand) was
contrasted on the same site with an improved stand of
identical species composition, initial stocking and
age. The two stands were projected to final hanrest
under silvicultural treatment schedules consistent
with respective growth and stocking .
V6T
VBW 2113.
1W5
Canad a .
of provenance mean height. genetic variance components
encl heritability were studied in a ten-year-old IUFRO
Douglas-fir provenance-progeny trial. Estimates of
these parameters and their respective standard errors
were computed for different numbers of families within
provenances and trees wi t h in famil i e s . The accuracy of
the mean height estimates did not differ appreciably
with changes in either fa rui ly number or s i z e ,
however ,
the precision o f the estiniates was affected b y chan.2.P.S
in the family size. Both the accuracy an d the p r c j s i o n
2
were grea t l y influ nced
of t h e additive variance and h
by the number and size o f families.
Based on estimates
obtained by compute.: simulation optimum sample sizes
for the number of famil i r s per provenance and the
number of trees per family was proposed .
Genetic Gain fran Provenance X Plantation
Interaction
'I'he results of these ten site-specific analyses were
extended to all Northern Region acres to be planted
with improved stock . The average annual volume added
by the end of the 21st century about equalled the
volume currently available for harvest annual ly fn:mi
two of the Northelil Region ' s National Forests--the
Flathead and the Lolo.
'l} Vic tori a, B . C .
The effect o f sample size o n t h e accuracy and precision
'I'he authors viewed genetic gain as the difference in
voltmle yield between the improved and unimproved
alternative s . Gains ranged from 4 . 5% to 35.8%. These
gains were calculated from yields estimated by the
Prognosis Model using height and diameter gTCA.'th rate
nultipliers , or mortality rate Jl'llltipliers (for
blister rust resistance) , supplied by the authors .
f,enetic improvement in blister 1ust resistance alone
predicted gains in volume yields , as did improvement
in growth rates alone . The added volumes will begin
to be harvested in about 2020 in c0111e
11 rcial thinnings .
y
•
and Faculty o f Forestry, U . B . C . 1 Vancouve r . B . C .
Fan H .
Kung!./
19
Abstract'
Height growth of
white ash provenances
at 4 plantations sho.t.ed significant provenance by
'Ihe interaction terms , ob­
plantation interaction.
tained through a •rrean polish procedure , • were used
Presented at the 1984 meeting of the North
American Quantitative Forest Genetics Group ,
Victoria, BC, August 10.
In the Illinois plantation ,
for regression analysis .
extra genetic gain is possible with superior pro­
lb additional genetic gain is possible in
venances.
the Louisiana and the Ohio plantations . The average
Regional Geneticist and Regional Economist,
respectively, USDA Forest Seivice , Northern
Region , Missoula , t.bn tana . •
provenance performances could be expected in these
t"'° plantations •
Because the average superior pro­
venances are slow growers in Wisconsin, a new con­
cept of •negative genetic gain" or 11genetic loss " is
introduced in this paper.
CONFI DENCE LIMITS FOR GENETI C GAIN PREDICTIONS
!IProfessor,
Departnent of Forestry, Southern
Illinois University. Carbondale . IL
C. B. TALBERT Weyerhaeuser Company, Technology Center Tacoma , Washington 98477
Regression theory provides a method for a ssignment
of confidence l imits to predictions of genetic gain.
Jn populations of moderate to low heritability, the
variance around a given gain prediction can be quite
large, even encompas s i n g the possibility of negative
response. The precision of gain predictions can be
much increased by careful attention to family and
withi n-fami l y sample size, to good replication, and
to mana gement of tests to minimize environmental noise.
Active approaches toward management of uncertainty are
d iscussed.
30
62901
ABSTRACTS
I
How t o increase genetic gain
Francis C. Yeh
Research Branch, 8 . C . Ministry of Forests
Genetic Gain from Selection within a Large
Wind-j:>ollinated Lodgepole Pine Progeny Plantation
Cheng c. Ying, Research Branch, Ministry of forests
Victoria , B.C. , Canada
V i ctori a , 8 . C . Canada .
VSW 3E7 A plantation consisting of approximately 14,flJO
trees representing 778 wind-pollinated families from
53 provenances was established in 1973. Potential
genetic gain from selection within this plantation
was estimated under two selection schemes :
Selection
Genetic gain
( above local sources)
Scheme
Height
Volume
l Mass selection of
6. 7
2CXJ tallest trees
15. 8
2 Tandem selection o f
2 trees each of the
100 best families
11. 7
4. 9
Six provenances contributed 67 and 66% of the
selected individuals under scheme l and 2
respectively.
This i llustrates the significance of
the provenance component in genetic improvement o f
lodgepole pine. A large scale wind-pollinated
progeny plantation such as this one provides a
valuable source material for re-selection.
Genetic gain is best described in terms of 3
components :
( 1 ) intensity o f selection, ( 2 ) amount
of additive genetic variance and (3) accuracy of
selection.
The last CQnl>onent is a function of
heritability and amount of information available for
Use of all sources of information, such
each tree.
as data on related traits, data on repeated
measurements of the same tree, or data on relatives
from same or previous cycles of selection,
therefore, will result in greater gain.
This discussion evaluates the need for using all
sources of information to incrase genetic gain.
Variables considered are heritability, number of
repeated measurements per tree and nunber of
progenies per parent.
Gains from Selection in Pines in Central Georgia
by Earl R. Sluder
Tree breeding research in central Georgia has
included three stages of selection, with each stage
producing its own increment of gain. Total gains
have been moderate to high for several traits , but
when selection at a particular s·tage is performed on
a single critical trait, gains for that stage can be
low· or negative for other traits. Also, selection on
a single trait presents problems in detennining
selection intensities for other traits, which in tu111
presents problems in estimating genetic gains from
actual or phenorypic gain data.
Estimates of Additive and Non-Additive Genetic
Variance from a Douglas-Fir Diallel Established with
Rooted Cuttings
./
R.W. Stonecypher
Weyerhaeuser Company, Centralia, Washington , 98531
'
•
V8W 3E7
Analyses of four-year height data from a 12- tree
diallel of Douglas -fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) gave
estimates of broad-sense heritability which were
approximately double that of narrow s nse.
Plagiotropism, which was prevalent in the first two
years , was under strong genetic control and had a
large non- additive component . However, by the fourth
year in the field, the occurrence of plagiotropism was
reduced to less than 10 percent .
c.omparisons of growth of ortets with clonal perfor­
mance on a family basis indicated only moderate rank
agreement, which suggests that clonal testing would be
requi red to detennine appropriate genotypes for use in
a clonal production program.
31