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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
DENVER, CO
FSH 2409.26g - TREE IMPROVEMENT HANDBOOK
Region 2 Amendment No. 2409.26-96-15
Effective July 5, 1996
POSTING NOTICE: Amendments are numbered consecutively by Handbook
number and calendar year. Post by document name. Remove entire document and
replace with this amendment. Retain this transmittal as the first page of this
document. The last amendment to this Handbook was Amendment 2409.26g-96-14
to 2409.26g,60, Contents.
Document Name
Superseded New
(Number of Pages)
2409.26g,60
Digest:
60 - This is a technical amendment to reformat chapter text.
ELIZABETH ESTILL
Regional Forester
8
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FSH 2409.26g - TREE IMPROVEMENT HANDBOOK
R2 AMENDMENT 2409.26g-96-15
EFFECTIVE 7/5/96
CHAPTER 60 - SUPERIOR TREE SELECTION
A significant portion of the Region 2 Tree Improvement Program will involve
intensive tree improvement practices including selection and testing of superior
trees. The majority of selections shall be made in natural stands. In selecting
superior trees in natural stands for traits under weak genetic control, such as
height growth, it is more important to select many good trees than to select the one
or two best trees. Because superior trees will be selected in Region 2 initially on the
basis of height and diameter growth, a relatively large number (200-300 trees) of
better-than-average appearing trees (superior phenotypes) will be selected within a
breeding zone. Selected individuals shall be assessed for their genetic quality
(genotypes) through progeny testing in evaluation plantations. Progenies from the
best selections shall be retained and utilized for seed production in seed orchards
and for breeding purposes.
61 - RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERIOR TREE SELECTION. Forests are
responsible for selecting and nominating candidate superior trees. Candidate trees
shall be nominated on Superior Tree Records. Final screening and acceptance of
candidate trees for inclusion in the Region 2 Tree Improvement Program is the
responsibility of the Regional Office. Forests shall maintain a register of their
candidate trees and the Regional Office shall maintain a register of accepted
superior trees (Superior Tree Register).
62 - SELECTION IN NATURAL STANDS. Selection of superior trees in natural
stands will be made on a rapid visual basis only. No quantitative measurements
will be made on comparable trees surrounding (comparison trees) each selected
individual for purposes of determining superiority of the selected individual.
However, specific measurements shall be made on each selection and recorded on a
Superior Tree Record.
Key elements that should be considered and included in a superior tree selection
program are summarized in the following sections.
62.1 - Selection Criteria. Superior trees have some easy to recognize characteristics,
and selected individuals should exhibit the following traits:
1. 40-80 years old. Younger or older trees may be selected if they show obvious
visual superiority to comparable surrounding trees. Lodgepole pines may be
selected in relatively young (15-30 years old) even-age stands. Selection of
lodgepole pine exhibiting good growth and form is more efficient at this age then in
older stands. And because lodgepole produces seed at an early age, sufficient seed
can be collected for progeny testing when the trees are in this age class.
2. Better-than-average height and diameter growth (volume) in comparison to
immediately surrounding trees of the same species and age class.
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3. Good stem form with circular boles and relatively little taper.
4. Healthy, vigorous crowns.
5. Small diameter branches.
6. No serious pest or environmental damage.
7. Evidence of production of filled seed.
62.2 - Number of Selections. Approximately 200-300 individuals should be selected
from within a single breeding zone. Usually 50 selections or more should be made
in each seed collection zone within a breeding zone. Selections made within seed
zones should represent the elevational distribution of the species within the zones.
62.3 - Locating Superior Trees. Superior trees should be selected throughout the
commercial timber area within a breeding zone to insure that improved plant
materials will have a wide range of site adaptability. Because genetically improved
seed will be used on the most productive sites, the majority of superior trees shall
be selected on better-than-average sites (site productivity class 50+).
To facilitate the selection process and relocation of selected trees, the majority of
selections should be made within 300 feet of a road.
A minimum distance of 300 feet should be maintained between selected individuals
to ensure against selection of closely related individuals. Therefore, only one
superior tree shall be selected from within an area not less than 2 acres in size.
Superior trees should be selected within small groups of vigorous, healthy trees or
stands consisting of trees of approximately the same age and size class, and growing
on similar sites. Selection within relatively uniform groups or stands of trees will
provide the best opportunity for selecting individuals that will produce genetically
improved seed. Stands that have been thinned from below are excellent areas in
which to select. Do not select superior trees in high-graded stands.
62.4 - Location Records. Location and tree number of each candidate and accepted
superior tree shall be accurately plotted on a Forest map. Also show the location
and superior tree accession number of accepted superior trees on overlays to
compartment atlas maps.
62.5 - Selection Procedure.
A. Stand Selection.
1. Identify good quality (50+ cu. ft/ac/yr), 40 to 80-year-old stands of at least 5
acres in size. For lodgepole pine select 15 to 30-year-old stands. Select stands that
are well distributed throughout the commercial timber area for a species. Selected
stands should be readily accessible during the cone collection season.
2. Prepare a list of potential selection areas and include (1) approximate
acreage and (2) approximate number of trees to be selected in the stands (about 1
tree every 2 acres but not more than 10 trees per stand).
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3. Make stand examinations to eliminate stands with less than average growth
or poor form.
B. Superior Tree Selection.
1. Walk into a stand far enough to get away from the edge effect to a point
where stand and site appear to be uniform. Select the largest and best tree for the
spot.
2. Move a distance of at least 300 feet to another uniform spot and select tree
No. 2.
3. Repeat the process until the desired number of trees have been selected in
the stand.
C. Mark Trees and Prepare Records.
1. After the final decision on candidate trees has been made, mark each
candidate tree with a candidate/superior tree tag. Prepare a Superior Tree Record
for each candidate.
2. Record tree locations and candidate numbers on a Forest map.
3. Prepare a brief report describing selection procedure and include any special
or unusual observations. Also include observations on potential seed crops.
4. Send copies of Superior Tree Records and the report to the SO and RO.
63 - SELECTION IN PLANTATIONS. Selections are very easy to make in
plantations because in nearly all situations the trees are of the same age.
Consequently, superior trees in a plantation are those with the best growth, form,
and branching habits.
A disadvantage of selecting in plantations is that seed production may not begin
until a significant period of time after the selections are made, especially if they are
made in very young plantations (less than 15-20 years of age).
63.1 - Selection Intensity. In most plantations a relatively high selection intensity
should be used. If the original genetic base of the trees in the plantation is
relatively broad (minimum of 30 parent seed trees) then a selection intensity of the
best 1 in 100 trees can be selected. However, if the original genetic base is
relatively small (less than 20 parent seed trees) or unknown, then a selection
intensity of the best 1 in 50 should be used.
Selection should be based first on total height, then diameter, form, and branch
traits.
63.2 - Plantation Age at Selection. Because plantations are a form of test, selection
can begin in them at relatively young ages. In most plantations Engelmann spruce
can be selected when plantations are a minimum of 20 years old; ponderosa pine
and Douglas-fir can be selected at minimum plantation age 15; while lodgepole pine,
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because of its rapid juvenile growth, may be selected in plantations as young as 10
years old.
However, when selections are made in any plantation, overall plantation
development must be considered when determining proper age at which selections
can be made. Selections in fast-growing plantations of any species can be made at
younger ages than in plantations of the same species that exhibit slow growth.
Therefore, each plantation must be evaluated on its own merit before any decisions
are made to select within the plantation. Any consideration of selection in
plantations should be coordinated with the Region.
64 - MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION OF SELECTIONS. Each candidate
superior tree shall be marked in the field with plastic flagging, paint mark or band,
or other distinctive identifying mark, for ease in relocation. Each candidate and
accepted superior tree shall also be identified with a candidate/superior tree label
(ex. 01). If the candidate/superior tree is not easily visible from a road, then a
reference tree near the road's edge should be marked with a reference tree label (ex.
01) which shows the bearing and distance from the reference tree to the
candidate/superior tree. Accepted superior trees shall also be marked with a 3-inchwide white, yellow or blue paint band encircling the tree at d.b.h.
Candidate trees must be reviewed and accepted by a Regional tree improvement
specialist, or Forest Silviculturist, for inclusion in the Forest/Region tree
improvement program. Accepted trees will be assigned a Regional tree
improvement accession number by the Regional specialist.
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Exhibit 06
REFERENCE AND CANDIDATE/SUPERIOR TREE LABELS
(Unnumbered Form - Order through Timber, Forest Pest, and Cooperative Forestry
Management and request "Superior Tree Label".
Use this aluminum label for the reference point along the road and on selected
candidate trees. Use a ball point pen to scribe the information. First practice
writing on the back side. You must press hard and print slowly.
Position the reference label facing the road so there is less likelihood they will be
used as targets. Place the candidate tree label so it can be seen form the reference
point or the approach route. Nail (aluminum nail) the label to the tree at
approximately 5 feet above ground.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Print "Superior ES, LP, or PP".
2. District or Forest candidate number.
3. National Forest as currently administered.
4. Ranger District as currently administered.
5. Enter superior tree accession number after tree is certified.
6. Township, Range, Section.
7. Bearing from reference tree to candidate/superior tree. Use azimuth (1360).
8. Distance from reference tree to candidate/superior tree (feet).
9. Leave blank on candidate/superior tree.
10. Date candidate selected.
11. Initials of individual(s) locating tree.
65 - SUPERIOR TREE RECORD. For each selected individual a Superior Tree
Record (R2-2470-23) must be completed (Exhibit 1). Order through Timber, Forest
Pest, and Cooperative Forestry Management. Instructions for completing this
record are included on the back of the form. Each record should be completed to the
fullest extent possible.
All basic information should be recorded in uncoded form. Key information should
also be coded for computer summarization. For most coding use standard codes
included in the R-2 Silvicultural Examination and Prescription Handbook (FSH
2409.26d). Plant species alpha codes (e.g. Pipo) will be used to code genus and
species names. Agency (columns 21-23) and Originator (columns 26-28) should be
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coded by Agency (Forest) codes shown in exhibit 02. Problems and questions
pertaining to the completion and maintenance of Superior Tree Records should be
direcAll completed Superior Tree Records should be submitted to Timber, Forest
Pest, and Cooperative Forestry Management, Regional Office, by November 1.
66 - PROTECTION OF CANDIDATE AND SELECTED SUPERIOR TREES.
Because superior trees are an essential part of the Region's long-term, intensive
tree improvement program, both candidate and accepted superior trees must be
protected. Selections shall not be made in areas where there are, or will be, serious
conflicts with other management objectives.
Forest personnel are responsible for protection of candidate and accepted superior
trees.
67 - SEED PRODUCTION STIMULATION. Seed from superior trees is essential
for progeny testing and seedling seed orchard establishment. Frequently, 40 to 80year-old trees growing in fully stocked stands do not produce adequate amounts of
seed required for progeny testing and other tree improvement needs. Flowering,
cone, and seed production on individual trees may be stimulated by exposing the
crown to full sunlight and by reducing root competition. Seed production on
selected individuals may increase substantially within 5 years after reduction of
surrounding competition.
After candidate trees have been accepted as superior trees, all trees within a 25-foot
radius of the superior trees should be removed. Seed shall be collected from
superior trees at the first opportunity when adequate supplies of seed per superior
tree are available.
68 - SEED COLLECTION AND HANDLING. Each accepted superior tree should
be visited each year for determining availability of a collectable cone crop. Cones
should be collected from each superior tree the first year a collectable crop is
available. Several years may be required for collection when seed is mature and
before natural seed shedding. The Region 2 Seed Handbook (FSH 2409.26f) and
USDA Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 450 (1974) should be used as principal
guides for determining proper time for cone collection and methods of collection.
Cones collected from standing trees by climbing will be collected by contract only.
Collection of cones from scattered, standing trees by contract should be coordinated
among Districts and Forests whenever possible.
Collect as many cones as possible (maximum of one bushel) from each superior tree
when collectable crops are available. A minimum of 50 cones per superior tree will
be required for progeny testing.
A cone collection from a single superior tree must be kept separate from every other
similar cone collection. Each superior tree cone collection should be placed in a
separate cone collection sack. Sacks should be no more than 1/2 full of cones. Tie
the upper position of a completed Superior Tree Cone Identification Tag, R2-247010A, (ex. 04) to the outside top of the cone sack. These identification tags can be
obtained from Silviculture, TFPCFM, in the RO.
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If superior tree cone collections are temporarily stored at the District or Forest
Supervisor Office, cone sacks should be turned and shaken lightly every few days to
prevent case-hardening of cones and bursting of cone sacks from cone opening.
Superior tree cone lots should be delivered to the nursery where the seed is to be
extracted, by the most reliable means, immediately after all superior cone
collections have have been made on a Forest in any single year. Keep superior cone
collections separate from all other cone collections. A summary list of all superior
tree cone collections should be included with cash shipment to the seed extractory.
Handling of cone, seed, and seedlings included in tree improvement programs
cannot be considered "routine" or "operational." The need for optimum handling of
all tree improvement plant material and associated high costs necessitates constant
attention and flexibility in scheduling of activities by personnel involved at all levels
in collection and handling of seed for tree improvement purposes. All phases of seed
collection and handling in the programs should be coordinated in consultation with
Silviculture, TFPCFM, in the RO and the Albuquerque Tree Nursery (R-3) where
all superior tree seed will be stored.
69 - PLANT MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDS. All plant materials
(seed, seedlings, cuttings, scions) originating from selected individuals will be
identified from time of collection, through storage, use, and in all records by the
superior tree accession number assigned by the RO. Each accession of superior tree
seed shall be identified by the superior tree accession number as follows: ST 28
(seed from Superior Tree 28).