Establishment of a Gene Bank (gene conservation area) of Sitka
spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) has been planted extensively in this
country accounting for 50% of the forest estate. In the early 1970’s a Sitka spruce
improvement programme commenced with the objective to select and test
approximately 1000 individuals. This has resulted in the development of a breeding
population of 100 selected individuals. As part of this programme these individuals
now form the basis for an Irish landrace of Sitka spruce. This new material will now
form the basis of a new gene conservation area as prescribed in this programme. The
material was collected from source authenticated material at the Irish Tree Breeding
Station located at Kilmacurragh, County Wicklow. The material was grown from
vegetatively propagated cuttings in a polytunnel at Kilmacurragh and then grown in
individual pots for planting later. The conservation area was fenced to protect from
vermin and planted in June 2011. The site is located at Ballynestragh, Gorey, County
Wexford.
Project Coordinator: Pat Doody