Tree improvement of interior spruces in B.C. - East Kootenay second generation progeny tests

Project number:  EP 670.02.04

District: Rocky Mountain Forest District

Objectives

• To evaluate growth potential and adaptation of select second-generation full-sib families
• To provide a test population from which to select parents for second-generation seed orchards and third-generation breeding

Treatment

Based on the results of the open-pollinated progeny trials for the East Kootenay Selection Unit (E.P. 670.02.03), the families were ranked on 15 year growth performance (height and diameter) and weevil resistance. The top 50% of the parents were included in the second generation testing program. These parents were mated in a disconnected partial diallel mating scheme with four parents per diallel. Selfs were also produced whenever possible.

In addition to the East Kootenay crosses, 15 full-sib families from each of the Prince George, Prince Rupert, and Eastern North America second-generation test populations were included. One hundred sixty crosses were tested. Seedlings were grown at the Pacific Regeneration Technologies, Vernon Nursery in 1996.

Layout

• Three farm-field sites; randomized complete block design with four replicate blocks
• In each replication, crosses were represented by one 25-tree square plot (5 by 5 trees) at one metre spacing
• The first seedling of each plot is marked with a wooden stake bearing a metal tag identifying the block and the family

History

• 1997 plantation establishment and maintenance.
• 1998 plantation maintenance.
• 1999 third year measurements
• 2000 maintenance, weeding and irrigation
• 2001 maintenance