Tree improvement of interior spruces in B.C.: Miscellaneous controlled crosses (pilot project)

Project number: EP 670.70

District: Rocky Mountain Forest District

Objectives

• ​To compare the performance of controlled crosses vs. open pollinated progenies
• To estimate heritabilities based on one parent component
• To compare types of crosses (within and among selection units)
• To provide information for design of future full-sib progeny trials
• To compare reciprocal plantings

Treatment

Twenty-five full-sib crosses and five open pollinated families from the higher ranking families of the Prince George selections are being tested. Seedlings were grown at the Kalamalka Forestry Centre.

Layout

• Each site contains five blocks
• A row of four seedlings represents one cross
• Crosses and open pollinated families are randomized within each block
• The first seedling of each row is marked with a wooden stake bearing a metal tag identifying the block and the cross family

History

• 1982 plantation establishment and initial height measurements
• 1984 three-year height measurements and maintenance
• 1987 six-year height measurements and maintenance
• 1991 10-year height measurements and maintenance
• 1996 15-year height measurements and maintenance