Introduction
Background & Rationale
To meet the demand for seeds for the purpose of reforestation in B.C. seed orchards were established with the goal of generating quick growing and locally adapted seed (Owens 2006). Seeds develop inside cones over the course of the season (Owens 2006). However, not every cone survives to maturity. Trees experience a variable rate of premature cone death before seeds can develop. If the cone dies prior to the development of seeds, then there is no seed for reforestation. Early cone death is a significant factor in low seed yields (Owens 2006). This is a problem for forest managers since there is no way to predict the survival of cones to maturity. A variety of factors influence cone survival including genetics, environment, and age (Owens 2006).
Genotypes are typically selected for desirable traits such as volume and height while also maintaining genetic diversity (Owens 2006). The selected genotypes are then grown in orchards. This allows managers to keep a close eye on the trees and their seed production as well as have more control over conditions such as water and nutrients. The cones from the trees are collected and extracted each year. Seeds are then usually stored in specialized facilities until they are ready to be used. This study will help managers make decisions about how many of trees of each genotype to plant in the orchard in order to produce enough seed to meet demand for reforestation in B.C.
To meet the demand for seeds for the purpose of reforestation in B.C. seed orchards were established with the goal of generating quick growing and locally adapted seed (Owens 2006). Seeds develop inside cones over the course of the season (Owens 2006). However, not every cone survives to maturity. Trees experience a variable rate of premature cone death before seeds can develop. If the cone dies prior to the development of seeds, then there is no seed for reforestation. Early cone death is a significant factor in low seed yields (Owens 2006). This is a problem for forest managers since there is no way to predict the survival of cones to maturity. A variety of factors influence cone survival including genetics, environment, and age (Owens 2006).
Genotypes are typically selected for desirable traits such as volume and height while also maintaining genetic diversity (Owens 2006). The selected genotypes are then grown in orchards. This allows managers to keep a close eye on the trees and their seed production as well as have more control over conditions such as water and nutrients. The cones from the trees are collected and extracted each year. Seeds are then usually stored in specialized facilities until they are ready to be used. This study will help managers make decisions about how many of trees of each genotype to plant in the orchard in order to produce enough seed to meet demand for reforestation in B.C.
Research Objectives
The purpose of this study is to determine seed yields of spruce trees in B.C. for 50 different genotypes in order to help inform which genotypes are most successful in terms of seed production. With this knowledge, managers can determine which genotypes and how many are needed to meet seed targets for reforestation. This will be done by looking at cone survival rates for each genotype as well as the variation within each genotype.
The purpose of this study is to determine seed yields of spruce trees in B.C. for 50 different genotypes in order to help inform which genotypes are most successful in terms of seed production. With this knowledge, managers can determine which genotypes and how many are needed to meet seed targets for reforestation. This will be done by looking at cone survival rates for each genotype as well as the variation within each genotype.
Expected Results
We expect there to be a genetic influence where some genotypes will have higher cone survivals rates and higher seed yields than the rest of the genotypes. Within genotypes, we expect cone survival and seed yield to be similar given that the environment is similar and would have a similar effect on the genotype. Between genotypes, we expect a difference in cone survival and seed yields given that the environmental effect impacts genotypes differently.
We expect there to be a genetic influence where some genotypes will have higher cone survivals rates and higher seed yields than the rest of the genotypes. Within genotypes, we expect cone survival and seed yield to be similar given that the environment is similar and would have a similar effect on the genotype. Between genotypes, we expect a difference in cone survival and seed yields given that the environmental effect impacts genotypes differently.