Results and Discussion
Results
A multi-factor ANOVA for cone survival and seed yield show no significant interaction effects (Figures 6 & 7). A correlation analysis between seed yield and cone survival shows no significant relationship (Figure 8).
Orchard
The survival rate of cones over the season is highest in orchard K and lowest in Orchard G (Figure 9). Seed yield between the orchards is similar (Figure 10). The error bars are the standard error of the mean. Since the error bars overlap there is likely no significant difference between the orchards in terms of cone survival and seed yield.
Genotype
The survival rate of cones varies between genotypes (Figure 11). Genotypes 7, 14, 15, 31, and 44 have the lowest cone survival rates while genotypes 5 and 13 have the highest survival rates. Seed yields between genotypes also vary (Figure 12). Genotype 31 has the lowest seed yield and genotypes 23, 27, 42, 46, and 47 have the highest seed yields.
Seed Yield and Cone Survival Rate
The survival rate of cones does not appear to be correlated with seed yield per cone (Figure 13).
A multi-factor ANOVA for cone survival and seed yield show no significant interaction effects (Figures 6 & 7). A correlation analysis between seed yield and cone survival shows no significant relationship (Figure 8).
Orchard
The survival rate of cones over the season is highest in orchard K and lowest in Orchard G (Figure 9). Seed yield between the orchards is similar (Figure 10). The error bars are the standard error of the mean. Since the error bars overlap there is likely no significant difference between the orchards in terms of cone survival and seed yield.
Genotype
The survival rate of cones varies between genotypes (Figure 11). Genotypes 7, 14, 15, 31, and 44 have the lowest cone survival rates while genotypes 5 and 13 have the highest survival rates. Seed yields between genotypes also vary (Figure 12). Genotype 31 has the lowest seed yield and genotypes 23, 27, 42, 46, and 47 have the highest seed yields.
Seed Yield and Cone Survival Rate
The survival rate of cones does not appear to be correlated with seed yield per cone (Figure 13).
Discussion
Survival
Survival rate of cones only different slightly between orchards. Genotypes in Orchard G exhibit a lower survival rate when compared to genotypes in Orchards C and K suggesting an environmental influence of the genotypes within the orchard.
Yields
Overall, seed yields between orchards was consistent suggesting equal productivity of all three orchards. Seed yields between genotypes was variable however, only one genotype produced significantly less seed than the other genotypes.
Despite the variable survival rate of cones between the different genotypes, seed yields across genotypes are fairly consistent. This is surprising since we anticipated genotypes with lower cone survival rate to produce fewer seeds overall. The factors that contribute to lower survival rates are unknown but are likely influenced by environmental factors.
Survival and Yield
Trees that have higher cone survival rates are more likely to produce enough seed to meet reforestation demands. Since seed yield per cone between genotypes across the three orchards showed little difference, cone survival should be used for decision making. Genotypes that show consistently high survival should be prioritized over genotypes that produce more seed, but have lower cone survival rates. Cones that do not survive to maturity will ultimately result in the production of less seed.
Conclusion
Spruce is an economically important tree, accounting for the majority of harvest volume in the province (Owens 2006). As a result there is high demand for seed for reforestation. The information from this study will help managers make decisions about which genotypes to include in future phases of the orchards as well as in the establishment of new orchards in order to meet seed targets. Additionally, the information can be used to make decisions about which genotypes to remove from orchards that aren't meeting production requirements.
Future Directions
Many other factors influence genotype productivity such as environmental influences. Further research is needed to assess what impact site conditions have on cone survival and seed yields for each genotype. This can be achieved by in-situ monitoring of orchard trees as well as through trials to determine how well genotypes perform in different environments.
Survival
Survival rate of cones only different slightly between orchards. Genotypes in Orchard G exhibit a lower survival rate when compared to genotypes in Orchards C and K suggesting an environmental influence of the genotypes within the orchard.
Yields
Overall, seed yields between orchards was consistent suggesting equal productivity of all three orchards. Seed yields between genotypes was variable however, only one genotype produced significantly less seed than the other genotypes.
Despite the variable survival rate of cones between the different genotypes, seed yields across genotypes are fairly consistent. This is surprising since we anticipated genotypes with lower cone survival rate to produce fewer seeds overall. The factors that contribute to lower survival rates are unknown but are likely influenced by environmental factors.
Survival and Yield
Trees that have higher cone survival rates are more likely to produce enough seed to meet reforestation demands. Since seed yield per cone between genotypes across the three orchards showed little difference, cone survival should be used for decision making. Genotypes that show consistently high survival should be prioritized over genotypes that produce more seed, but have lower cone survival rates. Cones that do not survive to maturity will ultimately result in the production of less seed.
Conclusion
Spruce is an economically important tree, accounting for the majority of harvest volume in the province (Owens 2006). As a result there is high demand for seed for reforestation. The information from this study will help managers make decisions about which genotypes to include in future phases of the orchards as well as in the establishment of new orchards in order to meet seed targets. Additionally, the information can be used to make decisions about which genotypes to remove from orchards that aren't meeting production requirements.
Future Directions
Many other factors influence genotype productivity such as environmental influences. Further research is needed to assess what impact site conditions have on cone survival and seed yields for each genotype. This can be achieved by in-situ monitoring of orchard trees as well as through trials to determine how well genotypes perform in different environments.