Genetic improvement of interior Douglas-fir in the B.C. Interior: Progeny tests for Mica seed planning zone
Last updated on August 31, 2023Project number: EP 976.02.07
District: Selkirk Forest District
Objectives
- To evaluate the growth and adaptability of local and non-local Douglas-fir families in the Mica seed planning zone
- To identify genetically superior parents for first-phase seed orchards
- To estimate components of genetic variance/covariance, heritabilities and genetic gains for traits relating to tree growth, form, adaptability and wood properties
Experimental design
| Zone | Number of wind-pollinated families |
|---|---|
| Mica | 145 |
| Shuswap Adams | 10 |
| Cariboo Transition | 9 |
| Mt. Robson | 10 |
| West Kootenay High (>1000 m) | 10 |
| West Kootenay Low (<1000 m) | 10 |
| Controls | 6 local operational seedlots |
Layout
- Randomized complete-block design with eight replicate blocks
- The 200 genetic entries were randomly subdivided into 8 sets of 25 entries
- Sets were randomly assigned to positions in blocks
- Genetic entries were randomly assigned to four-tree row plots within sets
- Sampling units are individual trees spaced at 2 x 2 m. White stakes identify set corners
History
- 1989 plantations established
- 1991 manual brushing, third-year tree height and condition recorded
- 1994 manual brushing, sixth-year tree height and condition recorded
- 1998
- Tenth-year heights and condition recorded
- Akolkolex River and Key Road locations brushed
- Deadman Creek brushed and thinned; discs collected for relative density determination
Publications
Jaquish, B. C. and V.J. Ashley. 1996. Interior Douglas-fir progeny test results and recommendations for first-phase 1.5 generation seed orchards. Progress Report EP 976. B.C. Min. For., Research Branch, Victoria, B.C. 75pp.
Comments
In 1992, the Spiker's Creek plantation suffered considerable vole damage. In 1995, approximately 20 percent of the Deadman Creek plantation will be lost because of BC Hydro improvements to the Deadman Creek stream channel. 1998 - over 50% of Spikers Creek plantation damaged by porcupine.