Search

Pinus densiflora is a pine species native to the Korean peninsula, and seed orchards have supplied material needed for afforestation in South Korea. Climate variables affecting seed production have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to determine climate variables that influence annual seed production of two seed orchards using multiple linear regression (MLR), elastic net regression (ENR) and partial least square regression (PLSR) models. The PLSR model included 12 climatic variables from 2003 to 2020 and explained 74.3% of the total variation in seed production. It showed better predictive performance (R2 = 0.662) than the EN (0.516) and the MLR (0.366) models. Among the 12 climatic variables, July temperature two years prior to seed production and July precipitation after one year had the strongest influence on seed production. The time periods indicated by the two variables corresponded to pollen cone initiation and female gametophyte development. The results will be helpful for developing seed collection plans, selecting new orchard sites with favorable climatic conditions, and investigating the relationships between seed production and climatic factors in related pine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) has been considered an important candidate species for climate-resilient forest management in Germany. The occurrence of ash dieback, caused by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, severely limits its use. However, less damaged ash trees in heavily infested stands are observed. This suggests a tree-specific and genetically determined susceptibility to ash dieback. The potential of individual trees for selection and conservation programs has been investigated on 35 clones in a clonal trial and 30 families in a progeny trial since 2014. Ash dieback-related mortality, crown damage, and height growth were examined. Resistance to ash dieback was evaluated based on multi-year observations. Mortality of ramets occurred rapidly and crown damage of clones stabilized, whereas steadily increasing in progeny during the study period. About 34 percent of all offspring (0–56 percent per family) showed high resistance to ash dieback and 10 percent showed also good height growth. Broad-sense heritability and narrow-sense heritability were moderate and comparable to previous studies. We assume that at least some individuals from specific progenies will resist the disease in forest stands. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies should be promoted. Seed orchards with more resistant genotypes could provide less susceptible reproductive material, and breeding programs could help to accelerate the fixation of favorable alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Key message The strong clonal growth of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) not only influences the stand structure of natural or artificially established stands, but also the genetic composition of seed harvested from such clonal stands. For the commercial production of genetically diverse seeds, the stand structure should be taken into account or, at best, seeds harvested from seed orchards should be used. Context Black locust is characterised by intensive asexual reproduction through the formation of root suckers. By this means clonal structures can develop within black locust stands, in which ramets of a single clone can dominate extensive areas. Aims We want to analyse to what extent clonal structures within black locust stands negatively influence the genetic composition and diversity in seed harvested in such stands. We discuss how a potential reduction in genetic diversity can be reduced by measures taken during harvesting and whether the harvesting of seed orchards may be a better alternative. Methods We compare the genetic composition and diversity of parent trees and seed harvested from a clonal black locust stand with a seed orchard in which multiple ramets of selected clones were arranged in a randomised design. Results Within the clonal stand, parent contributions to the seed lot analysed proved to be strongly uneven. Selfing rates were high and large full-sib families dominated within the seed lot. Although the relatively strong pollination from unknown pollen donors, probably located outside of the stand, prevented a massive loss of alleles, high selfing rates and the formation of large full-sib families led to an unequal distribution of alleles within the progeny. Within the seed orchard—even though it had a lower number of clones than expected—the randomised design promoted a more diverse pollination pattern. Conclusion We conclude that for black locust, seed orchards have the greater potential to ensure a balanced genetic composition of harvested seed lots. If economic considerations make it necessary to harvest seed stands, this should only be done in a considered manner and, if possible, with knowledge of the clonal structures of the stand.

Key message: The strong clonal growth of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) not only influences the stand structure of natural or artificially established stands, but also the genetic composition of seed harvested from such clonal stands. For the commercial production of genetically diverse seeds, the stand structure should be taken into account or, at best, seeds harvested from seed orchards should be used. Context: Black locust is characterised by intensive asexual reproduction through the formation of root suckers. By this means clonal structures can develop within black locust stands, in which ramets of a single clone can dominate extensive areas. Aims: We want to analyse to what extent clonal structures within black locust stands negatively influence the genetic composition and diversity in seed harvested in such stands. We discuss how a potential reduction in genetic diversity can be reduced by measures taken during harvesting and whether the harvesting of seed orchards may be a better alternative. Methods: We compare the genetic composition and diversity of parent trees and seed harvested from a clonal black locust stand with a seed orchard in which multiple ramets of selected clones were arranged in a randomised design. Results: Within the clonal stand, parent contributions to the seed lot analysed proved to be strongly uneven. Selfing rates were high and large full-sib families dominated within the seed lot. Although the relatively strong pollination from unknown pollen donors, probably located outside of the stand, prevented a massive loss of alleles, high selfing rates and the formation of large full-sib families led to an unequal distribution of alleles within the progeny. Within the seed orchard—even though it had a lower number of clones than expected—the randomised design promoted a more diverse pollination pattern. Conclusion: We conclude that for black locust, seed orchards have the greater potential to ensure a balanced genetic composition of harvested seed lots. If economic considerations make it necessary to harvest seed stands, this should only be done in a considered manner and, if possible, with knowledge of the clonal structures of the stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies are the most common coniferous tree species used in commercial forestry, which rely on high‐quality reproductive material for successful reforestation. Clear‐cut harvested forest sites are often replanted using tree seedlings, which are produced in forest nurseries using seeds from seed orchards. However, incidences of fungal diseases in seedling production show that a better knowledge of seedborne fungi, including fungal pathogens, is needed to manage diseases in forest nurseries. This study aimed to assess seedborne fungal communities associated with commercial seeds of P. abies, P. sylvestris and Larix sp. seeds originated from geographically separated regions in Sweden, Belarus, Finland and Poland. Fungal communities were obtained first from the seed surface and then from the seed tissue. These were analysed using high‐throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA region. The results showed that fungal diversity and community composition differed between the seed surface and the seed tissue. Picea abies accommodated a higher fungal diversity than P. sylvestris. In addition, a strong host affinity of the fungal community composition on the seed surface and a weaker association in the seed tissue was found. Fungal communities on P. abies and P. sylvestris seed surface differed significantly between geographical regions, whereas no regional differences were found in the seed tissue. The seedborne fungal communities included a high proportion of plant pathogens, among which the most abundant were Sydowia polyspora (13.3%), Phoma herbarum (11.2%) and Sirococcus conigenus (3.8%). In conclusion, the results showed (a) characteristic fungal diversity and community composition between the seed surface and the seed tissue; (b) a host‐specific fungal community composition on the seed surface and in the seed tissue; (c) regional difference in fungal communities on P. abies and P. sylvestris seed surface, thus the movement of seeds between different regions can contribute to the spread of fungal diseases; and (d) the presence of a high incidence of seedborne fungal pathogens which suggest a potential need of preventative or control measures to reduce the occurrence of these fungi on the seed surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ormancılık Araştırma Dergisi is the property of Orman Genel Mudurlugu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Anadolu (1300-0225) is the property of Anadolu Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractA long-term breeding program of cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cajuputi) in Indonesia has aimed to increase oil productivity and quality through imposing selection for oil yield and 1,8-cineole content. This study examined the realized genetic gain for the two key variables of oil yield, oil concentration and leaf biomass. Data were collected from a trial based on seeds collected from two unimproved, and two improved sources with selection intensities (IS) of 1.1 (10% of trees selected) and > 2.5 (2.5 seed source was significantly higher than for the other sources; a realized genetic gain ranging from 14% to 31%. However, although not significant, this seed source had the lowest leaf biomass. The correlation between gains in oil concentration and leaf biomass was weak and not significant (r = 0.15); while the correlation between oil yield and leaf biomass was very strong and highly significant (r = 0.96). These results highlight the importance of carefully incorporating leaf biomass as a selection criterion in cajuput breeding programs aimed at increasing oil yield.

Air borne microorganisms obtaining tremendous interest as they play a significant role in the plant, animal and human health. Studies on aerobiology can help to recognize the resources, take-off, passive deposition and impaction of these microorganisms on the plant life. So far, no work has been reported on the air spora of the seed orchards of tea garden. This work aimed to observe flowering period and the diversity of air mycoflora prevalent in six biclonal tea seed orchards (TS: 569, TS: 491, TS: 557, TS: 520, TS: 463 and TS: 462). A total five species were recorded. Penicillium sp is found to be dominant over the other recorded species. The maximum population of mycoflora (CFU 1580/M3) was recorded under TS: 569 and the lowest (CFU 180/M3) under TS: 463. Air mycoflora fluctuated under TS: 491, TS: 557, TS: 520 and TS: 462 and were CFU/M3 740, 540, 340 and 380 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the effects of fertilization on the phenological period of the mother tree of Larch seed garden, this study selected the mother tree of Larch seed garden of 1. 5 generation and 2 generation as the research object. Different proportions and doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer were used as experimental treatments to observe and analyze the phenological phases of the mother tree, such as bud expansion, bud spreading, bud capping, male flower bud emergence and male flower flowering. The results showed that fertilization had little effect on bud growth, and the bud growth of main branches was mainly concentrated between April 18 and April 20. Fertilization had a certain effect on bud development, among which, the beginning of main bud development was mainly concentrated from April 26 to April 30, and the complete leaf development of main bud was mainly concentrated from May 20 to May 24. Fertilization treatment had a certain effect on bud capping. The beginning of bud capping of main branch mainly began from August 17 to 27. The complete capping of main shoots mainly occurred from August 26 to September 9. Fertilization also had a certain impact on the growth period. The growth period of different fertilization treatments varied from 131d to 143 d. The onset of flowering of male flowers was mainly concentrated from April 13 to April 18, with a difference of 5d between treatments. The peak flowering period of male flowers was mainly concentrated from April 16 to April 22, with a difference of 6d among different treatments. The final flowering period of male flowers was mainly concentrated from April 19 to April 26, with a difference of 7 d among different treatments. Fertilization had a certain effect on the flowering period, which varied from 6d to 8d among different treatments. Range analysis showed that no matter the growth phenology or flowering phenology, the effects of different kinds of fertilizers were N fertilizer, P fertilizer and K fertilizer in the order from large to small. The application of medium amount of N fertilizer and P fertilizer, and high amount of K fertilizer was beneficial to the growth and flowering of the mother tree of larch seed orchard. The results provided theoretical support and technical reference for the rational fertilization of larch seed orchard and the improvement of seed yield and quality of larch mother tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed orchards with high hereditary qualities and the improvement studies used are of great importance. This study was carried out on individuals in a Boyabat grafted black pine seed orchard, Sinop. The morphological and micromorphological measurements of the characteristics were performed on needle samples taken from individuals, and the genetic diversity was determined on a clonal basis. According to the analysis of variance applied to the data obtained from the measurements and the morphological and micromorphological characters of the clones, it was determined that there was a significant difference among the clones at the P

Genomic selection (GS) is currently being used in the New Zealand radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) breeding program to accelerate genetic gain. GS also has the potential to accelerate the deployment of genetic gain to the production forest through early selection. The increased rate of genetic gain in the breeding cycle will need to be transferred more quickly to realise that gain in the deployment population. GS selections will have lower accuracies than selections based on phenotypic data as currently practised; however, it is unknown how this will affect the genetic gain from GS-based deployment. Moreover, census size and turnover rate need to be optimised to cope with the influx of new marker-based selected material into a commercial orchard. We utilised a stochastic simulation approach to investigate these concepts, comparing three deployment scenarios: half-sib open-pollinated orchards (OP), full-sib control-pollinated orchards (CP) and clonal deployment through somatic embryogenesis. When accounting for time, genomic selection in OP, CP and clonal deployment pathways increased genetic gain by 9.5%, 15.9% and 44.6% respectively compared to phenotypic selection. The optimal orchard scenario would be genomic-selected control-pollination with a low census size (n = 40, males and females combined), low female turnover (5%) and a high male turnover (15–25%). This scheme balances high genetic gain with high seed yield while moderating the rate of inbreeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed orchards with high hereditary qualities and the improvement studies used are of great importance. This study was carried out on individuals in a Boyabat grafted black pine seed orchard, Sinop. The morphological and micromorphological measurements of the characteristics were performed on needle samples taken from individuals, and the genetic diversity was determined on a clonal basis. According to the analysis of variance applied to the data obtained from the measurements and the morphological and micromorphological characters of the clones, it was determined that there was a significant difference among the clones at the P<0.001 confidence level. In this context, according to Duncan’s Range test, the creation of a large number of groups is an indicator of it. The highest heritability rates were obtained in needle diameter, stipule diameter, number of the dorsal stoma, and needle length characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of open-pollinated seeds from seed orchards is a common strategy for the deployment of genetically improved eucalypts, including Eucalyptus globulus, an important pulpwood tree in many temperate climate areas. However, seed quality can be affected by the rate of selfing and to a lesser extent by contamination from pollen outside the orchard. Inbreeding between related parents and especially from self-crosses is known to cause diminished growth and developmental abnormalities in the resulting progeny. This study looks at the magnitude and variation in selfing and the impact in inbreeding depression across several E. globulus families collected over the years in a seed orchard. The effects on growth and development of outcrossed and selfed progeny were studied across five progeny trials, after pedigree reconstruction of the open pollinated progeny based on SSR genotyping. An additive genetic mixed linear model was fitted to the data to evaluate the impact of inbreeding on height growth. The results showed a significant inbreeding depression, with a height growth reduction of 15% in selfed progeny, when compared with crosses from unrelated parents. These inbreeding depression values varied among families, ranging between 7% and 24%, evidencing the importance of genetic background. Contamination rates were on average 10% suggesting long distance pollen dispersal was present. A small number of abnormal phenotypes (less than 10%) was observed in the field. This was associated with specific, unrelated, crosses and not to high inbreeding rates such as found among selfed progeny. The relevance of these results for orchard management and parent selection is discussed.

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is the most widely planted forest tree species in the United States. Most of the seedlings used to establish these plantations come from seed collected in open-pollinated seed orchards, but an increasing number are coming from controlled crosses, about 15%–20% of the loblolly pine seedling crops in the last five years. To produce this seed, millions of pollination bags are installed each spring in orchards throughout the southeastern United States; over 2.6 million bags were installed in 2022. This study evaluated 13 pollination bag types available for use in the mass production of control-cross seed. Using cone analysis, significant differences were found among bag types for the proportion of ovules resulting in filled seed, empty seed, and first-year aborts. Due to differences in the efficacy of orchard management, study trees varied greatly in their proportion of ovules resulting in filled seed and first-year aborts. Under good orchard management, open-pollinated cones had 72% of their ovules as filled seed and 12% in first-year aborted ovules. The best pollination bag type had 62% of its ovules as filled seed with 22% in first-year aborted ovules. These differences are apparently due to the quality of pollen used in the controlled crosses. Study Implications : Compared with open-pollinated families, full-sibling crosses among elite parents of loblolly pine produce more market value to landowners due to greater productivity, increased disease resistance, and enhanced stem form. Specific crosses of loblolly pine have occupied about 15%–20% of the recent seedling market because the seed are costly and difficult to produce. This study tested pollination bag types to determine their effectiveness in producing control-cross seed. Some bag types were superior in increasing seed yield, but seed yields for open-pollinated cones tended to be higher, suggesting problems in the control-cross process. Cone analysis is a useful tool for seed orchard managers to diagnose problems in seed production. Understanding and correcting these problems will help managers increase their production of full-sibling seed and lead to the establishment of new plantations with increased forest productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is one of the most important tree species for afforestation in China. First-, second-, and third-generation seed orchards of Chinese fir have been established successively, and rich germplasms have been accumulated in the process of genetic improvement. It is necessary to build a core collection of germplasms from Chinese fir seed orchards. In this work, we constructed core collections representing the genetic diversity of Chinese fir seed orchard resources based on SSR data. A total of 607 seed orchard materials from three generations were used to determine the best sampling method and intensity by comparing and analyzing nine methods for constructing core collections. Core Hunter's multi-strategy optimizes allele coverage and the distance criterion under a 30% sampling intensity (weight: A–NE, 0.7; CV, 0.3 and E–NE, 0.5; CV, 0.5), which is superior to other strategies and was selected as the best method. The two core collections (A–NE&CV73, E–NE&CV55) constructed contained all the alleles of the whole collection and effectively limited the homology in the core collections; each core collection contained 182 accessions. Our findings could contribute greatly towards improving the management of genetic resources in Chinese fir seed orchards and provide elite materials for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenotypic characteristics of forest seeds are the basis of germplasm innovation, genetic improvement, and biological research, and they also are the reference for the development of seed orchards. In this study, we analyzed seed quantity characteristics, phenotypic differentiation, and variation patterns in three seed-bearing clones from different crown layers of the Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) orchard located in Fujian Province, China. We divided the clones into six layers according to crown height and the sunny and shady sides, 14 phenotypic characteristics, and five quality indexes, and we measured the germination rate of seeds. The rate of seeds filled with tannin-like substance in the upper sunny layer was low, but it was high in the lower shady layer. The germination rate was highest in the upper sunny layer and lower in the middle and lower shady sides. Values of most of the 14 phenotypic traits tested differed significantly among clones and layers. The average value of the phenotypic differentiation coefficient was 81.16%, indicating that variation among clones explained most of the total phenotypic variation. The repeatability of the 14 phenotypic traits was high (R > 0.80), indicating that these traits are highly heritable. The phenotypic characteristics of cones and seeds varied from 6.86% to 129.51%. The 14 phenotypic traits exhibited different degrees of correlation, and seed weight, seed circumference, seed width, and seed area can be used to predict other seed traits. However, the correlations between cone traits were not strong. Our results show that when establishing a dwarfing Chinese fir seed orchard, the distribution and variation of seeds in different crown layers of clones should be considered, and clones with more cones in the lower crown layer should be selected as parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical results from provenance trials tended to position Sudetan larch (Larix decidua Mill. sudetica) populations among the least susceptible to larch canker (Lachnellula willkommi (R.Hartig) Dennis), in sharp contrast to Alpine populations. However, a recent large-scale outbreak of larch canker in artificial French stands planted with Sudetan larch brings into question this conclusion but also, as a consequence, the value of Sudetan larch seed orchards to mass-propagate risk-limited forest reproductive material. Clonal material from the French breeding population and seed orchards was investigated for its susceptibility to larch canker. As a first step, a genetic structure analysis of this population (220 clones) was conducted: it revealed its genetic heterogeneity, with 53.1% of the clones classified as "pure" Sudetan, 3.1% as Alpine; 1.5% as Central European and 42.3% as introgressed. Following artificial inoculation, "pure" Sudetan clones appeared generally less susceptible to canker than Alpine clones; admixed clones behaved in a similar way to the pure Sudetan material. However, the broad clonal variability observed within each population prevents the sole use of genetic origin of clones to rogue the most susceptible ones within orchards. Artificial inoculation is, so far, the only reliable way to properly assess clonal behaviour towards canker and thus support genetic roguing of orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed orchards are the key link between tree breeding and production forest for conifer trees. In Sweden, Scots pine and Norway spruce seed orchards currently supply ca. 85% of seedlings used in annual reforestation. The functionality of these seed orchards is thus crucial for supporting long-term production gain and sustainable diversity. We conducted a large-scale genetic investigation of pine and spruce orchards across Sweden using genotyping-by-sequencing. We genotyped 3,300 seedlings/trees from six orchards and 10 natural stands to gain an overview of mating structure and genetic diversity in orchard crops. We found clear differences in observed heterozygosity (HO) and background pollen contamination (BPC) rates between species, with pine orchard crops showing higher HO and BPC than spruce. BPC in pine crops varied from 87% at young orchard age to 12% at mature age, wherease this rate ranged between 27%−4% in spruce crops. Substantial variance in parental contribution was observed in all orchards with 30%−50% parents contibuting to 80% of the progeny. Selfing was low (2%−6%) in all seed crops. Compared to natural stands, orchard crops had slightly lower HO but no strong signal of inbreeding. Our results provide valuable references for orchard management.

Seed orchards represent the link between forest breeding and conifer production forests, and their mating patterns determine the genetic quality of seed orchard crops to a large extent. We genotyped the parental clones and their open pollination offspring in the third-generation seed orchard of Chinese fir using microsatellite markers and observed the synchronization of florescence in the seed orchard to understand the genetic diversity and mating structure of the seed orchard population. Genetic coancestry among parental clones was detected in the third generation seed orchard of Chinese fir, and the genetic diversity of the open-pollinated offspring was slightly higher than that of the parental clones. The external pollen contamination rate ranged from 10.1% to 33.7%, 80% of the offspring were produced by 44% of the parental clones in the orchard, and no evidence of selfing was found. We found that 68.1% of the effective pollination occurred within 50 m, and 19.9% of the effective pollination occurred in the nearest neighbors. We also found that successful mating requires about 30% of florescence overlap between males and females, and there was a significant positive correlation between male reproductive energy and male parental contribution. Our results provide a valuable reference for the management and design of advanced generation seed orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive synchronicity between parents influences the seed production and quality in seed orchards. Our objective was to determine clonal variation in fertility and phenological synchronization, as well as their effect on seed production, in a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) open-pollinated seed orchard. Significant variation of female fertility and male phenological synchronization occurred in the clones. The flowering of the male was 2 days earlier than the female. The gamete contribution of female and male were unbalanced between clones (the phenological synchronization indexes (POij) were 0.000–0.585 (as female) vs. 0.000–0.385 (as male)). In general, the average POij value of as a male was lower than as a female, but the number of male flowers were significantly higher than female, indicating that the management of female flowers should be enhanced. The average POij of self-pollination was 0.298, higher than cross-pollination (0.236), indicating that there was a larger probability to selfing in the orchard. The middle phenological type possessed higher phenological synchronization indexes than early and late phenological type. Genetic control was stronger for number of female flowers (H2 = 0.277) than for male and female initial stages and flower duration (H2 = 0.193–0.239). We found a positive correlation between POij and TSW (r = 0.756), SOsc (r = 0.612), and Cp (r = 0.337), suggesting the phenological synchronization determined the seed quality and yield. Comprehensively, this study provided fertility and phenology information for management of a Chinese fir seed orchard, as well as a reference for the establishment of advanced seed orchards of conifer trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of restoration projects require large amounts of seeds. As harvesting natural populations cannot cover the demand, wild plants are often propagated in large‐scale monocultures. There are concerns that this cultivation process may cause genetic drift and unintended selection, altering the genetic properties of the cultivated populations and reducing their genetic diversity. Such changes could reduce the pre‐existing adaptation of restored populations and limit their adaptability to environmental change.We used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and a pool‐sequencing approach to test for genetic differentiation and changes in gene diversity during cultivation in 19 wild grassland species, comparing source populations and up to four consecutive cultivation generations. We linked the magnitudes of genetic changes to the species' breeding systems and seed dormancy to understand the roles of these traits in genetic change.Cultivation changed the genetic composition across cultivated generations only moderately. The genetic differentiation resulting from cultivation was much lower than the natural genetic differentiation between different source regions. The propagated generations harboured even higher gene diversity than wild‐collected seeds. Genetic change was stronger in self‐compatible than self‐incompatible species, probably due to increased outcrossing in monocultures.Synthesis and applications. Our study suggests that large‐scale seed production maintains the genetic integrity of natural populations. Increased genetic diversity may even indicate increased adaptive potential of propagated seeds, which would make them especially suitable for ecological restoration. Yet, it remains to be tested whether these molecular patterns will be mirrored also by plant phenotypes. Further, we used seeds from Germany and Austria, where the seed production is regulated and certified, and we do not know yet whether other seed production systems perform equally well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree breeders use traits of economic interest as productivity, stem form and wood quality, to select individuals for advanced generations. We determined the genetic control of growth volume, tree height and diameter, stem form and wood resistance, and calculated a selection index for Pinus maximinoi and P. tecunumanii, selected individuals were used to establish a seedling seed orchard (SSO). The largest genetic gain obtained in SSO for P. maximinoi was 21.48% for volume, while for P. tecunumanii it was 21.87% for stem form. There is enough genetic variability for genetic gain in future generations in tests of P. maximinoi and P. tecunumanii progenies. The selection index provided satisfactory total genetic gains for several traits, being more recommended than the BLUP method in order to support the selection and ranking of superior genetic materials in the progeny tests with greater probability of retaining favorable alleles over generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) is a widespread forest tree species in Central and Northern Europe but with a scattered distribution. In the debate on climate change driven changes in species selection in the forest, Norway maple has recently received raised interest because of its comparatively high drought resistance (higher than in sycamore maple). Therefore, it is an interesting species for sites high in carbonates and where other native tree species have become devastated by pathogens (e.g., elm, ash). In Austria, the demand on saplings is currently rising, while there is only very little domestic reproductive material available (on average more than 95% of saplings are imported from neighboring countries). This study was undertaken to identify genetic diversity and population structure of Norway maple in Austria to lay the foundation for the establishment of respective in situ and ex situ conservation measures. In addition, samples from planted stands and imported reproductive material from other countries were included to study the anthropogenic influence on the species in managed forests. We used 11 novel microsatellites to genotype 756 samples from 27 putatively natural Austrian populations, and 186 samples derived from two planted stands and five lots of forest reproductive material; in addition, 106 samples from other European populations were also genotyped. Cross species amplification of the new markers was tested in 19 Acer species from around the world. Population clustering by STRUCTURE analysis revealed a distinct pattern of population structure in Austria and Europe, but overall moderate differentiation. Sibship analysis identifies several populations with severe founding effects, highlighting the need for proper selection of seed sources of sufficient genetic diversity in the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Inbreeding in seed orchards is expected to increase with the advancement of breeding cycles, which results in the delivery of crops with suboptimal genetic gain, reduced genetic diversity, and lower seed set. Here, a genetic distance-dependent method for clonal spatial deployment in seed orchards was developed and demonstrated, which reduced the inbreeding levels. The method’s main evaluation parameter of inbreeding is the genetic distance among individuals and the deployment method used an improved adaptive parallel genetic algorithm (IAPGA) based on Python language. Using inbreeding-prone Chinese Mongolian pine breeding population material originating from a single natural population, the proposed method was compared to a traditional orchard design and a distance-based design; namely, complete randomized block (RCB) and optimum neighborhood (ONA) designs, respectively. Results With the advancement of selective breeding cycles, group separation among orchard related individuals is expected to increase. Based on the genetic distance among individuals, the IAPGA design was superior in significantly reducing the inbreeding level as compared to the two existing designs, confirming its suitability to advanced-generation orchards where relatedness among parents is common. In the 1st, 2nd, and mixed generations clonal deployment schemes, the IAPGA design produced lower inbreeding with 87.22%, 81.49%, and 87.23% of RCB, and 92.78%, 91.30%, and 91.67% of ONA designs, respectively. Conclusions The IAPGA clonal deployment proposed in this study has the obvious advantage of controlling inbreeding, and it is expected to be used in clonal deployment in seed orchards on a large-scale. Further studies are needed to focus on the actual states of pollen dispersal and mating in seed orchards, and more assumptions should be taken into account for the optimized deployment method.

In Germany, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Franco) is seen as a valuable species for future cultivation in times of climate change. Local seed production in seed stands and seed orchards may secure that local adaptation is transferred to the next generation, but small population sizes could lower genetic diversity and thus future adaptability. Here we analyse the transfer of genetic diversity from parent to offspring generation in four older German seed orchards. We detected low pollen contamination rates due to high levels of spatial isolation. Even with a relatively low number of 40 clones, seed orchard design with randomized and repeated planting of clones led to low selfing rates, and despite uneven parental contributions, the number of successful parents and the level of genetic intermixture were high enough to allow the transfer of an adequate part of the genetic diversity to the next generation. Larger numbers, however, might be needed to reliably conserve the entire genetic diversity over succeeding generations. Conclusions on the establishment of future seed orchards and regarding areas requiring further research are drawn at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosopis alba (Leguminosae) is an important species from ecologic and economical points of view in arid and semi-arid regions of Argentina. In several open-pollinated species, pollen contamination from off-orchard parents and selfing have been proven to reduce orchard seed quality. In 2002, the first clonal orchard of Prosopis alba was established in Fernández (Santiago del Estero, Argentina) with 12 trees phenotypically selected from a progeny trial, based on height, pod production per year and pod sweetness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mating patterns and pollen contamination rate in the orchard using ten SSR markers and paternity analysis. All the clones together with the progeny of a single clone (open-pollinated seeds) were genotyped. Data was processed by two different methods based on likelihood and Bayesian approaches, respectively. A high consistency (89%) of results was observed between the two methods, and pollen contamination rate was estimated between 27% and 37%. The minimum number of different pollen donors per mother plant varied from three to five and selfing occurrence was low (

The genetic diversity and mating status of seed production stands are crucial factors impacting the genetic quality and ecological stability of progeny plantations. The genetic homogeneity of seeds collected from a seed production population in different years has not yet been clearly described. In this study, the genetic diversity and differentiation of a seed-tree stand of 58-year-old Pinus massoniana (P1959) and four-open pollinated plantations of its progeny (OS1996, OS2000, OS2006 and OS2015) were determined by using microsatellite markers. The results showed that similar high genetic diversity was preserved in the seed-tree stand and its four progenies. This implied that current artificial seed harvesting from the seed-tree stand for reforestation does not lead to a significant reduction in genetic diversity; the F index across most loci was significantly greater than zero, indicating population homozygote excess. The pairwise genetic differentiation of the five populations ranged from 0.035 to 0.075, among which OS2015 was the most differentiated from the parent. The differentiation between the parental population and its progeny seemed to increase with increasing age of the seed-trees. This implied that a limited pollination coupled with variable within-stand pollen availability has created opportunities for both self- and foreign pollination to be successful in various periods, resulting in a seemingly paradoxical scenario of both high selfing and gene flow, ultimately resulting in gradually increasing differences in the gene frequency composition between the parental population and its progeny. Management considerations in addressing these problems in similar seed production stands were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) is one of the most economically important and widely distributed forest species in China. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of masson pine germplasms has crucial significance to effective collection, conservation, and utilization of the resource. In the present study, we explored the characteristics of the genetic diversity (H) and genetic structure between three typical seed orchards in South China and revealed the degree of genetic differentiation between different economic superior traits by 24 EST-SSR molecular markers. All the loci were polymorphic and showed several alleles per locus with a mean of 6 alleles and 168 rare alleles in the population. The mean value of polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.7011, which indicated that the markers were informative. There were moderate genetic differentiation and genetic diversities (H) among the masson pine subpopulations. Most of the genetic variation existed within the population, and only a small part existed among the populations. However, although the genetic differentiation among populations only accounted for a small part, significant differences in pairwise genetic differentiation in different subpopulations occurred. And the estimated value of the migration coefficient indicated a low gene flow in our populations. STRUCTURE analysis showed 3 clusters grouped similar to the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic (UPGMA) clustering and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The clusters were neither strictly classified by geographical region nor classified according to the traits, especially for the FG-NN group had a relatively pure structure. These results provided comprehensive information about the collection and protection of these valuable masson pine germplasm resources in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed production areas (SPAs) are critical infrastructure for ecological restoration, particularly in fragmented landscapes where wildland seed crops are unavailable or wildland harvest is unsustainable. SPAs are useful for a wide range of species that are amenable to cultivation. Despite increasing research on SPAs, their value for biodiversity conservation has yet to be comprehensively described. Here, we highlight the key benefits of SPAs to biodiversity conservation. First, SPAs allow restoration to be conducted on a much greater scale than could be accomplished with wildland-harvested seed, thus protecting key biodiversity assets from harvest pressures. Second, the native seed production industry adds to the base of stakeholders who are invested in restoring and enhancing biodiversity. Third, SPAs provide novel opportunities for research and public exposure to native biodiversity. We also describe how cultivation can alter plant fitness compared to wildland plants, which acts as a multiplier to their conservation implications. SPAs could lead to two interrelated negative consequences that generate risks for taxonomic and genetic diversity at multiple scales: (1) SPAs can cause and multiply negative genetic legacies as a result of cultivation practices, and (2) SPA progenies can numerically and genetically dominate wildland plant populations. Nevertheless, SPA cultivation offers an opportunity to genetically diversify SPA-derived populations for success in restoration and enlarge the pool of species available for restoration, thus mitigating or solving some of these risks. Targeted government policies toward SPAs, additional research, and sound SPA management are necessary to minimize genetic risks and taxonomic redundancy, and also to maximize the conservation benefits of SPAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to provide excellent germplasm materials and theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of the first generation clonal seed orchard of Pinus armandi Franch. [ Method ]Taking the six provenances of the first generation clonal seed orchard of Pinus armandi Franch. as the research objects, five phenotypic traits ( tree height, tree diameter at breast height ( abbreviated as DBH), volume, crown width and fruit cones) were studied by using the methods of variance analysis, variation analysis, multiple comparison, correlation analysis and comprehensive evaluation in order to explore the difference features and variation characteristics between and within these provenances of Pinus armandi Franch. [ Result] There were significant or extremely significant differences between and within these provenances for these phenotypic traits of the first generation clonal seed orchard of Pinus armandi Franch. The differences between the provenances were greater than those within the provenances. There were rich and diverse variations between and within these provenances for these phenotypic traits. The coefficient of variation within the provenances ( 13. 56 % ) was greater than the coefficient of variation between the provenances ( 1. 75 % ) . And the average differentiation coefficient between the provenances was 10. 89 % . The variation within the proveinances was the main source of variation in the seed orchard of Pinus armandi Franch. Among the five phenotypic traits, the coefficient of variation of the fruit cones was the largest ( 130. 45 % ), and the coefficient of variation of the crown width was the smallest ( 22. 29 % ) . The coefficient of variation of the provenance traits was the highest ( 58. 64 % ) from Yi!-iang, and the coefficient of variation of t he provenance traits was the smallest ( 42. 92 % ) from N anhua. There was a significanly positive correlation between the tree heights of the provenances and the latitudes of origin places. And the tree diameter at breast height, volumes, crown widths and fruit cones were extremely significantly positive correlation with the latitudes of origin places. There were extremely significantly positive correlations between volume and tree height, tree diameter at breast height, crown width, fruit cones. And the fruit cones were extremely significantly positive correlation with tree height, tree diameter at breast height, volume, crown width. After multiple comparisons and comprehensive evaluations, the N anhua provenance was initially identified as the best provenance in the seed orchard. [ Conclusion] There were good growth and fruiting in the first generation clonal seed orchard of Pinus armandi Franch. Furthermore, the repetitive power of each trait was high and the genetic improvement potential was large. Through the construction of genetically determined forests, the provenances, clones and individual plants were re-selected at multiple levels in the seed orchard. And steady progress in the construction of the high generation seed orchard could achieve the goals of high yield, high quality and high efficiency in the seed orchard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of Haloxylon ammodendron located in the seed orchard of Yazd province, Iran, using REML method and repeatability model. For this purpose, among the stands of black saxaul in Yazd province, several rootstocks with suitable appearance, desirable quality, the relative balance between crown and trunk, resistance to pests and diseases selected and their seeds were sown in nursery, and the seedling were planted in the field based on a completely randomized design with unequal replications, 6 to 20 seedlings. The genotypes of each rootstock were planted on rows at 6-m intervals. Data collected and genetic parameters estimated for seedling traits as tree height, canopy expansion, trunk diameter, number of sub-branches, and freshness. Data were analyzed of variance using REML method, two different repeatability, and non-repeatability models. The results based on both models showed that the highest heritability was related to tree height. But these estimates between two methods were different so that, the genetic correlations and heritability values in the repeatability model were significantly lower than that for non-repeatability model. Repeatability was estimated based on the intragroup correlation between two independent variables on individuals and expressed as the ratio of differences between individuals to the existing phenotypic differences. Based on the results, the repeatability of the most traits was high. This result enables breeders to make good decisions about keeping rootstocks in the seed orchard during the growth stage in the early years. Finally, it was concluded that the repeatability model, could estimate moderate heritability for all of traits, which is more in line with the reality and quantitative nature of the studied traits and they could be mare affected by the environment factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the research was the vegetative multiplication of the narrow-crowned Norway spruce (Picea abies f. pendula), by grafting, in order to establish a seed orchard. The purpose of cloning the narrow-crowned spruce started from the fact that, in the research carried out in previous years, its superiority was highlighted (larger dimensions, superior wood quality and better resistance to wind and snow) compared to the usual form of Norway spruce crown (pyramidal, pyramidalis variety). In two natural populations from the Apuseni mountains (Stâna de Vale and Izbuc), as well as in the comparative clonal Soveja, 20 pendula spruce trees / ramets were selected from which fresh scions were harvested. For grafting the narrow crown spruce, the following activities are necessary: preparation of rootstock seedlings, one year before grafting; selection of graft donor trees and harvesting scions; grafting; monitoring of grafted seedlings. Rootstock seedlings must have a minimum thickness of 7 mm. The optimal grafting period lasts from the time when the buds are very swollen and until the annual growth (light green) is visible. The scions must come from sexually mature plus trees, from the last year growth of branches, with welldeveloped, unharmed buds, and the thickness of the scions must be, in the grafting area, approximately equal to rootstock seedlings, but not greater. Scions harvesting must be done when the rootstock seedlings start growing, in order to avoid long-term storage of scions. The recommended grafting method for conifer seedlings is side-veneergrafting and involves the following activities: preparation of scions; choice and preparation of compatible rootstock seedlings; tight bonding of the two symbionts, using plasticized tape; covering the grafting area with wax; labelling (clone code) and separate storage on clones. Monitoring of the grafted seedlings, in the solarium and later in the nursery, involves performing all the necessary activities for their optimal development. Vegetative multiplication by grafting, using the side-veneer-grafting method, had a success rate of 48%, resulting in a number of 595 grafted seedlings related to 20 clones, enough to set up a seed orchard on an area of about 1.5 ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larvae of Strobilomyia flies (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) are serious pests in conifer-seed orchards because they feed on the seed inside the cones. Figitid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea) of Strobilomyia larvae in conifer cones are commonly reported but under various generic names. It is argued here that, across the entire Holarctic region, these figitids belong to Amphithectus and perhaps also to Sarothrus (Figitinae), but not to Melanips (Aspicerinae), contrary to some reports. We conclude that the identity of the commonly found figitid associated with conifer cones (Larix and Picea) in Europe and Asia is Amphithectus austriacus (Tavares, 1928) comb. n. This is most likely considering the original description and the host association, although the type specimen of Seitneria austriaca Tavares, 1928 is lost. This species name takes priority over the recently described Amphithectus coriaceus Paretas-Martinez & Pujade-Villar, 2013. Seitneria Tavares, 1928 becomes a new junior synonym of Amphithectus Hartig, 1840, and Amphithectus coriaceus Paretas-Martinez & Pujade-Villar, 2013 becomes a new synonym of Amphithectus austriacus (Tavares, 1928) comb. n.

Forest fragmentation in the Cerrado biome exposes the tree species Myracrodruon urundeuva to the risk of extinction. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate silvicultural characteristics related to wood quality, based on genetic parameters estimated in two M. urundeuva progenies from natural populations, assessed in Bauru-SP (PBAU) and Selvíria-MS (PSEL), 31 years after planting. The genetic parameters were estimated according to the REML/BLUP (Restricted maximum likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) method using a mixed linear model. The progeny tests detected genetic variation. In PSEL, more positive genetic correlations and a greater number of clusters were observed. Based on the heartwood/sapwood ratio, a higher genetic gain was predicted for PBAU, and for the basic wood density, the genetic gain of the populations was approximately the same. Consequently, the areas of the two progeny tests may be used as future seed orchards to ensure wood quality and long-term ex situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th e aim of the study was to determine the possibility of using SSR markers for assessing clonal identity of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) trees in seed orchards and determine the suitability of markers for the analysis of genetic diversity in populations of European larch in the Czech Republic. Total genomic DNA was extracted by DNA Plant Mini Kit (QIAGEN) from young needles taken from 218 sampled trees of two seed orchards. Samples were screened using thirteen selected polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers. Measuring of the size of amplification products was carried out using Applied Biosystems 3500 genetic analyser. Th e obtained data was analysed by statistical programs CERVUS and GenAlEx 6.503. 155 different alleles were detected at 13 loci of the 218 larch individuals from two seed orchards. By applying the 13 suitable markers to the 90 clones from model seed orchards we obtained multilocus genotypes (MLG). Th e obtained results illustrate the utility of the microsatellite loci for assessing spatial patterns of genetic diversity and for individual genotypes identification. 98.24% of the sampled trees could be assigned to the clones represented in the Bílovice seed orchard. Th e tested genetic loci were verified as highly polymorphic and could be further used for clonal identification and genetic diversity evaluation of European larch trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2009, deployment of full-sib families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) has gained prominence in the southeastern United States. To produce full-sib seed, a pollination bag is used to isolate female strobili from outside pollen contamination, and a known pollen is applied at the time of maximum female strobilus receptivity. The goal of this study was to compare prototype pollination bags made by PBS International to the industry standard kraft paper pollination bag with and without a support wire for female strobili survival and to assess their efficiency for mass production of controlled cross loblolly pine seed. A multiyear study compared 13 pollination bag types at more than nine seed orchard sites across the southeastern United States. There were significant differences among bag types for conelet survival at the time of bag removal that persisted until cone harvest 18 months later. Female strobili bagged in prototype PBS-I2 were over three times more likely to survive to cone harvest than strobili inside the traditional kraft pollination bag. Two of the PBS bag types had the highest estimated filled seed per bag. One PBS bag was faster to install and remove than the kraft paper bag with a support wire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rust fungi are obligate parasites, of plants, with complex and in many cases poorly known life cycles which may include host alteration and up to five spore types with haploid, diploid, and dikaryotic nuclear stages. This study supports that Thekopasora areolata, the causal agent of cherry‐spruce rust in Norway spruce, is a macrocyclic heteroecious fungus with all five spore stages which uses two host plants Prunus padus and Picea abies to complete its life cycle. High genotypic diversity without population structure was found, which suggests predominantly sexual reproduction, random mating and a high gene flow within and between the populations in Fennoscandia. There was no evidence for an autoecious life cycle resulting from aeciospore infection of pistillate cones that would explain the previously reported rust epidemics without the alternate host. However, within cones and scales identical multilocus genotypes were repeatedly sampled which can be explained by vegetative growth of the fertilized mycelia or repeated mating of mycelium by spermatia of the same genotype. The high genotypic diversity within cones and haplotype inference show that each pistillate cone is infected by several basidiospores. This study provides genetic evidence for high gene flow, sexual reproduction, and multiple infections of Norway spruce cone by the rust fungus T. areolata which expands the general understanding of the biology of rust fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat markers were used to analyze and evaluate the genetic diversity of Larix kaempferi in seed orchards, clarify the genetic basis of seed orchards, and provide a basis for the formulation of further breeding strategies and the sustainable development of genetic improvement. The results showed that in the population the average number of effective alleles(Ne) was 2.542, the average observed heterozygosity(Ho) was 0.578, the average expected heterozygosity(He) was 0.528, the average Shannon diversity index was 0.972, the average polymorphic information content index(PIC) was 0.485, and the genetic diversity of L. kaempferi seed orchards was high. Most of the loci in the population were consistent with HWE, and the inbreeding coefficient lines Fis and Fit were both negative. The population showed a slight heterozygote overabundance and no inbreeding recession. The results of genetic distance calculation, molecular variance analysis, as well as principal coordinates analysis indicated that the genetic differentiation between the populations was very small, mainly because of the frequent exchange of introduced species in different cultivation areas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larix olgensis is one of the most important timber species in Northeast China. Although L. olgensis seed orchards have been established for many years and some progeny tests have been conducted, studies of progeny performance and the selection of superior families are still lacking. These tests are important for upgrading and improvement of seed orchards. Here, we estimate the genetic variation for major economic traits between families to provide selection materials for the establishment of a second-generation seed orchard. This study examined 71 half-sib families and 2 control families of L. olgensis in the Xiyang forest seed orchard in Yongji County, Northeast China. We measured tree height, diameter at breast height, volume, branch angle, stem straightness degree and crown width of 4-year-old progeny. Genetic parameters for the studied traits were determined, and comprehensive analyses of multiple traits and breeding values were used for selection of superior families and individual trees within families. The results show that all these traits are significantly different (P < 0.01) among families where family variance was greater than environmental variance. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation ranged from 9.01% to 78.22% and from 1.81% to 39.20%, respectively. The heritability values of families and individual trees ranged from 0.663 to 0.959 and 0.034 to 0.983, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between investigated traits. Using the multiple-traits comprehensive evaluation method, seven families and 56 superior individual trees were selected. Selection of superior parents using breeding values for timber yield, stem quality and crown width as a proxy for planting density again resulted in the selection of seven superior families. We determined that the comprehensive multiple-traits evaluation approach is effective for selecting superior families and individual trees for the establishment of advanced second generation seed orchards. Families selected based on breeding value may be used as preferred parents for future hybridization breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ｉｎ ｏｒｄｅｒ ｔｏ ｃｌｅａｒ ｇｅｎｅｔｉｃ ｂａｃｋｇｒｏｕｎｄ ｏｆ ｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｔ ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅｓ Ｐｉｎｕｓ ａｒｍａｎｄｉｉ ｃｏｌｎｅｓ ｆｒｏｍ ｓｅｅｄ ｏｒｃｈａｒｄ ｉｎ Ｚｉｘｉ Ｍｏｕｎｔａｉｎ ｏｆ Ｃｈｕｘｉｏｎｇ Ｃｉｔｙꎬ Ｙｕｎｎａｎ Ｐｒｏｖｉｎｃｅꎬ ｔｈｅ ｎｅｅｄｌｅｓ ｏｆ ６０ ｃｌｏｎｅｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｔａｋｅｎ ｆｒｏｍ ｓｉｘ ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅｓ ｗｈｉｃｈ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｏ ｅｘｔｒａｃｔ ｔｏｔａｌ ＤＮＡ ｂｙ ｍｏｄｉｆｉｅｄ ＣＴＡＢ ｍｅｔｈｏｄꎬ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｇｅｎｅｔｉｃ ｄｉｖｅｒｓｉｔｙ ｗａｓ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｄ ｂｙ ＳＲＡＰ ｍｏｌｅｃｕｌａｒ ｍａｒｋｅｒｓ. Ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｗｅｒｅ ａｓ ｆｏｌｌｏｗｓ: (１) Ｆｉｆｔｅｅｎ ｐａｉｒｓ ｏｆ ｐｏｌｙｍｏｒｐｈｉｃ ＳＲＡＰ ｐｒｉｍｅｒｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｓｃｒｅｅｎｅｄ ｆｒｏｍ １００ ｐａｉｒｓ ｏｆ ｐｒｉｍｅｒ ｃｏｍｂｉｎａ- ｔｉｏｎｓ. Ａｆｔｅｒ ＳＲＡＰ-ＰＣＲ ａｍｐｌｉｆｉｃａｔｉｏｎꎬ ａ ｔｏｔａｌ ｏｆ １９４ ｌｏｃｉ ｗｅｒｅ ｏｂｔａｉｎｅｄꎬ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｐｅｒｃｅｎｔａｇｅ ｏｆ ｐｏｌｙｍｏｒｐｈｉｃ ｌｏｃｉ ＰＰＢ ＝ ８５.０５％ꎬ Ｎｅｉ′ｓ ｇｅｎｅ ｄｉｖｅｒｓｉｔｙ ｉｎｄｅｘ Ｈ ＝０.２３３ ７ꎬ Ｓｈａｎｎｏｎ􀆳ｓ ｉｎｆｏｒｍａｔｉｏｎ ｉｎｄｅｘ Ｉ ＝０.３４１ ９ꎬ ｇｅｎｅｔｉｃ ｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｔｉａｔｉｏｎ ｃｏｅｆｆｉ- ｃｉｅｎｔ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｐｏｐｕｌａｔｉｏｎ ＧＳＴ ＝０.３５５ ５. (２) Ｔｈｅ ｇｅｎｅｔｉｃ ｄｉｖｅｒｓｉｔｙ ｏｆ ６ ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅｓ ｏｆ Ｐ. ａｒｍａｎｄｉｉ ｗａｓ ｈｉｇｈꎬ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｇｅ- ｎｅｔｉｃ ｖａｒｉａｔｉｏｎ ｗａｓ ｍａｉｎｌｙ ｅｘｉｓｔｅｄ ｗｉｔｈｉｎ ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅｓ ｏｆ Ｐ. ａｒｍａｎｄｉｉ. Ｔｈｅ ｇｅｎｅｔｉｃ ｄｉｓｔａｎｃｅ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｔｈｅ Ｈｕｉｚｅ (ＨＺ) ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ Ｗｅｉｓｈａｎ (ＷＳ) ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅ ｗａｓ ｔｈｅ ｃｌｏｓｅｓｔ (Ｄ ＝ ０.０５０ １)ꎬ ｔｈａｔ ｔｈｅ Ｈｕｉｚｅ (ＨＺ) ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅ ａｎｄ Ｙｉｌｉａｎｇ (ＹＬ) ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅ ｗａｓ ｔｈｅ ｆａｒｔｈｅｓｔ (Ｄ ＝０.３６１ ８). (３) Ｔｈｅ ｃｌｕｓｔｅｒ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ ｓｈｏｗｅｄ ｔｈａｔ ｓｉｘ Ｐ. ａｒｍａｎｄｉｉ ｐｒｏｖｅ- ｎａｎｃｅｓ ｔｈｅｒｅ ｗｅｒｅ ｃｌａｓｓｉｆｉｅｄ ｉｎｔｏ ｔｈｒｅｅ ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｉｅｓ: Ｈｕｉｚｅ (ＨＺ) ａｎｄ Ｗｅｉｓｈａｎ (ＷＳ) ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｉｎ ｏｎｅ ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｙꎻ Ｃｈｕｘｉｏｎｇ (ＣＸ)ꎬ Ｎａｎｈｕａ (ＮＨ) ａｎｄ Ｙｉｌｉａｎｇ (ＹＬ) ｐｒｏｖｅｎａｎｃｅｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｓｅｃｏｎｄ ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｙꎻ Ｔｅｎｇｃｈｏｎｇ (ＴＣ) ｐｒｏｖｅ- ｎａｎｃｅ ｗａｓ ａ ｓｅｐａｒａｔｅ ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｙ. Ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｉｎｄｉｃａｔｅ ｔｈａｔ ｇｅｎｅｔｉｃ ｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｔｉａｔｉｏｎ ｉｎ Ｐ. ａｒｍａｎｄｉｉ ｃｌｏｎｅｓ ｆｒｏｍ ｓｅｅｄ ｏｒｃｈａｒｄ ｉｎ Ｚｉｘｉ Ｍｏｕｎｔａｉｎ ｏｆ Ｃｈｕｘｉｏｎｇ Ｃｉｔｙ ｈａｓ ａ ｈｉｇｈ ｌｅｖｅｌꎬ ａｎｄ ｉｔ ｃａｎ ｐｒｏｖｉｄｅ ｔｈｅｏｒｅｔｉｃａｌ ｉｎｆｏｒｍａｔｉｏｎ ａｎｄ ｐｒａｃｔｉｃａｌ ｇｕｉｄａｎｃｅ ｆｏｒ ｐａｒｅｎｔ ｓｅｌｅｃｔｉｏｎｓ ｄｕｒｉｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｃｒｏｓｓ ｂｒｅｅｄｉｎｇ ａｎｄ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｇｅｒｍｐｌａｓｍ ｒｅｓｏｕｒｃｅｓ ｏｆ Ｐ. ａｒｍａｎｄｉｉ ａｓ ｗｅｌｌ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic gains in forestry are often implemented by producing improved forest seeds in seed orchards. However, unwanted alien genotypes are often accidentally introduced into seed orchards, or genotypes are planted in incorrect locations, both of which can reduce genetic gains. Such errors can be detected using markers, mainly isoenzymatic proteins and microsatellite DNA. These markers differ in their sensitivity, meaning that they can yield different assessments of seed orchard genetic material even when plant material is identical. The main objective of this paper was to compare these two verification methods and their consequences for genetic improvement. Two uneven-aged Scots pine clonal seed orchards were analysed using sets of isoenzymatic and microsatellite loci identified in other studies. The statistical analysis allowed comparison of the actual architecture of seed orchards to the planned layout. The number of clones was also compared to the effective number of clones. The results of microsatellite DNA analysis indicate that misplaced ramets are present from 12.29% to 30.89% of the time. Errors had an impact on breeding efficiency by reducing the relative effective number of clones. Isoenzyme and microsatellite methods had different discriminatory powers, which affected the results of the study. This study indicates that seed orchards can contain large numbers of incorrectly identified individuals. Microsatellite DNA analysis is recommended over isoenzyme analysis for detecting such errors, as the former is a more sensitive analytical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change has mainly impacted the forest ecosystems in Europe. Today, it is not fully understood how these changes will affect the reproductive process of trees on seed orchards. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the growth, condition and reproductive function of Scots pine clones of Finnish origin after moving them to the southern direction of natural distribution area. Variability and seed productivity of 25-year-old clones of Scots pine of Finnish origin in the clonal seed orchard under climatic conditions of the central part of Ukraine (Vinnitsa region) was investigated. Grafted seedlings of Scots pine of Finnish origin were moved southward at a distance of over 1,500 km. Climatic conditions of Vinnytsia region, where the clones were displaced, differed by an increase in the mean and maximum temperatures by 3.3–3.6ºC, as well as an increase in the mean temperatures during the cold period and a rise in the minimum by 2.1–2.3ºC. The climate in the seed orchard location was characterized by the most significant increase in the mean temperatures in April and May (5.3–5.8ºC), which greatly influenced the intensity of the formation of microstrobili and macrostrobili. The ratio of precipitation to the amount of temperatures decreased more than twice. Analysis of the grafted trees' vitality of Finnish origin and seed progeny of the local population, estimation of their intensity (height, diameter), state (category of the state) and reproductive processes (intensity of formation of microstrobili and cones) was carried out on the clonal seed orchard. In conditions of climate change, most of the clones of Finnish origin were characterized by a higher intensity of flowering compared to the local population. Some clones of Finnish origin (E80 and E729) dominated the local population by the seed yield. According to a comprehensive analysis of vitality, the intensity of growth and reproductive capacity, the best clones of Finnish origin were E80, E1883 and E2254. Low adaptive ability was noted in the clones E2312, K634 and K801. According to the research results, it was found that changes in climatic conditions did not significantly affect the vitality, development and condition of the clones. There was observed intensification of the formation of microstrobili and cones. Seed viability and quality of Scots pine of Finnish origin obtained on seed orchards located in the southern conditions requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inbreeding in seed orchards is expected to increase with the advancement of breeding cycles, which results in the delivery of crops with suboptimal genetic gain, reduced genetic diversity, and lower seed set. Here, a genetic distance-dependent method for clonal spatial deployment in seed orchards was developed and demonstrated, which reduced the inbreeding levels. The method's main evaluation parameter of inbreeding is the genetic distance among individuals and the deployment method used an improved adaptive parallel genetic algorithm (IAPGA) based on Python language. Using inbreeding-prone Chinese Mongolian pine breeding population material originating from a single natural population, the proposed method was compared to a traditional orchard design and a distance-based design; namely, complete randomized block (RCB) and optimum neighborhood (ONA) designs, respectively. Results: With the advancement of selective breeding cycles, group separation among orchard related individuals is expected to increase. Based on the genetic distance among individuals, the IAPGA design was superior in significantly reducing the inbreeding level as compared to the two existing designs, confirming its suitability to advanced-generation orchards where relatedness among parents is common. In the 1st, 2nd, and mixed generations clonal deployment schemes, the IAPGA design produced lower inbreeding with 87.22%, 81.49%, and 87.23% of RCB, and 92.78%, 91.30%, and 91.67% of ONA designs, respectively. Conclusions: The IAPGA clonal deployment proposed in this study has the obvious advantage of controlling inbreeding, and it is expected to be used in clonal deployment in seed orchards on a large-scale. Further studies are needed to focus on the actual states of pollen dispersal and mating in seed orchards, and more assumptions should be taken into account for the optimized deployment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present research consisted in the comparative analysis of the growth performances, stability and survival rate for the open-pollinated families and the hybrids obtained by controlled pollination (in a complete diallel and factorial diallel mating design) of Norway spruce trees with narrow crown (pendula form) and pyramidal crown (pyramidalis variety, the classic form), in the Comandău experiment, at age of 24 years. The results obtained by consanguineous and heterozygotes were compared with the average values of the form/ variety from which they derived. The results were compared with the previous one, registered at age of 10 year. Hybrids that relate integrally (P x P) or only maternal (P x N) to the narrow-crown spruce (pendula) have higher stability than the common spruce (pyramidalis), by: smaller crown diameters, fewer number of branches in the whorl and also thinner branches, which reduces the amount of snow in the crown canopy, avoiding the breaks caused by wind and snow. The pendula and pyramidalis consanguineous recorded average values lower with 24 - 34% for the breast height diameter and trees height, compared to the trial average, while the survival rate was lower than the average with 51% for the pendula and with 83% for the pyramidalis trees. Slightly more than half of the families and hybrids noted at the age of 10 years remain at the top of the rankings made at age of 24 years, both for the diameter at breast height and for the trees height, which indicates the possibility of early selection. This fact was also confirmed by the positive and very significant values of the age-to-age correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]