Pollination and cone morphology affect cone and seed production in lodgepole pine seed orchards

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N Owens ◽  
Jordan Bennett ◽  
Sylvia L'Hirondelle
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Seed Orchards ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Orchard Management ◽  
Cone Development ◽  
Pollen Cone ◽  
Developmental Features

We describe the phenology and mechanisms of pollen-cone and seed-cone development in lodgepole pine in the interior of British Columbia and the methods for monitoring cone phenology, pollination, seed production, and causes of seed and cone losses in seed orchards over the 15-month reproductive cycle. Pollination lasted about 2 weeks, between mid-May and mid-June. Pollen shedding and female receptivity showed homogamy, protandry, or protogyny depending on weather, site, and year. Morphological and developmental features explain why pollination as early as stage 3 was most successful and why self-pollination led to a seriously reduced production of filled seed. Early pollination increased the seed potential per cone and consequently the filled seed per cone. Cone drop occurred when less than 80% of ovules were pollinated per cone and was higher in trees from Prince George than those in the Okanagan Valley. Misting of trees and mechanical blowing of pollen in the orchards did not increase filled seed per cone. Clonal effect was the most important factor in all trials and has implications for orchard management.

DISTRIBUTION AND IMPACT OF LEPTOGLOSSUS OCCIDENTALS HEIDEMANN (HEMIPTERA: COREIDAE) IN SEED ORCHARDS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

1996 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 1065-1076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzie E. Blatt ◽  
John H. Borden
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Pseudotsuga Menziesii ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Seed Orchards ◽  
Threshold Levels ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Leptoglossus Occidentalis

AbstractLeptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is considered to be an important cone and seed pest in seed orchards in British Columbia; however, no impact studies have been done in Canada. Surveys to determine the distribution of L. occidentalis were conducted over a 3-year period in three coastal seed orchards of Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, and over a 2-year period in two seed orchards of lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelmann. Leptoglossus occidentalis was found to distribute itself in patches, coinciding with a clonal preference. Seed losses were assessed for 2 years in the coastal Douglas-fir orchards and for 1 year in one lodgepole pine orchard. The percentages of partially filled seed that could have been caused by feeding of L. occidentalis or by a number of other factors were < 5% in coastal Douglas-fir for both 1992 and 1993 and ~14% in lodgepole pine in 1993. Apparently because populations of L. occidentalis were low, there was no correlation between the percentage of partially filled seed and number of insects per tree. Except in unusual circumstances, management measures in Canada are judged not to be necessary as populations of L. occidentalis are consistently below the calculated threshold levels required to cause ≥5% loss in seed production.

Cone Production and Seed Yield of Lodgepole Pine Grafts

1985 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. C. Ying ◽  
J. C. Murphy ◽  
S. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Sharp Decline ◽  
Cone Production ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Pollen Cone ◽  
100 Seed Weight ◽  
Number Of Seeds ◽  
Suitable Location

Cone production records over a 12-year period from two clonebanks (SCA and SK) indicate that Red Rock is a suitable location for lodgepole pine seed orchards for central interior British Columbia. Both seed and pollen cone production increased rapidly every year and reached their peak in 1982, 10 years after their establishment; a sharp decline occurred in 1983, but cone production recovered to the 1982 level in 1984, On an average, in 1982, the two clonebanks produced 237 seed cones and 186 pollen cones per living graft. Clonal differences were large, and a good cone producer continued to produce more cones year after year. Regular pollen cone production lagged behind seed cone production by about 5 years. Clones from the Yukon and northern British Columbia started to produce seed cones earlier than those of more southern origins; but the latter, despite being less precocious, eventually outproduced the northern ones. Southward transfer of lodgepole pine grafts is not necessarily beneficial to cone production. Average mature cone length was 41 mm, width 24 mm, and weight 7.1 g; average number of seeds per cone was 23 and 100-seed weight was 0.4 mg. Clonal differences were also large for these traits. Key Words: lodgepole pine, clonebank, seed cone, pollen cone, central British Columbia.

Cone and seed development in a wind-pollinated, western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla) clone bank

1990 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1432-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Colangeli ◽  
John N. Owens
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Ovule Abortion ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Cone Development ◽  
Empty Seed ◽  
Pollen Cone

Seed and seed-cone development were observed in a wind-pollinated western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) clone bank in 1983 and 1986. Seed efficiency, the number of filled seed per cone divided by the seed potential, averaged 64% for 58 wind-pollinated clones in 1983 and 20% for 38 clones in 1986. Based on anatomical observations and cone dissections, seed losses resulted from pre- and post-pollination ovule abortion, insufficient pollen, no fertilization, and embryo degeneration. Prepollination ovule abortion, identified by small, flat seed in mature cones, contributed to 11 and 14% reduction in filled-seed yield in 1983 and 1986, respectively. Full-sized but empty seed (lacking an embryo) accounted for 25 and 66% reduction in potential seed yield in the 2 years, respectively. In 1983, 98% of the clones bore a pollen-cone crop compared with 53% in 1986. Lack of fertilization resulting from a limited pollen supply was believed to be the main cause for the lower filled-seed yield in 1986. The effect of wind and controlled (cross-) pollination on filled-seed production was determined for 16 clones in 1983. Seed efficiency after wind and cross-pollination averaged 65 and 69%, respectively. Seed potential averaged 34 and 31 ovules per cone for the wind- and cross-pollinated cones, respectively. Prepollination ovule abortion averaged 12 and 14%, respectively. From anatomical observations, the full-sized but empty seed resulted from lack of fertilization and embryo degeneration. The different factors affecting final filled-seed yield are discussed in terms of their effect on seed production.

scholarly journals Fungal colonizers and seed loss in lodgepole pine orchards of British Columbia

Botany ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-33
Author(s):  
Paul Y. de la Bastide ◽  
Jonathon LeBlanc ◽  
Lisheng Kong ◽  
Terrie Finston ◽  
Emily M. May ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Seed Loss ◽  
Natural Range ◽  
Fungal Microbiome ◽  
Host Tissues

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) is an important lumber species in Canada, and seed orchards are expected to meet the increased demand for seed. However, seed production has been consistently low in the Okanagan region orchards of British Columbia, Canada. To determine whether the fungal microbiome contributes to seed loss, histological and molecular approaches were used. Seed production was studied at seven Okanagan orchards, all outside the natural range of lodgepole pine, and at one near Prince George, within its natural range. Seed losses were highest in the Okanagan, compared with Prince George. The role of fungal colonizers in consuming seed during the last stages of maturation is described. Fungal hyphae were frequently observed at all locations in developing seed, particularly once storage substances accumulated. Fungi identified from host tissues using molecular and morphological techniques included Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Sydowia. The opportunistic foliar pathogen Sydowia polyspora, which is known to have a variable biotrophic status, was detected at most orchards within different host tissues (seeds, needles, and conelets), in association with pollen, and in the air column. Reduced seed viability observed in Okanagan orchards is most likely due to a combination of factors, including composition of the fungal microbiome.

The pollination mechanism and development after bud burst of cones of Larix laricina

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1179-1187 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Powell ◽  
Kathleen J. Tosh
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Larix Laricina ◽  
Bud Burst ◽  
Scale Growth ◽  
Pollination Mechanism ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Cone Development ◽  
Micropylar Canal ◽  
Pollen Cone

Pollen-cone and seed-cone development, from bud burst to maturity, was investigated on Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch in three young plantations. The pollination mechanism was emphasized. Pollen cones grew rapidly to shed pollen, shrivelled, and remained on the trees for a year or more. Pollen was directed to the ovular regions by the bracts of the seed cones. Pollen adhered among papillae on the larger of two integument extensions. Degeneration of the centre of the papillate integument tip caused a collapse that drew pollen in as the papillate rim grew inward. This ingrowth was joined by that of the smaller integument extension, resulting in a sealed tubular structure that enclosed a dry micropylar canal. Pollen was held by the ingrown plug of degenerated tissue as the nucellus tip expanded into the base of the canal. As this occurred, the ovules, with or without pollination, grew to ultimate seed size, and the initially small ovuliferous scales overgrew the bracts. First bract, then ovuliferous-scale growth was associated with a double-sigmoid form of cone elongation. In mature cones the bracts decreased and the ovuliferous scales (except near the tip) increased in size acropetally. Key words: bract, integument, ovuliferous scale, pollen cone, seed cone, tamarack or eastern larch.

Cone initiation and development before dormancy in yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)

1974 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 2075-2084 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N. Owens ◽  
Marje Molder
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Activity ◽  
Lateral Branch ◽  
Leaf Primordia ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Cone Development ◽  
Cone Apex ◽  
Lateral Branches ◽  
Pollen Cone

Vegetative shoots initiate leaves and lateral branches continuously from mid-April until the end of September. No buds with bud scales are formed and the vegetative apex is enclosed by leaf primordia at various stages of development. Pollen cones are initiated on proximal vegetative shoots during a 3-week period from mid-June to early in July. Transition to a pollen-cone apex is marked by an increase in mitotic activity in the apex and by the formation of a lateral branch in the axil of one of the last-formed leaf primordia, causing the apex to appear to branch dichotomously. The lateral branch remains at the base of the pollen cone and may resume growth the next year after the pollen cone is shed. Pollen-cone development continues until the end of September. Meiosis occurs during the last 2 weeks of August, and pollen develops during September. Seed cones are initiated on newly formed, distal axillary vegetative shoots during a 3-week period from late June to mid-July. Transition to a seed-cone apex is marked by an increase in mitotic activity followed by bract-scale initiation. Usually three ovules are initiated in the axil of each bract scale. Seed-cone development is complete by early September and the seed cones become dormant. The pattern of reproduction in yellow cedar is compared to other conifers and the possible relationships are discussed between time of cone initiation, sexuality of cones, and day length.

Hormonal enhancement of cone production in Douglas-fir grafts and seedlings

1979 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
George S. Puritch ◽  
Eleanor E. McMullan ◽  
Michael D. Meagher ◽  
Clarence S. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Naphthaleneacetic Acid ◽  
Viable Seed ◽  
Seed Orchards ◽  
Cone Production ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Pollen Cone ◽  
Production Response

Gibberellic acid (GA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were applied alone and in combination to both girdled and nongirdled branches of Douglas-fir in four seed orchards (two containing seedlings and two containing grafts). GA significantly increased seed-cone buds and cones and caused a nonsignificant increase in pollen-cone buds. Cone production was not significantly affected by girdling or the application of NAA. Trees treated with the combination of GA + NAA responded similarly to those treated with GA alone. Cone production response to GA varied according to the orchard locations, with better response in the normally more productive orchards. The percentage of trees flowering was increased by GA. Hormone treatments had no effect on seeds per cone but they significantly reduced filled seed per cone. Owing to increased cone number, however, the GA treatments greatly increased the yield of viable seed. NAA increased the percentage of seed germinating and the rate of seed germination, while GA had no effect.

Reproductive growth and development in seven provenances of lodgepole pine

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor O'Reilly ◽  
John N. Owens
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Reproductive Growth ◽  
Bud Development ◽  
Cone Production ◽  
Growth Increments ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
Cone Development ◽  
Pollen Release ◽  
The Times ◽  
Pollen Cone

Reproductive growth and development were studied in 1983 in seven provenances of Pinuscontorta Dougl. ssp. latifolia Engelm. growing in a provenance trial near Prince George, B.C. Stages of pollen release and seed-cone receptivity were scored by indices of cone development. Pollen- and seed-cone numbers were estimated and the distribution of seed cones within the upper crown and on annual growth increments of fourth-whorl branches was assessed. Pollen-and seed-cone bud development was followed in sectioned long-shoot buds taken at 2- to 3-week intervals. The times of maximum seed-cone receptivity and pollen release differed slightly among provenances, indicating that there was a high chance of cross-pollination. Differences among provenances in pollen-cone numbers were large, but smaller differences in seed-cone numbers were noted. No mature pollen cones or developing pollen-cone buds were found in the Yukon provenance. Seed-cone production varied with whorl position and was influenced by polycyclic long-shoot development. Potential pollen-cone buds were initiated from May until late June. Pollen cones first differentiated in early to mid July in all provenances. Potential seed-cone apices were noted from mid-June to late July and differentiation occurred in mid-July to early August, depending on provenance. Seed-cone bud development began first in the northern provenances.

Feeding by Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera: Coreidae) reduces seed set in lodgepole pine (Pinaceae)

2001 ◽  
Vol 133 (6) ◽  
pp. 857-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ward B. Strong ◽  
Sarah L. Bates ◽  
Michael U. Stoehr
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Seed Orchards ◽  
Leptoglossus Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Exclusion ◽  
Filled Seeds ◽  
Water Treated Control

AbstractLow seed set is a serious problem in seed orchards of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelmann) in the southern interior of British Columbia. We tested the hypothesis that Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann is responsible for the low seed set. Cones enclosed in insect exclusion bags as part of a pollination experiment produced significantly more filled seeds per cone than cones that were not bagged. In a separate bagging experiment, cones that were enclosed with a L. occidentalis female and her progeny produced only about one filled seed per cone, compared with about 28 seeds in bagged control cones. Changes in microclimate associated with the use of bags did not appear to be responsible for the observed increase in seed set in bagged cones. Leptoglossus occidentalis was also excluded from trees using the insecticide fenvalerate. Cones on fenvalerate-treated trees produced > 11 filled seeds per cone, whereas water-treated (control) cones produced < 1.7 filled seeds. These data suggest that L. occidentalis should be considered a serious pest in lodgepole pine seed orchards.

scholarly journals Clonal variation in cone and seed production in black and white spruce seed orchards and management implications

1996 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 475-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory W. Adams ◽  
Hartmut A. Kunze
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Clonal Variation ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Seed Orchards ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Orchard Management

Variation in cone and seed production across a range of clones in black and white spruce seed orchards was investigated in 1994. The purpose was to develop production information to be used with knowledge of orchard management practices to capture genetic gain more efficiently and improve clonal balance in orchard seedlots. Bulk cone collections were made from ten randomly selected trees for each of 48 clones and 60 clones of white spruce and black spruce, respectively. The average number of cones tree−1 was determined for each clone. Seeds were extracted and average seeds tree−1, seeds cone−1 and seeds g−1 were determined for each clone. Clones were ranked by cone and seed production and significant variation existed between the two ranks. For white spruce, a strong positive correlation was found between number of cones tree−1 and number of seeds, but the same was not found for black spruce, largely because some of the heaviest cone bearing clones produced lower amounts of sound seed. For both species, clones which produced more cones tree−1 tended to produce fewer seeds per cone and the seed was smaller than clones with more moderate levels of cone production. Clonal balance in cone and seed production is discussed with respect to practical orchard management options. Key words: clonal variation, cone and seed production, seed orchard, black spruce, white spruce

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