Breeding implications of juvenile selection in a range-wide black spruce provenance test

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 933-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Nienstaedt
Keyword(s):  
Large Range ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Simple Correlation ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Provenance Test ◽  
Full Complement ◽  
Growth Initiation ◽  
Growth Differences

Using 3-year heights, the tallest 49 provenances were selected in a nursery test of 110 black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) provenances. A field test of the selected provenances was planted in Wisconsin; two tests of 108 provenances, both in Minnesota. Characteristics evaluated in the nursery included heights after two, three, and five growing seasons, and growth initiation and cessation in the second and third growing season. Heights were measured in the field tests. Separate statistical analyses, ANOVA and simple correlation, were used for the full complement of provenances and for those that were selected. All nursery characteristics varied significantly; the correlations between latitude and height decreased with age, and were not significant after five season's growth. Differences among provenances in free growth may explain this. Selection at age 3 years was not effective; too many selection errors were evident in the test of the full complement of provenances. Early selection on the basis of heights and phenological characteristics is not an effective way of reducing large range-wide provenance tests to breeding populations.

Multivariate patterns of adaptive genetic variation and seed source transfer in Picea mariana

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Beaulieu ◽  
Martin Perron ◽  
Jean Bousquet
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Seed Transfer ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Provenance Test

A short-term retrospective test trial was carried out using 90 open-pollinated families representing 30 provenances of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) from Quebec. Seedlings were transplanted on three sites along a latitudinal gradient, and eleven growth and phenological traits were measured during the second and the third growing seasons. Analyses of variance indicated for most of the traits significant differences among provenances and families-within-provenances. Principal component analysis was used to summarize the variation observed among provenances into two principal components, which accounted for 79% of the total variation for all traits. Regression models developed to relate each trait and the principal component scores to geoclimatic variables explained between 55% and 86% of the variation observed among provenances. Variation in growth traits and phenological traits appeared to be related to geoclimatic factors. The models were validated using data from a range-wide provenance test, and relative risks associated with seed source transfer were estimated. The R2 values between the transfer risk and the provenance heights ranged from 0.02 to 0.58, whereas they were slightly lower for diameters. On average, the relative risks varied from 36% to 67%. Individual provenance values ranged from 4% to 94%. A geographic information system tool was designed to assist the forest managers in making seed transfer decisions.

scholarly journals The Difficulty of Predicting Eastern Spruce Dwarf Mistletoe in Lowland Black Spruce: Model Benchmarking in Northern Minnesota, USA

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 843
Author(s):  
Ella R. Gray ◽  
Matthew B. Russell ◽  
Marcella A. Windmuller-Campione
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Model Interpretation

Insects, fungi, and diseases play an important role in forest stand development and subsequently, forest management decisions and treatments. As these disturbance agents commonly occur within and across landscapes, modeling has often been used to inform forest planning and management decisions. However, models are rarely benchmarked, leaving questions about their utility. Here, we assessed the predictive performance of a Bayesian hierarchical model through on–the-ground sampling to explore what features of stand structure or composition may be important factors related to eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) presence in lowland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B. S. P.). Twenty-five state-owned stands included in the predictive model were sampled during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Within each stand, data related to the presence of eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe, stand structure, and species composition were collected. The model accurately predicted eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe occurrence for 13 of the 25 stands. The amount of living and dead black spruce basal area differed significantly based on model prediction and observed infestation, but trees per hectare, total living basal area, diameter at breast height, stand age, and species richness were not significantly different. Our results highlight the benefits of model benchmarking to improve model interpretation as well as to inform our understanding of forest health problems across diverse stand conditions.

scholarly journals Genome-wide shifts in climate-related variation underpin responses to selective breeding in a widespread conifer

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (10) ◽  
pp. e2016900118
Author(s):  
Ian R. MacLachlan ◽  
Tegan K. McDonald ◽  
Brandon M. Lind ◽  
Loren H. Rieseberg ◽  
Sam Yeaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Selective Breeding ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Cold Injury ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Growth Initiation

Locally adapted temperate tree populations exhibit genetic trade-offs among climate-related traits that can be exacerbated by selective breeding and are challenging to manage under climate change. To inform climatically adaptive forest management, we investigated the genetic architecture and impacts of selective breeding on four climate-related traits in 105 natural and 20 selectively bred lodgepole pine populations from western Canada. Growth, cold injury, growth initiation, and growth cessation phenotypes were tested for associations with 18,600 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in natural populations to identify “positive effect alleles” (PEAs). The effects of artificial selection for faster growth on the frequency of PEAs associated with each trait were quantified in breeding populations from different climates. Substantial shifts in PEA proportions and frequencies were observed across many loci after two generations of selective breeding for height, and responses of phenology-associated PEAs differed strongly among climatic regions. Extensive genetic overlap was evident among traits. Alleles most strongly associated with greater height were often associated with greater cold injury and delayed phenology, although it is unclear whether potential trade-offs arose directly from pleiotropy or indirectly via genetic linkage. Modest variation in multilocus PEA frequencies among populations was associated with large phenotypic differences and strong climatic gradients, providing support for assisted gene flow polices. Relationships among genotypes, phenotypes, and climate in natural populations were maintained or strengthened by selective breeding. However, future adaptive phenotypes and assisted gene flow may be compromised if selective breeding further increases the PEA frequencies of SNPs involved in adaptive trade-offs among climate-related traits.

Short-term Performance of Two Sulfonylurea Herbicides: Efficacy, Seedling Survival, and Growth

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-85
Author(s):  
Phillip E. Reynolds ◽  
Micheal J. Roden
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Silty Clay ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Survival Of Seedlings

Abstract Metsulfuron (ALLY or ESCORT), 36 and 72 g ai/ha (~ 0.5 and 1.0 oz ai/ac), and sulfometuron (OUST), 150, 300, and 450 g ai/ha (~ 2.1, 4.2, and 6.3 oz ai/ac), were applied to a northern New Brunswick clearcut (silty clay loam and silty clay soils) to reduce raspberry competition. Treatment, using skidder-mounted herbicide application equipment, occurred in May and August 1986, with planting of 2+2, bareroot, black spruce seedlings in June 1986 and in June 1987. Seedling survival and growth were measured yearly for 5 growing seasons after planting. By August 1991, raspberry cover was less in some treatments than in controls. Survival of seedlings planted 1 month after spring treatments was less than controls, and no significant stem volume increases were observed. Survival of seedlings planted approximately 1 yr after spring treatments was greater than that of control seedlings. Survival of seedlings planted after some summer treatments also was poor, and no significant stem volume increases were noted for seedlings planted after site preparation with sulfometuron. Optimal stem volume increases over control seedlings were observed for seedlings planted 1 yr after spring sulfometuron treatment. These increases occurred sooner than for seedlings planted 1 yr after spring metsulfuron treatment or after summer metsulfuron treatment. Fifth-year stem volume for these seedlings was correlated with raspberry cover (r² = 0.44), decreasing as raspberry cover increased. We conclude that the use of other less expensive silvicultural herbicides may provide equally effective raspberry control and better black spruce seedling survival and growth. North. J. Appl. For. 12(2):80-85.

scholarly journals Jack Pine Regeneration Following Postcut Burning under Seed Trees in Central Saskatchewan

1988 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Chrosciewicz
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Forest Regeneration ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Pine Regeneration ◽  
Slash Burning

An experimental burn in conjunction with a seed-tree system was successful in regenerating jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) on a fresh to somewhat moist upland, loamy till, cutover site in central Saskatchewan. About 20 well-formed, uniformly spaced seed trees per hectare were left standing during timber harvest. The ignition of logging slash was carried out under preselected weather and fuel conditions so that favorable seedbeds and adequate seed dispersal from the seed trees were produced. Four growing seasons after burning, jack pine stocking by 4-m2 quadrats was 90% with 12 195 seedlings/ha. Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), to a lesser degree black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.), and other companion tree species also regenerated with the pine. Various seedbed and regeneration characteristics as well as height growth rates are discussed. Key words: Pinus banksiana, slash burning, seed-tree system, forest regeneration, growth rates, central Saskatchewan.

Hybridization between Picearubens and Piceamariana: differences observed between montane and coastal island populations

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Bobola ◽  
Kimberly A. Hillenberg ◽  
Steve B. Gendreau ◽  
Robert T. Eckert ◽  
Anita S. Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Function ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Nuclear Ribosomal Dna ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Provenance Test ◽  
Chloroplast Haplotypes ◽  
Natural Stands ◽  
Hybridization And Introgression ◽  
Mount Washington

Foliage was collected from natural stands of montane and island red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) and black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP) to examine within- and among-population genetic variation. Samples were scored for frequencies of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) alleles, and mitochondrial and chloroplast haplotypes. Samples were classified as red spruce, black spruce, or hybrid using two molecular methods: a three-character discriminant function based on molecular markers or a three-character molecular index. These results were found to be highly congruent with classification based upon a discriminant function using morphological traits. Among montane populations, hybridization and introgression between red and black spruce did not appear to be a major factor in the observed patterns of variation on elevational transects on Mount Washington and Mount Lafayette, N.H. However, extensive hybridization and introgression were detected among populations on Isle au Haut, Maine. The Mount Lafayette population displayed low variation in rDNA alleles compared with populations on Mount Washington and a range-wide provenance test in Stewartstown, N.H.

Comparative responses of small mammals, vegetation, and food sources to natural regeneration and conifer release treatments in boreal balsam fir stands of Quebec

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1128-1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Gagné ◽  
Louis Bélanger ◽  
Jean Huot
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Rubus Idaeus ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Advance Regeneration

Abundance and species diversity of small mammals were compared among three regeneration methods used in boreal balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) forests. Those methods were natural regeneration after "careful logging" to retain advance regeneration and planting (black spruce, Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) followed by herbicide (Vision®) release or brushsaw cutting release. Deciduous vegetation was reduced for two growing seasons in both plantation types after treatment, and foliar arthropods decreased for one growing season. In herbicide-treated plantations, red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) shrub cover, near-ground vegetation, and production of berries were reduced for two growing seasons. After herbicide release, the abundance of the red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi (Vigors)) was significantly lowered for two growing seasons. This negative effect was associated with reduced cover during the first two post-treatment growing seasons. In the short term, herbicide-treated plantations constitute poorer red-backed vole habitats than brushsaw plantations. In early successional boreal balsam fir stands, planting did not markedly affect small mammals probably because natural regeneration was common in these plantations.

A provenance test of red spruce in nine environments in eastern Canada

1981 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. K. Morgenstern ◽  
A. G. Corriveau ◽  
D. P. Fowler
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
New Brunswick ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Introgressive Hybridization ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Southern Appalachian ◽  
Provenance Test ◽  
Seed Origin

Survival and total height of red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) at ages 15 and 22 years from seed are reported. Twelve provenances distributed from North Carolina to Quebec were grown in three experiments each in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick; seven additional provenances were only partially represented. Variance, correlation, and regression analyses were made. Results at both ages were very similar. Provenance differences in survival were small at individual sites and significant only when the results from all nine sites were combined. Provenance differences in height were well expressed and significant in each of the three groups of tests, with northern provenances growing best. Several provenances were also relatively stable and performed well from site to site. Correlation and regression analyses showed that variation in height was more closely related to the degree of introgressive hybridization with black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) than to latitude, elevation, or precipitation at the place of seed origin. These results were conditioned by development on open sites which are not typical red spruce sites.In contrast with expectations when the study was initiated, it is now apparent that provenances from the southern Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and North Carolina are less variable than expected and not suitable for reforestation in Canada.

scholarly journals Fine roots and ectomycorrhizal colonization in black spruce subjected to reductions in soil moisture

Botany ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Rossi ◽  
Éliane Couture ◽  
Xavier Plante ◽  
Hubert Morin
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Root Tips ◽  
Transparent Plastic ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Mature Stands

Growth and survival of boreal tree species depends on fungal symbionts, namely mycorrhizas. Owing to their rapid turnover, fine roots and their symbionts can be prompt and sensitive indicators of the effects of environmental changes on forest ecosystems. We investigated how a reduction in soil moisture influences the fine roots and ectomycorrhizas (ECM) of black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP] after 3 years of rain exclusion in four mature stands of the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada. Rain was excluded with transparent plastic under-canopy covers installed during the growing seasons 2010–2012. Soil moisture was strongly affected by the treatment, with water content being reduced from 40% to 21% on average. As expected, the experimental trees showed a decrease in the proportion of vital root tips and ECM with respect to controls. The proportion of vital ECM was also globally reduced from 73.8% to 68.6%, but the effects of the treatment were only significant in two sites. The expected drier conditions due to current warming will likely influence the presence of mycorrhizas, with potential consequences on the root vitality of boreal tree species.

scholarly journals (104) Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) Response to Nitrogen Rate and Timing in a Field Nursery

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1049C-1049
Author(s):  
Catherine Neal
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Calculated Data ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Fraxinus Pennsylvanica ◽  
Green Ash ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Bare Root ◽  
Growth Differences

Bare-root, 4-ft whips of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica `Marshall's Seedless') were planted in June 2001 in a randomized complete-block design with three trees per plot. An incomplete factorial design was used to test whether annual fertilizer rate and/or application dates affected growth. Treatments were fertilized from 0 to 4 times per year in mid-April, mid-June, mid-August, and/or mid-October. A rate of 1 lb of nitrogen (N)/1000 sq ft was used whenever fertilizer was applied to a plot. Each treatment received 0, 2, 3, or 4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year depending on the number of applications. Caliper, height, and terminal growth were measured annually for three growing seasons. At the end of seasons 2 and 3, one plant per plot was destructively harvested and processed to obtain dry weights of shoots and roots, and the shoot to root ratio was calculated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance with least square means contrasts. Treatment effects on top weights, root weights, and shoot to root ratios were nonsignificant. There were significant treatment differences for caliper and terminal growth in years 1 and 2, but not 3. A set of orthogonal contrasts was used to determine that the effect was due primarily to growth differences in plants receiving 2 vs. 3 or 4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year, but that 3 vs. 4 lbs made no difference. Another set of planned, but nonorthogonal contrasts was used to compare application date effects. Plants fertilized in June were greater in caliper and terminal growth in the first 2 years than plants not fertilized in June. There were nonsignificant effects of fertilizing vs. not fertilizing in late fall or early spring.

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