Open access publications in the SLU publication database

Abstract

Seed orchards are a cost-efficient way to increase future forest production. This thesis summarizes and discusses the results of eleven studies developing models and evaluating real seed orchard data to improve seed orchard management in Pinus sylvestris L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. When establishing a new seed orchard, not much emphasis should be put on selecting clones with high fertility, since variation in female fertility was found to be rather low and difficult to forecast. For considering active life time of a seed orchard, the possible genetic improvement is an important factor, but there are other factors such as seed production and seed harvest cost that have to be considered as well. The age at which replacement is justified seems to be 30 years for Pinus sylvestris, and 40 years for Picea abies. The age becomes shorter if forest owners are willing to pay more for genetically better reproductive material. It is suggested that advanced-generation seed orchards in Sweden should contain 20-25 tested clones, with ramets deployed linearly with respect to breeding value, for an effective number of 15-18 clones. Even considering the complication that outcrossing pollen is more effective than selfing; the linear deployment concept is close to optimal. The linear deployment algorithm was applied to genetic thinning of two orchards, combining desires for high gain and conservation of gene diversity. The harvesting of cones can often be started as soon as significant amounts of cones develop (typically by age eight in Pinus sylvestris), but if contaminating pollen changes the adaptability of the harvested seed, harvest may be postponed until levels of orchard pollen increase or the use of the seeds modified. Around one quarter of the seed production occurred in the top level of the crown, half in the middle, and one quarter in the bottom. A yield of 9 kg seed per hectare is possible in Pinus sylvestris seed orchards. The cone harvest is a dominating cost which has consequences for management, e.g., orchards should be pruned in order to reduce tree height and thus lower harvesting costs.