Metla Project 3272
Breeding of forest tree species
Duration: 2000-2001
Research Programme: Forest tree breeding
Objectives
The general objective of forest tree breeding is to produce planting material, which is well adapted on its range of utilization, climatic hardy, has good quality and is highly productive measured by timber production. Maintenance of genetic diversity in breeding and planting material is a very important aspect, too. Objectives of breeding are weighted differently for different tree species and differently in southern and northern part of the country. The objectives of breeding will be fulfilled based on the long term breeding program and by adapting the measures to fit the time schedule of the seed orchard program 1998-2020.
Results
Selection of the first generation plus trees of the main tree species has been practically fulfilled. Some need for selection still exists in aspen, oak and alder.
- Scots pine: The main and nucleus populations of first generation of the four southernmost breeding zones have mainly been compiled and selection of plus tree candidates for second generation continues. Crossing program of the trees of nucleus populations of these zones is on the way, too. One and half generation seed orchard program on Scots pine is accomplished as commercial projects with customers and proceeds according to the schedule.
- Norway spruce: Cutting propagation of Norway spruce has been started for candidate selection / sampling for the second generation. Norway spruce seed orchard program is fulfilled based on both grafts, cuttings and seedlings.
- European white birch:
- Aspen: : breeding is based mainly on species crossings and clonal selections from cross progenies. Clonal testing to find new promising clones and to propagate them for practical forestry continues.
- Oak, aldes and larch: With oak, alder and larch activities are aimed mainly at production of good and hardy material for planting.
See also project "Breeding of Forest Tree Species and planning of seed orchards".
Project leader:
Lepistö, Martti
Other researchers:
Beuker, Egbert, PU (2000-01), Hagqvist, Risto, VA (2000-01), Hahl, Juhani, VA (2000-01), Napola, Jaakko, VA (2000-01), Napola, Marja-Leena, VA (2000-01), Ruotsalainen, Seppo, PU (2000-01), Venäläinen, Martti, PU (2000-01)
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Updated 12.06.2012
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