Metla Project 3457

Enhanced production and utilisation of genetically improved forest regeneration material

[  Suomeksi  |  Objectives  |  Project leader  |  Researchers  |  Publications  |  Metla Research  ]

Duration: 2007-2011   Keywords: artificial regeneration, forest tree breeding, genetic diversity, provenance, seed, sexual propagation, vegetative propagation
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

Genetically improved forest regeneration material is currently produced almost totally in seed orchards established specifically for this purpose. The success of forest regeneration and the growth rate of the stand, as well as the quality of the trees, can be improved by using genetically and physiologically high-quality seed from the seed orchards in forest regeneration. Adaptation of the trees to changing climatic conditions can also be attained through forest tree improvement and artificial forest regeneration. The aim of this research project is to enhance the production of forest regeneration material and, at the same time, to optimise the genetic gain and genetic diversity.

The project consists of three subprojects, which are targeted at questions related to the production and utilisation of forest regeneration material. The optimisation of seed production, genetic gain and diversity in seed orchards is studied with the aid of clone selection, number of clones, method of seed orchard establishment and treatment of the seeds. The possibility of using Norway spruce cuttings in forest regeneration is studied because there are currently difficulties in seed production, and also because of the potentially greater genetic gains obtained with this method. The results help in deciding whether the benefits are great enough to cover the higher costs of vegetative plant production. The growth results obtained from the provenance experiments will help in checking and developing further the regulations covering the utilisation areas of our main tree species. When the most suitable material is used in each forest regeneration area, the success of forest regeneration and the production of the future forest are improved. Definition of the utilisation areas of imported regeneration material is also studied because liberation of trading in forest regeneration material has increased its supply.

The materials used in the project consist mainly of the measurements made in the existing experiments and seed orchards.

Project leader: Nikkanen, Teijo
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Punkaharju Office, Finlandiantie 18, FI-58450 PUNKAHARJU, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 4226
E-mail: teijo.nikkanen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Mikola, Jouni (2007-08), Napola, Jaakko, HA (2007-11), Napola, Marja-Leena, HA (2007-11), Ruotsalainen, Seppo, PU (2007-11), Velling, Pirkko, VA (2008-11), Viherä-Aarnio, Anneli, VA (2008-11)


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Updated 02.02.2013
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