A Review of Forest Tree Seed Certification

Abstract

The bulk of forest tree seed required for artificial regeneration of forests in Canada is collected by provincial forest services or forest industries. The commercial collections and trading of tree seed is limited to British Columbia. Each agency sets its own standards for seed collection and lot identification, according to particular needs and species with which it deals.With increased emphasis on artificial reforestation in all provinces, control and improvement of quality and quantity of seed and seedlings used in reforestation are urgently required. Certification in conjunction with genetics and breeding has played a key role in improving agricultural crop yields but the same principles have not been applied to forestry practice until recently.As a result of increased awareness of the importance of seed origin and seed quality and their possible impact on future forests, current and contemplated tree improvement programs in nine of the ten provinces are progressing towards the production of improved seed for reforestation purposes. This is the first step in tree seed certification, and it is hoped that uniform certification standards will be adopted throughout Canada.