The New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council is 20 years old

Abstract

Applied breeding programs in New Brunswick have been coordinated for the past 20 years by the New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council. First-generation programs for black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) consisted of seedling seed orchards and open-pollinated family tests, in contrast to those of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) and tamarack (Larix laricina [Du Roi] K.Koch), which were clonal seed orchards and control-pollinated progeny tests. Production from the seed orchards has been regular and heavy. In only 15 years, most reforestation stock was being grown from orchard seed. Early results from black spruce and jack pine realized gain tests indicate increases of 12 to 20% in volume growth by using genetically improved seed. This is double the prediction that was made when the program started. Stem straightness of jack pine trees has been improved by 25%. Second-generation programs of black spruce and jack pine are well underway and production from these orchards is steadily increasing. Indications are that gains from using this seed will be substantial. An ongoing research and development program has contributed to a more effective breeding program, has increased seed production, and has given further insights into wood quality. The success of the Council's program is due to excellent participation and team work by government, university and industrial agencies and their long-term commitment. Key words: seed production, tree improvement, black spruce, white spruce, jack pine, tamarack