The status and potential of using controlled parentage in operational reforestation in New Brunswick

Abstract

Tree improvement programs began in New Brunswick in the 1970s, and, by the early 1990s, most of the seed used in reforestation was from seed orchards. Initial research such as fertilizer trials and other flower induction methods focussed on increasing seed orchard yields. Trials have also been established to investigate parental contribution to seed orchard production. As the New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council breeding programs advance into the second generation, two new approaches have been developed to capture genetic gain more efficiently. The use of controlled breeding followed by vegetative multiplication of black spruce has been adopted operationally by J.D. Irving, Limited, and a jack pine meadow orchard has been established by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy. This paper presents an overview of these programs and the future challenges of using controlled parentage in operational reforestation stock production.