Tree Improvement Cycle Creating a Better Tree

Tree Improvement Application of knowledge to produce superior trees Improvement can be made in: -Trees’ growth rate -Disease resistance -Stem, wood and/or fiber quality

Tree Selection Find “good” trees Collect their seeds or take cuttings Cross bred them Test the offspring Select the best of the offspring Repeat Easy?

What is a “good” tree? Crown: Narrow; Short vs. height of tree; healthy Branches: small diameter Stem: Straight; low taper; high volume vs. neighbors; disease and/or insect resistant; high quality wood

Selection Select trees in natural stands based on physical characteristics; superior growth, form, reduce disease and/or insect damage.

Collect seeds or take grafts To preserve the genetic material, seeds of the selected tree or twigs are collected to graft on to root stock.

Test Offspring Testing involves growing seedlings of each parent and comparing them to other selected seedlings to determine the capability of the parents to pass on their genetic superiority.

Breeding Breeders isolate young flowers of parent trees so that unwanted pollen can not contaminate the tree.

Seed Orchard Select the best of the offspring to establish a seed orchard Repeat the process

Time It takes 6-8 years before one receives useful results from testing About 10 years after a seed orchard is establish it will produce seed for reforestation