Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Use and Improvement of Douglas fir in the Netherlands TREEBREEDEX meeting Hann. Münden, Germany March 2009 Sven M.G. de Vries Alterra, Wageningen

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Facts & figures of Douglas fir in The Netherlands ha covered with forest = app. 12% area NL ha covered with Douglas fir = app. 5% forest area NL NL not within the distribution range of Douglas fir Most Douglas fir forest was planted Majority with imported plant material (USA & Canada) Nowadays abundant natural generation Interest in Douglas fir is decreasing (conifers in general)

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Douglas fir in The Netherlands First introduction in NL around 1860 Very successful in the beginning Later recognized that seed source was of significant influence on the results Significant tree species in the 60’s and 70’s Imported FRM Wood production Selection & Breeding activities in Douglas fir

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Selection & Breeding activities in Douglas fir History of selection started in early 1900’s First Provenance trials in seed lots British Columbia, Washington & Oregon in 27 (simple) experiments Second series provenance trials from 1966/67 (IUFRO series) 57 provenances British Columbia, Washington & Oregon (2 trials) 46 provenances Oregon, California, Colorado & Utah (3 trials) Phenotypical selection of stands since 1958 First list of selected stands 1967 (45 on 70 ha) First 2 seed orchards established in 1975/78 (8 ha) Third seed orchard established in France in 1981 (7 ha)

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Selection & Breeding activities in Douglas fir Provenance Research provenance trials from the IUFRO series resulted in clear recommendations for NL: From British Columbia; Chilliwack From Washington: East of Pudget Sound app. From Arlington/Darrington to North Bend (covering seed zones 202, 403, 411, 412 at altitudinal range of 100 to 300 m) In the south app. from Cathlameth to the Pacific (covering seed zones 04 and 030 at altitudinal range of 100 to 300 m) In the northwest app. From Matlock/Humptulips ( m) to Lake Crescent/Louella Guard Station ( m)

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Selection & Breeding activities in Douglas fir Provenance Research provenance trials from the IUFRO series resulted in clear recommendations for NL: All provenances from Oregon, California, Colorado & Utah showed failures, mainly regarding flushing behaviour and sudden needle discolouration

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Selection & Breeding activities in Douglas fir Establishment of seed orchards 1950/60’s app. 300 plus trees selected in 45 Dutch (seed) stands Open pollinated progenies -> comparative trials (half sibs) Height growth, shape & flushing behaviour 50 mother trees resulted in 3 first generation seed orchards 2 ha in 1975; 6 ha in 1978 both in NL 7 ha in 1981 in France (due to a more favourable climate concerning flowering)

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Selection & Breeding activities in Douglas fir Establishment of seed orchards The seed orchards were not without practical problems: Lack of flowering Flower induction through GBA, girdling, fertilizer Graft incompatibility “Bridging”

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Future strategies In the 90’s interest collapsed Until now 2 out of 3 seed orchards still more or less in operation Recently discussion on re-establishment of one Douglas fir seed orchard identical to first one Need for seed not the reason, but conservation of genotypes for “better” times

Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands Douglas fir in The Netherlands Thank you for your attention!