1. Is there a need for Douglas fir breeding in Austria? Department of Genetics TBX conifer breeding workshop Hann. Münden26 March 2009 Berthold Heinze, Lambert Weißenbacher

2. Douglas fir in Austria introduced in first wave at end of 19th century mixed success coastal forms generally good inland forms performed badly (disease problems, poorer growth)

3. recent results from provenance trials see Weißenbacher 2008 US Washington, Oregon Cascades are best for (Eastern) Austria some European seed sources perfom well

4. Our local TREEBREEDEX-supported database http://bfw.ac.at/treebreedy/suchefeldversuch

5. Should we breed, then? yes, because: some European seed sources perform very well (even better than US material) best US material not always available (Darrington) owners observe very remarkable old trees among their stands

6. old Douglas fir stand in Central Lower Austria Picea abies same age...

7. wishes vs. options owner‘s wishes: cloning (cuttings), identification of best trres our recommendations: seed harvest from outstanding trees compromise: conventional breeding with molecular help?

8. establish a good old seed orchard? + collection of best individuals stable supply to meet high demand - complicated ownership matters time-frame long-term inbreeding if successful

9. suggested strategy for Austria establish first-generation seed orchard form very old trees (first wave of introductions) keep track of stands established –option for testing best individuals with markers for parentage renew seed orchard with added material from younger stands, best offspring maintain genetic diversity (markers)