Pacific Northwest Research Station

Title: Genetic variation in tree structure and its relation to size in Douglas-fir: I. Biomass partitioning, foliage efficiency, stem form, and wood density.

Author: St. Clair, J.B.

Date: 1994

Source: Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 24: 1226-1235

Description: Genetic variation and covariation among traits of tree size and structure were assessed in an 18-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) genetic test in the Coast Range of Oregon. Considerable genetic variation was found in size, biomass partitioning, and wood density, and genetic gains may be expected from selection and breeding of desirable genotypes. Estimates of heritability for partitioning traits, including harvest index, were particularly high. Foliage efficiency (stem increment per unit leaf area) was strongly correlated with harvest index and may represent an alternative measure of partitioning to the stem. Estimates of foliage efficiency where leaf area was estimated based on stem diameter or sapwood area were unrelated to foliage efficiency where leaf area was measured directly. Strong negative genetic correlations were found between harvest index and stem size, and between wood density and stem size. Achieving simultaneous genetic gain in stem size and either harvest index or wood density would be difficult.

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Citation

St. Clair, J.B.  1994.  Genetic variation in tree structure and its relation to size in Douglas-fir: I. Biomass partitioning, foliage efficiency, stem form, and wood density..   Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 24: 1226-1235