Promotion of seed production in Douglas-fir grafts by girdling + gibberellin A4/7 stem injection,and effect of retreatment

Twelve- to 17-year-old Douglas-fir grafts, which in 1985 received no treatment, stem girdles only (G), or girdles plus stem injection of gibberellin A_4/7 (G + GA) at vegetative bud burst, were in 1987 retreated with G + GA or left untreated. Tree were untreated in 1986 and cone production the following year was very sparse. G + GA treatment in 1987 increased the 1988 production of seed cones from 465 to 1600 per tree, with a comparable increase in frequency of grafts producing a heavy crop of pollen cones. However, induction treatments applied in 1985 adversely affected seed- and pollen-cone production in 1988, independent of treatment in 1987. Cone size, total and filled seed per cone, and seed germination were little affected by treatment either year. Treatment with G + GA in 1987 only maximized the production of filled seeds (48 100/tree), although G + GA in both 1985 and 1987 (31 200/tree) was still highly effective relative to no treatment in either year (14 700/tree). The G + GA treatment adversely affected tree condition more severely than previously (or since) experienced, probably as a consequence of grafts also being subjected to prolonged late-summer droughts during each of the treatment years.     

英德火炬松改良种子园无性系开花的时空变化

对英德火炬松改良种子园建园无性系的开花习性进行了观察，发现大部分无性系雌、雄花发育良好。无性系开花时间大约在3月4～26日，大多数无性系雌花在3月7—8日开始开放，少数在3月4～6日开始开放，雄花大多数在3月9～10日开始开放。总体上雌花比雄花早2～3d开放，早1～2d结束。全园雌花盛花期为3月8～17日，雄花盛花期为3月12～19日，雌、雄花盛花期有一个星期的时间相遇，自然条件下可保证充分授粉。种子园嫁接后第2年到第3年，90％以上的无性系开花，平均开花株率略高于70％；从第3年到第4年，100％的无性系开花，开花株率接近95％。说明嫁接后第3～4年，是种子园进入盛产的关键时期，也是实施人工控制授粉的有利时期。     

Influence of female cones on the vegetative growth of Pinus contorta trees

Branches of Pinus contorta Dougl. bearing two-year-old female cones initiated fewer lateral buds than vegetative branches. However, the number of lateral shoots that differentiated and grew was not reduced on female cone-bearing branches. Neither the number nor the weight of female cones influenced the length of the terminal shoot. The total length of all lateral shoots was positively associated with the weight of two-year-old female cones. Branch units with two-year-old female cones produced significantly more total dry weight in the current year than vegetative branch units. There was, however, no significant reduction in the dry weight of terminal and lateral shoots. Branches bearing female cones allocated between 17 and 45% of the current year's dry weight to two-year-old cones and between 1 and 5% was allocated to one-year-old female cones. Female cones therefore apparently do not reduce the photosynthetic potential of trees. The influence of female cones compared with male cones on the growth of trees is discussed.     

Influence of male cones on early season vegetative growth of Pinus contorta trees

On average, branches of Pinus contorta Dougl. bearing male cones had 35 fewer needle pairs than equivalent vegetative branches, and significantly fewer differentiated primordia (i.e., male cones + needle pairs + sterile cataphylls). It was estimated that the formation of male cones results in a 27-50% reduction in the number of needles per male cone-bearing branch. In early spring, branches bearing male cones had on average 23% (0.44 g) more dry weight than vegetative branches. On average, 95% of the dry weight of male cone-bearing branches was allocated to the terminal shoot (54% of which was male cones) and 5% to the lateral shoots. By comparison, vegetative branches allocated 85% of their total dry weight to the terminal shoot and 15% to the lateral shoots. These findings suggest that male cones may reduce the photosynthetic potential of the trees which bear them.     

Growth and reproduction in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sibirica</Emphasis> ecotypes from Western Siberia in a common garden experiment

Experimental studies of forest trees’ intraspecies variations in reproduction and reproductive allocation are scarce. Such studies are relevant for the Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) because of the high value of its seeds and wood. To reveal growth and reproductive variations among Siberian stone pine ecotypes in relation to the climate of the provenances, we examined their growth height, crown diameter, stem volume, number of female cones, and male shoots, at different ages, in the clonal common garden experiment established in 1996 in Russia. Scions were obtained from 11 to 19 randomly selected 100–170-year old trees in each of four natural stands located on the latitudinal transect on the West Siberian plain. They were grafted onto local 4 year old Siberian stone pine seedlings and grown in a common garden experiment comprising nine plots near the southern margin of the species’ natural range. Growth traits were affected by climatic conditions in the provenances: generally, a warmer climate was associated with more rapid growth. Variation among the ecotypes at the graft age of 12 years was not large; however, it significantly increased by the age of 19. The relationship was ambiguous between reproductive traits and the climate of the provenances. The proportion of female, male and bisexual clones varied among years in all ecotypes. Most of the clones had only female cones; male clones were less common. The southern ecotype showed rapid growth and formed the lowest number of male shoots and female cones. The northern ecotype showed the weakest growth and moderate cone bearing, along with abundant male flowering. The intermediate ecotypes had a moderate growth and the highest numbers of cones, along with moderate numbers of male shoots. These results demonstrate the fundamental differences in the patterns and nature of variation in growth and reproductive traits.     

长白落叶松种子园雌、雄球花的分布特性

通过对2个产地长白落叶松种子园60个无性系雌、雄球花的分布、比例、颜色等进行定点观测,掌握了各无性系的花期及球果分布特性,结果表明：雌花为树冠下部较多,雄花以树冠中上部较多;♀∶♂近似为1∶10;球果颜色为黄绿色、紫红色,比例大致为2∶1。     

Female fertility variation in mature Pinus sylvestris clonal seed orchards

Abstract

Female fertility is the basis for the output of seeds from clonal orchards and its variation is of major interest for the economics and biology of seed orchards, especially for the efficiency and diversity of seed orchard crops. Assessments of female fertility variation in 10 mature (>15 years old) seed orchards of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were evaluated and compared. Depending on the individual orchard, fertility variation for each clone was assessed in slightly different ways, e.g. number of strobili, cones, seeds or litre of cones per ramet. Assessments in five of the orchards were made over consecutive years. The main result was that the clonal variation in mean female fertility per surviving ramet was lower than expected from the literature; the Kang–Lindgren sibling coefficient (Ψ) within individual years averaged 1.35. The variation between ramets within clones and years was of similar magnitude as that between clones. Clone by year interactions were noticeable, but were slightly lower than the variation between as well as that within clones in individual years. There was considerable variation in the variance components between years. The limited variation in female fertility indicated that it should not be a selection criterion when selecting clones for a seed orchard. Furthermore, it will not result in large differences between clones in seed set or large reductions in gene diversity in productive Scots pine seed orchards.     

马尾松开花结实特征及种子产量预测

采用标准枝法以及可见半面树冠法研究了马尾松开花时间、球花和果实在树冠的分布特征 ,采用球果切开法测定球果结籽数量。运用线性回归方法 ,建立马尾松树体性状、花、果与种子相互之间的预测模型。结果表明 :(1)雌花芽在树冠中由上至下数量逐渐减少 ,雌花集中分布在第Ⅱ～Ⅳ年龄段 ;雄花呈相反分布 ,雄花主要分布在第Ⅷ～Ⅹ年龄段 ;(2 )幼果主要分布在第Ⅲ～Ⅵ年龄段 ,成熟球果 (以下简称成果 )主要分布在第Ⅳ～Ⅶ年龄段 ;(3)树木胸径与开花强度及单株结实量之间呈强正相关 ,马尾松平均胸径 15 0cm、开花强度 0 4以上的林分结实能力强 ;(4)基本预测模型拟合以一元一次线性回归精度及相关系数最大 ,预测效果最好 ;(5 )可见半面树冠法的预测效果较好 ,生产可操作性强 ,为最佳预测方法 ;(6 )幼果和成果的预测模型可以满足中短期预测的需要 ,基于雌花因子预测可以提前 19个月估测成果结实量     

GA4/7对百山祖冷杉开花促进和子代遗传活力恢复研究

对外源GA4/7在百山祖冷杉开花促进中的应用和异花授粉实生子代遗传活力恢复效果进行了研究,结果表明,采用喷施法处理,250~500 mg/L GA4/7对15年生百山祖冷杉异砧嫁接树雌、雄球果的形成促进效果突出;GA4/7不同喷施季节对雌球果的形成未表现出显著的差异,但对雄球果的形成,GA4/7处理季节间差异极其显著,7-9月处理产生的雄球果数高出5-7月约2.5倍;依靠现有的遗传资源控制异花授粉对百山祖冷杉实生子代遗传活力恢复效果明显。     

薄壳山核桃不同无性系开花物候特性观测和比较

对薄壳山核桃32个无性系的雌、雄花开花物候期和花量进行了观测和比较。结果表明:2011——2014年薄壳山核桃无性系开花物候期有所差异,但开花物候类型一致。2013年,供试的32个薄壳山核桃无性系整个花期持续时间为4月24日——5月21日。雄花花期持续时间为11 18 d,雌花花期持续时间为9 17 d;雌花最佳授粉期与雄花散粉盛期持续天数均为3 8 d。依据雌花与雄花开放的先后次序可以确定其中的16个无性系为雌先型,10个无性系为雄先型,6个无性系为同时型;并根据观测结果确定了其中86个可行的授粉组合。最佳的授粉配置方案为:将1号、5号、27号、29号、35号无性系作为马汉、28号、65号无性系的授粉配置无性系。32个薄壳山核桃无性系之间,雄花序长度无显著性差异,单枝雄花簇数、单个雄花序花粉囊数、单株雄花序总数、单枝雌花数、每簇雄花序数、单株雌花总数的差异均达到显著水平,总体变异幅度最大的是单株雄花序总数(变异系数为75.51%)。     

Production of a new generation of seeds through the use of somatic clones in controlled crosses of black spruce (Picea mariana)

To assess the potential to integrate somatic clones (SC) of desired characteristics in production of high genetic quality seed, controlled crosses between different SCs of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.) were used to assess their suitability for the production of viable pollen, cones, seeds and seedlings. These SC produced male and female strobili at an early stage. Pollen, cones and seeds produced were characterized (mass, size, germination); their characteristics were similar to those produced by trees in natural forests or seed orchards. A maternal effect was demonstrated for the cone size and seed mass. Although seeds had excellent germination rates, the somatic biparental crosses were divided into three distinct groups with different germination curves using the Weibull function. Seeds from controlled crosses between different SC enabled the production of high morpho-physiological quality seedlings in a forest nursery. Using black spruce as a model, we showed, for the first time, that SC can be used as seed producers. These encouraging results open new perspectives on the tangible integration of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in the chain of seed, vegetative propagation (cuttings and SE) and production of plants for high productivity plantations. Controlled crosses can be made between SC with the desired characteristics (fewer large branches, fewer nodes, good growth, high wood density, performance, improved yield, etc.), vegetative propagules produced and deployed to clonal tests. After elimination of the worst performing SC, clonal tests can be converted into seed orchards that produce a new generation of seeds of high genetic quality. This will allow the rapid introduction of new materials in elite breeding programs of forest species.     

Genetic variation in fruitfulness in a hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) seed orchard and its impact on the maintenance of genetic diversity in seedlots

Genetic variation in seed/cone production among clones was studied in a hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) seed orchard containing 25 plus-trees by analyzing the number of cones, the yield of cones and seeds of individual ramets for 5 successive years (1982 to 1986). There was significant variation among clones each year and parental contribution in the seed orchard. Specifically, in the years 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986, 20% of the clones produced 37.2, 60.6, 36.0, 44.3, and 44.8% of the total cones, respectively. The size of the crop greatly influenced the parental balance in the resulting seed/cone crops. The product moment correlation coefficients and Spearman’s coefficients of rank correlation were small and insignificant between consecutive years, but large and highly significant between alternate years, suggesting the presence of carry-over effects in seed/cone production. The broad-sense heritability on a clone mean basis was 0.74 ± 0.15 for the number of cones, 0.72 ± 0.14 for the yield of cones, and 0.68 ± 0.13 for the yield of seeds. The corresponding heritabilities from analyses combined over all years were 0.24, 0.558, and 0.724, respectively. These results indicate that seed/cone production in hinoki is under strong genetic control. Several managerial measures are discussed that maintain the genetic diversity in seedlots used for reforestation, by reducing the variation in seed/cone production among clones and producing seed crops with equal contributions from all parents.     

Impacts of fructification on biomass production and correlated genetic effects in Norway spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> [L.] Karst.)

For the period 2003–2006, fructification of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) was recorded at the Kranzberg forest site in Southern Germany by employing a crane with access to the canopy of more than 266 trees. For each tree, stem diameter and growth parameters were assessed annually as well as biomass of cones and seeds, number of seeds per cone, and proportions of empty seeds for a total of 371 trees with cone crop. Genotypes at 19 enzyme coding gene loci of 110 trees were included in the study of correlations between morphological and genetic traits. Re-scaling the observed values for a virtual pure Norway spruce stand of 1 ha, cone biomass including winged seeds (oven-dried at 38°C) varied between 706.8 kg/ha in 2006 (average value per tree was 3.6 kg) and values close to zero in 2005. Corresponding values for vegetative biomass increment of the coning trees in 2006 were 9,273.0 kg/ha and 10.8 kg/tree. A significant higher biomass investment was determined for dominant trees in terms of absolute cone mass as well as in terms of cone mass relative to vegetative biomass and fructification frequency. No trade-off effects in decreased vegetative biomass growth were found in the fructification year, compared to trees that did not grow cones. Although the dominant trees invested proportionally considerable biomass in cones, they showed no significant reduction in vegetative biomass growth. In the following year no decrease in vegetative growth was detected. Based on logistic regressions and homogeneity tests, respectively, significant genetic effect became evident with respect to the gene loci AAP-B and AAT-C concerning fructification probability in the year with maximum generative biomass investment. These and closely related loci also have been found to be indicative for growth and viability, respectively, in other species.     

Temporal and spatial variation of flowering among Pinus nigra Arn. clones under changing climatic conditions

Until recently, the most important factors affecting the economics and genetics of the seed crop from seed orchards were considered to be the timing and duration of flowering, variation in fertility and the total number of clones used to establish the seed orchards. Change in climatic conditions however is an emerging factor that could prove crucial regarding the timing of flowering and synchronization among clones and thus, the quality and quantity of seed production. The temporal and spatial variation in flowering phenology and the duration of flowering were studied in consecutive years in a Pinus nigra Arn. seed orchard. Sixty plus trees representing the distribution of the species in Northern Greece were used to establish the seed orchard, and nineteen ramets per clone were planted in a honeycomb experimental design in order to avoid kinship. Temporal variation among clones, as well as spatial variation among ramets within clones growing at different sites of the orchard were recorded, for initiation and duration of male and female flowering. The majority of clones were synchronized in dates of flowering during the year with weather conditions close to the long-term climatic conditions, except for a limited number of clones that were precocious or late flowering. The pronounced variability in climatic conditions over the 2 years strongly affected the flowering and synchronization among clones, resulting in almost complete asynchrony during the xerothermic year, which was characterized by a prolonged mean monthly temperature increase of 2.3 °C and a water deficit of 53% in a 7-month-period (November to May). These results suggest that one of the effects of a warmer and drier climate may be the lack of flowering synchronization, as pollen shedding might be completed before female conelets reach the phase of receptivity. The restriction of male parentage to a limited number of clones severely violates the panmixia assumption and could result in fertilization failure. The projected climate change for the Mediterranean region could potentially prove detrimental for fertility and flowering synchronization of forest trees, having consequences on the quantity and genetic diversity of the seed crop in seed orchards, and the natural regeneration of forest trees in forest ecosystems due to the reduced percentage of sound seed.     

日本落叶松种子园优良家系球花分布规律及花量调查

对日本落叶松种子园优良家系雌雄球花数量及在树冠上的分布规律进行调查分析。结果表明:日本落叶松雄球花在树冠垂直方向上分布差异极显著,下层和中层的数量显著多于上层,所占比例为83.39%,水平方向上南面的雄球花多于其他方向;雌球花在树冠不同冠层的分布无显著差异,中、上层的雌球花数量比下层多,东、南方向多于西、北方向;雄球花多着生在2,3 a生枝上,雌球花多着生在3,4 a生枝上,1 a生枝条上无花;不同无性系间雌雄球花数量差异显著,356号无性系的雌雄球花数量均为最多。     

高温和干旱处理诱导欧洲云杉(Picea abies)开花和赤霉素变化的研究

用材树种一般约需10年或更长时间才能正常开花结实。提早开花,缩短育种世代是林木育种的重要课题。早在50年代,已有试验证明GA处理柳杉和柏类能促进开花结实。自70年代以来对促进主要用材树种开花结实作了大量的试验,表明用极性较弱的赤霉素GA_4、GA_7,结合采用提高温度、降低土壤水分、环剥和断根等栽培措施,也能促进松、云杉、花旗松等树种的结实,在松科5属17种中已见效果。     

马尾松基因库无性系花期观察分析

在福建省沙县官庄林场石景山工区进行马尾松基因库无性系开花习性、花量、花期的观察。观察结果表明：不同无性系着生球花量的差异显著，始花期也有明显的差异，但也存在一定的同步性，大部分无性系雌花开放时间比雄花早４─９天。     

马尾松二代无性系种子园的花期同步性

【目的】研究马尾松二代种子园无性系的开花物候特征、花期同步性、结实状况及气候影响因子,评价无性系花期同步性规律,指导种子园经营生产及提高种子遗传品质与产量。【方法】连续2年对浙江省淳安县姥山林场马尾松二代无性系矮化种子园的22个无性系进行花期、花量和结实性状调查,分析其开花物候与花期同步指数。【结果】各无性系雌雄球花整体花期持续时间为8～17天, 2014年始花期相对于2013年滞后约6天,且持续时间缩短约6天。整体水平上,年度内雌球花及雄球花的各花期时长差异较小;无性系的始花期和盛花期的物候特征年度间存在差异, 2014年无性系内雌雄球花开花的同步性更强。无性系的开花物候受气候因素影响较大,这使得无性系间开花同步程度降低,花期同步指数变异增加, 2013年和2014年花期同步指数变化范围分别为0.041～0.556和0.284～0.802,无性系的平均变异系数分别为32.3%和16.8%。各无性系分别作为父、母本时,年度内无性系花期整体同步性水平差异较小,表现出无性系作为父本时的散粉期整体的同步性要高于作为母本时的可授粉期的同步性。年度间无性系作为父、母本及自交的花期同步指数均有极显著差异, 2014年各无性系的花期同步指数在整体水平均高于2013年,但自交指数在年度间无显著差异。相关分析表明,雌球花越多的无性系的球果数越多;而雌球花花期持续时间越长的无性系座果率越高;不同年度的雌球花盛花期和花期的持续时间均与千粒质量指标呈显著或极显著正相关。【结论】浙江姥山林场马尾松二代无性系种子园雌、雄球花的花期具有较好的同步性,无性系间没有出现花期不遇现象。无性系交配组合的雌球花可授粉期和雄球花的散粉期影响了种子园无性系的种实品质及座果率。连续2年的观测表明无性系间花期整体同步性水平存在差异,且这种差异与二代种子园无性系的亲本遗传背景有关。各无性系分别作为父、母本时,表现出无性系作为父本时的散粉期整体的同步性要高于作为母本时的可授粉期的同步性,无性系作为父本和母本时花期同步指数呈负相关,且种子园内存在1/3无性系具有高于异交平均水平的自交可能性,是马尾松二代种子园管理和无性系再选择应综合考虑的因素。     

The effects of scion maturation on growth and reproduction of grafted slash pine

Establishment of the University of Florida Cooperative Forest Genetics Research Program's clone banks provided an opportunity to look at scion maturation effects on growth and reproduction of many grafted slash pine clones. In 1988 and 1989, clone banks were established in nine locations in the Southeastern United States. Over 460 scion clones varying from 5 to greater than 40 years old from time of seed germination (chronological age) were grafted into the clone banks. Comparisons of diameter growth, height growth, lateral branch number and female and male strobili production were made annually for six years after grafting.Within slash pine clone banks, there were significant effects due to scion chronological age. Chronologically older scions (backward selections) grew less, had fewer branches and produced only a few more female strobili than chronologically younger material (forward selections). Forward selections produced significantly more catkin clusters than backward selections. By year six, there was no significant difference in numbers of female strobili per tree between backward and forward scions, but forward selections produced about 2.5 times as many catkin clusters as the backward selections. Similar effects on growth and reproduction due to chronological age were also found among clones within the forward selections, with older selections growing more slowly and producing fewer catkin clusters. The size and breadth of this study lends strong support to the idea that these patterns of growth will occur for grafted slash pine in any location throughout its native range.