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Interest in commercial and biodiversity potential of broadleaved native tree species is rapidly growing in B.C. as viable alternative species in root rot centres, to enhance forage and habitat value, and to rapidly ameliorate and stabilize exposed or erosion-prone soil. These trees grow rapidly and provide valuable wood to value-added mills for finishing products, veneer, cabinetry, flooring, and pulp. Increasing the commercial viability of broadleaves through tree improvement will help foresters meet mixed species objectives in current stocking standards and mitigate risks associated with single-species plantations. Black cottonwood and hybrids with Poplar species Genecological studies were first started in the mid 1980s, with the first provenance trials of balsam poplar and hybrids established in 1989, testing 64 clones selected for pulp volume yield on 4 coastal and 2 interior sites. A black cottonwood provenance trial with clonal replication, including 120 sources from Oregon to Dease Lake was established on 3 sites (in 2005 and 2007). Data have revealed these fast-growing trees can deliver rapid gains (30-35% in volume) and show trends in adaptive with latitude. These collections also represent important genecological resources for this species. Red alder In 2006 150 red alder selections were made based on 10-year data from provenance-progeny trials, and a clone bank is established for ex situ genetic conservation and research. A provenance trial of maritime and submaritime seed sources is established at 2 sites (Vancouver Island and Terrace). 10-year data has shown clinal adaptation patterns in this species with latitude, with increasing mortality of 5% with each degree of northward transfer, and small but significant (1.5 dm3) decreases in stem volume with each degree of southward transfer. Average breeding values, based on a 40-year rotation are 18% for the selected population. Bigleaf maple The first program provenance-progeny trial of this species has been established in 2008 testing 43 sources from BC to California on 4 sites (Vancouver Island north and south, Agassiz, Powell River). Preliminary establishment and maintenance have been conducted to date. Recent PublicationsXie, C.-Y. 2008. Ten-year results from red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) provenance-progeny testing and their implications for genetic improvement. New Forests. 36(3): 273-284. Xie, C.-Y., C.C. Ying, A.D. Yanchuk, and D.L. Holowachuk. 2009. Ecotypic mode of regional differentiation due to restricted gene migration: A case in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa T. & G.) along the Pacific Northwest coast. Can. J. For. Res. 39(3): 519-536.
Ministry Contact: Alvin Yanchuk |
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