The Operational Tree
Improvement sub-program focuses on increasing
the quality and quantity of Class A
or Select Seed produced from existing
forest-company and MoF orchards. It
also provides technical support in developing
operational efficiencies and protocols
to improve orchard production and management,
including pest management. Funding is
made available through an annual call-for-proposals
that is issued in early December. Technical
committees are set-up to review proposals
and approval is given in March to successful
applicants. Priorities and eligible
activities are determined by species
committees who annually review activities
needed to move individual species plans
forward and that are consistent with
the overall objectives of the Forest
Genetics Council (FGC). If you wish
more information on this sub-program
please contact Keith Thomas at (250)
356-1127 or at Keith.Thomas@gov.bc.ca.
Proposal
support information available on-line at: 2008
OTIP Call For Proposals.
Priority will be given
to proposals that:
- address the needs
and priorities identified in the Council's
species plans
- are consistent with
the objectives of the Forest Genetics
Council and general funding principles
- are aimed at producing
seed, propagules, or other genetically
selected material for species or areas
where current supplies do not meet
demand
- will improve the
genetic quality of reforestation materials
(e.g., producing custom seed lots)
- are based on requests
for improved material from users
- address critical
technical needs
In 2008 this
program will specifically focus on
opportunities for creating material
of improved genetic quality, such
as:
- cone induction activities
for 2008/2009 crops
- production of custom
seed lots (e.g. controlled crosses,
pollen collections)
- enhancing genetic
quality of orchards through roguing
- operational pest
management activities related to crop
survival and
- technical support
for improved seed production
- activities that
focus on improving seed delivery
in Lodgepole Pine.*
- operational testing
or implementation of new knowledge,
and operational scale development
of new technologies.
* A taskforce
formed by interior lodgepole pine producers
reviewed concerns surrounding low Pli
seed production in Okanagan seed orchards.
The conclusion of the taskforce was
that priority be given to studies and
operational activities in insect management,
reproductive biology, seed orchard culture,
and environmental studies to resolve
this problem. The Interior Technical
Advisory Committee supports these findings
and proposal reviews reflect these priorities.
This is the third year for Lodgepole
pine seed production projects and priority
will be given to the completion of projects
that were successfully initiated in
2001/02 or before. For details of the
taskforce findings, please contact Mike
Carlson at (250) 260-4767.
