for the Registration of Seed and Vegetative Lots derived from
Seed Orchards and Production Facilities

Effective date:
June 11, 1997

 

1. Technical Standards

These technical standards have been developed in accordance with the Tree Cone, Seed and Vegetative Material Regulation and the Ministry's Seed Orchard and Production Facility Policy (2.1). These standards apply to all seed and vegetative lots derived from seed orchards and production facilities, initiated after the effective date, which are to be registered with the Ministry and used for reforestation in accordance with a silviculture prescription.

Tree gene resource management on Crown lands includes three elements: i) gene conservation, ii) deployment risk management, and iii) genetic improvement. These technical standards address risk management and the monitoring of genetic improvement. They may also be used in planning tree improvement and forest management activities, and allow for comparison among seed and vegetative lots. The technical standards are designed to ensure that reproductive material, derived from seed orchards and production facilities, is appropriately produced and registered for operational reforestation.

The technical standards include determination of transferability, estimation of genetic diversity and genetic worth, and field testing requirements for products of new technologies. These standards will be used to determine suitability for registration of seed and vegetative lots with the Ministry.

Only lots originating from licenced seed orchards and production facilities will be accepted for registration. Registration of seed and vegetative lots can take two forms: Unconditional (Sec. 2), which allows unlimited use of the registered material within the constraints of seed transfer guidelines and silviculture prescriptions; or Conditional (Sec. 3), which allows for limited or controlled use of registered material within the constraints of seed transfer guidelines and silviculture prescriptions. Conditional registration recognizes that, under some circumstances, there is merit to deploying genetic material which does not meet the criteria for unconditional registration. Exceptions to the technical registration standards are listed in Sec. 4.

Note: Only parents or clones, contributing to a lot, which have been adequately tested for performance of a trait(s) for stability, in accordance with a plan approved by the Director, Research Branch, will be recognized as tested material within these technical standards. Tested parents or clones should have a breeding (or clonal) value for the trait(s) tested.

1.1 Transfer Standards

Adaptation patterns for trees differ by species, and are revealed through research on the distribution of genetic diversity within natural environments. This research provides information for the development of seed transfer guidelines which are used to reduce the risk of plantation failure or growth loss due to maladaptation of trees to their planting site. For tested progeny, and other tested material, the suitable adaptation zone is defined by their performance across multiple test sites. The following specific technical standards apply to lots derived from untested and tested material.

1.1.1 Untested material

For seed and vegetative lots derived from untested, or inadequately tested parents/clones, the transfer guidelines for natural stand provenances, as described in the Seed and Vegetative Material Guidebook (April, 1995), and its updates, will apply to their geographic source or the weighted mean elevation, latitude, and longitude of the parents/clones contributing to the lot. Source location means will be determined by weighting the proportional contribution of individual parents/clones to the seed or vegetative lot.

Methodology for determining proportional parental contribution is described in PROTOCOL A of Protocols for Rating Seed Orchard Seedlots in British Columbia, Ministry of Forests and Range, Research Report 06 (1996).

Unless provided for in the licencing of an orchard or facility, or as approved by the Leader, Tree Improvement Program, source material comprising the lot must originate within the same seed planning zone and be of similar elevation, latitude, and longitude (i.e. no further apart than the transfer limits for the species and seed planning zone) Where there is no downward transfer limit (i.e. yellow-cedar) the elevation band for the source material should be ó 200 m.

1.1.2 Tested material

Where the parent/clonal material contributing to a lot has been tested for adaptation, the transferability of the lot may be defined by a range(s) of use, which may include elevation, latitude, longitude, seed planning zone(s), and biogeoclimatic information. This range(s) of use for the lot will be prescribed by the Leader, Tree Improvement Program.

1.2 Genetic Diversity Standards

Genetic diversity in a population of planted trees is, to some degree, related to the risk of plantation failure from currently unknown or unexpected causes (if any). Gene conservation measures incorporate a range of activities that go beyond plantation forestry and ensure that the existing genetic diversity of our tree species is maintained. These genetic diversity standards are designed to keep plantation failure risk from unknown causes to levels similar to natural stands. They are not designed as a means for gene conservation.

Effective population size (Ne ) can be used as a surrogate measure for genetic diversity. Lots which do not meet these standards may be eligible for conditional registration (Refer to Sec. 3.).

1.2.1 Effective population size (Ne)

To obtain unconditional registration, seed or vegetative lots must have an Ne greater than or equal to 10, unless indicated in Sec. 4, Exceptions. Ne will be calculated using the following formula:

where Pi is the proportional gamete contribution of parent i to the lot. Gamete contribution must be determined in accordance with the following standards.

1.2.1.1 Bulked Seedlots from Orchards
Gamete contributions, for the determination of Ne for bulked seed orchard seedlots, must be estimated using PROTOCOL A in Research Report 06.

1.2.1.2 Seed or vegetative lots from tested families and/or family mixes:
Gamete contributions, for the determination of Ne of lots derived from tested full-sib, open-pollinated, and poly-mix family seed, must be estimated by determining the proportional contribution of parents to the lot. Parents refers to the clones contributing, through sexual recombination, to the genotypes represented in the lot.

1.2.1.3 Tested clonal lots
Gamete contributions, for the determination of Ne of lots derived from tested clones, must be estimated by determining the proportional contribution, to the lot, of the parents of the tested clones.

1.2.2 Minimum number of genotypes

In addition to the Ne standard above, all vegetative lots submitted for unconditional registration must consist of a minimum number of genotypes, as specified below.

1.2.2.1 Vegetative lots derived from untested material must consist of a minimum of 200 genotypes.

1.2.2.2 Vegetative lots derived from tested full-sib, open-pollinated, and poly-mix family seed must consist of a minimum of 30 genotypes.

1.2.2.2 Vegetative lots derived from tested clones must consist of a minimum of 20 genotypes.

1.2.2 Deployment of the lot

All individual families and/or clones within a registered lot must be mixed together when deployed in the field (i.e. lot material may not be deployed as family or clonal blocks), except as provided for in Sec. 4 (i.e. hybrid poplars). Conditional registration is required for the deployment of conifer lots in family/clonal blocks (see Sec. 3.).

1.3 Genetic Worth Standards

Genetic Worth provides an estimate of the level of improvement for a specific trait. It is defined for orchard seedlots in the Ministry of Forests and Range, Research Report 06 (1996) as:

the average breeding value weighted by the parental gamete contribution, or the average gain expected from wild-stand seed selection, adjusted for:

percent of contaminant non-orchard pollen,

genetic quality of non-orchard pollen, and

genetic quality and effectiveness of supplemental mass pollination (SMP), if used.

This definition is also applicable to vegetative lots.

If breeding values for the contributing parents/clones of a lot are not available, the Leader, Tree Improvement Program, may assign an estimated breeding value for the parents/clones, or a Genetic Worth for the lot, based on the average gain expected from wild-stand selection.

The person submitting the lot for registration must either:

i) determine the Genetic Worth of the lot using the following standards; or

ii) if breeding values do not exist, request assignment of estimated breeding values for the parents/clones, or a Genetic Worth for the lot;

otherwise the lot's Genetic Worth will remain unspecified.

1.3.1 Bulk seedlots from orchards:

1.3.1.1 Determination of Genetic Worth:

Determination of Genetic Worth for bulk seedlots requires application of the following as described in Research Report 06:

i. criteria for the classification of seed orchards for the purpose of rating seedlots,

ii. data collection protocols (including PROTOCOL E for supplemental mass pollination (SMP) to be applied when applicable),

iii. a listing of the required data collection protocols by orchard category,

iv. formulae for estimating genetic worth values.

1.3.1.2 Pollen from non-orchard sources:

For CATEGORY 2 orchards, as defined in Research Report 06, pollen contamination from non-orchard sources must be monitored using the methods described in the Research Report. If pollen contamination levels are high, the seedlot may not be suitable or eligible for registration.

1.3.2 Seed or vegetative lots from specific families and/or family mixes:

These standards apply to those lots where one or both of the contributing parents are known. The protocols for SMP and pollen from non-orchard sources may also apply.

1.3.2.1 Open-pollinated families:

Genetic Worth for open-pollinated seed, collected from individual orchard clones, will be equal to the mean of: i) the breeding values of the contributing female parents; and ii) the average breeding value of the contributing male parents, determined by using the protocols for bulk seedlots, as described in Sec. 2.3.1. Where the breeding values for a parent are not available, an average breeding value for the orchard parents, as assigned by the Leader, Tree Improvement, may be used.

1.3.2.2 Full-sib families

Genetic Worth values for full-sib family lots produced through controlled mating will be equal to the mean breeding value of the female and male parents of the family.

1.3.2.3 Poly-mix families:

When a mix of pollen is applied to a female using controlled mating techniques, the Genetic Worth of the family will be equal to the mean of:
i) the female parent breeding value; and ii) the average breeding value of the male parents contributing to the pollen mix, weighted by the proportion of pollen from each parent in the mix.

1.3.2.4 Mixtures of families:

When families are mixed, the Genetic Worth of the mix will be equal to the mean Genetic Worth for individual families (determined using the appropriate standards above) weighted by the proportion of seed/material from each family contributing to the mix.

1.3.3 Vegetative amplification:

When seed is amplified vegetatively the Genetic Worth of the vegetative lot will be equal to that of the original seedlot or the mean Genetic Worth of the family or families (as determined in Sec. 1.3.2) weighted by the proportional contribution of each family to the vegetative lot.

1.3.4 Clonal lots:

The Genetic Worth of clonal lots, produced through vegetative means, will be equal to the mean clonal value of the clones contributing to the lot, weighted by the proportional contribution of each clone in the lot.

1.4 Field Testing Standards for Propagules Derived from New Technologies

A minimum level of field testing is required for material derived from new technologies which are not routinely used for operational stock production. Field testing is designed to ensure that the vegetative propagules are stable across the environments in which they are planted, and that they perform equal to or better than seedlings with similar genetic background. Minimum levels of field testing will be determined by the Director, Research Branch

All lots derived from new technologies which have undergone a minimum level of field testing, as described below, are eligible for unconditional registration. Material which has not been adequately tested may be eligible for conditional registration (Refer to Sec. 3).

1.4.1 Field test design must:

i. adequately evaluate potential differences among propagule types, the interaction of genetic identity by propagule type and the interaction of site by genetic identity by propagule type,

ii. include a minimum of ten families, each family represented by seedling controls and propagule types from the new technology,

iii. include a minimum of eight genotypes per full-sib family, or twelve genotypes per half-sib family,

iv. include a minimum of three sites, representing the variety of biogeoclimatic ecosystems within each seed planning zone and elevation band to which the material will be deployed operationally.

1.4.2 Field test evaluations:

i . must occur at a minimum of 5 years from planting,

ii. must assess adaptability, survival, and growth of the propagules, as well as any other traits necessary to assess plantation health, quality, and productivity.

1.4.3 Field test results:

i. must indicate that propagules from the new technology are performing equivalent to, or better than, seedlings under the controlled conditions of the test using accepted biometrical methods and analysis,

ii. are only relevant to the technology used to produce the propagules.

2. Unconditional Registration

Lots derived from licenced seed orchards or production facilities, which meet the technical standards described below, may be registered with the Ministry and used within the provisions of the seed transfer guidelines and applicable silviculture prescriptions.

Applications for the unconditional registration of a must be made using the Seed Orchard Collection Report (FS 721A) or Vegetative Lot Registration (FS 721V) forms. These forms must include the mean source (or range of use) and measures of the genetic diversity for the lot. A genetic worth may also be included. This information must be determined in accordance with the technical standards applicable to the lot type. Accompanying documents to the registration form may also include information on field testing of the material from which the lot is derived, if applicable.

The pre-printed number on the form shall serve as the registration number for the lot. Registration of a lot is required for each genetically unique set of material initiated by a producer. If the genetic make-up of a lot is changed, re-registration of the lot is required, unless otherwise indicated in Sec. 4 , Exceptions (i.e. hybrid poplars).

Documentation which supports the determination of the information submitted for lot registration must be retained by the producing agency, and provided to the Ministry if so requested, as a condition of registration.

 

3.0 Conditional Registration

If one or more of the above technical standards are not met, conditional registration of

seed and vegetative lots may be provided following receipt and approval of a registration form and working plan by the Leader, Tree Improvement Program.

3.1 Application for Registration
Applications for the conditional registration of a lot will include a registration form, accompanied by a working plan.

3.1.1. Registration form
A Seed Orchard Collection Report (FS 721A) or the Vegetative Lot Registration Form (FS 721V) must be completed for the lot. This form must include the mean source (or range of use) and measures of genetic diversity for the lot. A genetic worth may also be included. This information must be determined in accordance with the technical standards.

The pre-printed number on the registration form shall serve as the registration number for the lot. Registration of a lot is required for each genetically unique set of material initiated by an agency. If the genetic make-up of a lot is changed, re-registration of the lot is required, unless otherwise indicated in Sec. 4 , Exceptions.

Documentation which supports the conditional registration of the lot must be retained by the producing agency, and provided to the Ministry if so requested, as a condition of registration

3.1.2 Working Plan

3.1.2.1. The working plan must contain:

i. the objectives for the operational use of the lot,

ii. explanation of how one or more of the technical standards for unconditional registration have not been met,

iii. description of parental/clonal material in the lot,

iv. proportional contribution of parents, families and clones (as applicable) in the lot,

v. description of the planting area(s), including seed planning zones, bigeoclimatic zones and variants, and elevation/latitudinal/ longitudinal bands, where the lot will be deployed,

vi. number of propagules to be deployed annually,

vii. deployment/plantation design,

viii. approximate size and family composition of planting blocks,

ix. any unique or relevant management to be carried out,

x. description of other material to be deployed (planted or natural regeneration) in conjunction with the lot for which registration is being requested, and

xi. description of how records relating to the deployment of the lot will be maintained.

3.1.2.2 The working plan must be signed and sealed by a Registered Professional Forester on behalf of the major licencee or district required to establish free growing stands in accordance with a prescription on the areas to be planted with the lot(s).

3.1.2.3 Significant changes to an approved working plan must be resubmitted to the Leader, Tree Improvement Program, for approval to retain conditional registration status.

3.2 Deployment Conditions

The Leader, Tree Improvement Program, in consultation with specialists and the Regional and/or District Manager(s) responsible for the areas in which the lots will be planted, may impose conditions on the amount or means of deploying propagules derived from the lot. These conditions will be determined in consideration of:

i. the objectives and information presented within the working plan;

ii. the relative deviation from the technical registration standards and an assessment of risk;

iii. the numbers of trees and deployment pattern for the lot; and

iv. other issues relevant to the production and use of the lot.

4.0 Exceptions

4. 1 Hybrid poplar

All hybrid poplars propagated by a single production facility may be registered as a single vegetative lot, however, the owner must maintain records of individual clones retained at the facility, and provide such information to the Ministry upon request, as a condition of registration. Clonal identity will be kept confidential, if so requested by the producing agency. Intensively managed hybrid poplars are exempt from the Genetic Diversity Standards, described in Sec. 1.3.

4.2 Cuttings from seedlings

Vegetative propagules derived from cuttings of growing seedlings of registered seedlots do not need to be registered as a vegetative lot, provided they are not serial propagated more than twice. Cuttings from growing seedlings should originate from each seedling in approximately equal proportions. The seedlot number of the donor seedlings and its applicable transfer guidelines shall apply to the cuttings.

4.3 Lots originating outside B.C.

Seed or vegetative lots originating from seed orchards and production facilities outside of B.C. may be registered provided application, in writing, is made in advance to the Leader, Tree Improvement Program. Depending on the availability of information the Leader, Tree Improvement Program, will determine which technical standards will apply to the lot and whether the lot should be registered.

The Leader, Tree Improvement Program, may also require source certification in accordance with the rules and directives of the OECD Scheme for the Control of Forest Reproductive Material Moving in International Trade (Paris (1974), as a condition of registration.

Import of material originating outside B.C. is also subject to the federal Plant Protection Act and Seeds Act, and their respective regulations. The import of seed should also be coordinated with the Tree Seed Centre.

Dale Draper
Leader, Tree Improvement Program
June 11, 1997

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