In conjunction with our 50th Anniversary as part of the BC Forest Service, the Tree Seed Centre hosted a Seed Use Efficiency meeting in Langley, BC (July 30 and 31, 2008). The meeting included 1.5 days of presentations followed by a tour of the Tree Seed Centre and a BBQ at our facility. An outline of the program is included below. The intent was to start with a big picture “spaceship” view and zoom in on the activities, challenges, opportunities and costs throughout the seed handling system. All of the speakers did a great job – thank you.

Downloadable files are in PDF unless otherwise noted. Download all abstracts in a single pdf here.

Day 1 July 30th Program
Introduction		Dave Kolotelo
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Weyerhaeuser:  An Integrated Seed-Seedling Supply System		Dave Hodgin
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Policy and Genetic Resource Management Directions or Who Moved My Seed?		Brian Barber
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Forest Genetics Council of BC: Seed Planning Structure		Jack Woods
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Seed Use Efficiency: From the Forest to the Forest		Dr. Yousry El-Kassaby
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Climate Based Seed transfer		Dr. Greg O’Neill Nicholas Ukrainetz
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Natural Stand Cone Collection		Emile Begin
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Coastal Seed Orchard Production		Annette van Niejenhuis
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Kalamalka Seed Orchards		Chris Walsh
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Seedlot Production		Dave Kolotelo
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Trust…, Money.., Human Nature or All Three		John Kitchen
Presentation (PPS)	Abstract (PDF)
Day 2 July 31st Program
Sowing Guidelines, Seed Use Efficiencies with SPAR1 & Seedlot Source Information		Susan Zedel
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Seed and Seedling Costs Over Time		Al McDonald
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Seedling Specification & Seed Usage		Norm Livingstone
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Seedling Specifications: Purchaser Perspective		Stephen Joyce
Presentation (PPS)	Abstract (PDF)
Reaching Higher: Collecting the Best Natural Seed Cones Efficiently		Helmut Fandrich
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
SilvaTech Developments		Erik Bergvinson
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Operational Seed Efficiency Gains with coastal Douglas-fir		Bevin Wigmore
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Setting the Stage for Success: Upgrading of Abies Seedlot		Jamie Farrer
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Priming: Benefits of Thermal Priming		Robin Dawes
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)
Mini-plug Transplants		Fernando Rey
Presentation (PDF)	Abstract (PDF)

The event attracted about 95 people from breeding and seed orchard programs, cone collectors and processors, nursery personnel and a host of forestry professionals looking for ways to increase seed use efficiency. Many more individuals expressed an interest, but due to our difficult economic times were unable to attend.

There were many good discussions and I think a far better understanding of the various business’ involved in the Seed Handling System after the meeting. We will keep on examining opportunities for increased seed use efficiencies and welcome comments on the subject from attendees and others who have ideas, practices, or results to increase seed use efficiency.