Objectives:

1. To evaluate the growth and adaptability of polycross families from parents in the West Kootenay (WK) seed orchards on low, medium and high elevation sites in the WK seed planning zone.
2. To rank parents by breeding value.
3. To compare the family growth performance with natural seedlots.

Experimental Design:

The test was established on three sites in a randomized complete-block design with ten replicate blocks per site.

Treatments:

Three hundred and forty seed sources are included in the test:

• 287 polycross WK families
• 8 seed orchard open-pollinated (o.p.) families
• 15 wild stand checks
• 30 pairs of polycross and o.p. families

Layout:

• Experimental units are 4-tree row plots with trees planted at 1.25 x 1.25 m spacing
• Angle iron stakes identify the corners of each block
• White plastic pins identify the location of the first seedling of each seedlot. Plastic tags identify the family at every fifth pin flag

History:.

• 1994 - Seedlings grown at the PRT Vernon Nursery in '415-D' styroblock containers.
• 1995 - Plantations established.
• 1997 - Three-year height and condition measurement.
• 2000 - Six-year height and condition measurement.

Status: Active

Reports and Publications: none to date

Comments:

The study was designed and established by Mr Clare Hewson, Silviculture Branch (now Tree Improvement Branch). On Mr Hewson's retirement, the study became a component of the Research Branch Interior spruce testing program.