Objectives:

To demonstrate the growth performance of seed orchard seed collected in the early 1990's relative to local wild stand seedlots on low, mid and high elevation sites.

Experimental Design:

Treatments:

There are two components at each site; performance and demonstration plantings.

• Performance Plantings:
  • a composite of high ranking East Kootenay (EK) families,
  • a composite of low ranking EK families,
  • seedlot 6012 from the EK spruce seed orchard, and
  • a composite of three local seedlots adapted to the respective test site.
• Demonstration Plantings:
  • a composite of high ranking East Kootenay (EK) families,
  • a composite of low ranking EK families,
  • three control cross seedlots of high breeding value EK parents, and
  • nine wild stand seedlots (three each from low, mid and high elevations).

Layout:

• Performance planting:
  • two replicate blocks
  • each with four 12 x 12 tree square plots planted at 2.5 x 2.5 m
  • seedlots randomly assigned to each plot
  • one-tree border surrounds each plot
  • white PVC posts mark the plot corners.
• Demonstration plantings:
  • sixteen seed sources planted in two five-tree row plots
  • seedlot identities are marked on plastic labels at the beginning of each row.

History:.

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

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.