Objectives:

• To evaluate the growth and adaptability of local and non-local Douglas-fir families on low elevation sites in the West Kootenay seed planning zone.
• To identify genetically superior parents for first-phase seed orchards.
• To estimate components of genetic variance/covariance, heritabilities and genetic gain for traits relating to tree growth, form, adaptability and wood properties.

Experimental Design:

Genetic entries included in test (256 in total)

Layout:

• Randomized complete-block design with 8 replicate blocks.
• The genetic entries were randomly subdivided into 8 sets of 32 entries.
• Sets were randomly assigned to positions in blocks.
• Genetic entries were randomly assigned to four-tree row plots within sets.
• Sampling units are individual trees spaced at 2 x 2 m. White stakes identify set corners.

History:

• 1987 plantations established
• 1989 manual brushing, three-year tree height and condition recorded
• 1992 manual brushing, six-year tree height and condition recorded
• 1996 manual brushing and ten-year height and condition recorded
• 1998 Wilson Creek plantation pruned to breast-height
• 2000 Duncan Lake location pruned for access
• 2001 manual brushing and fifteenth year height and diameter assessment. All locations were pruned.

Status : Active.

Reports and Publications:

Jaquish, B. C. 1994. Poster paper Effects of selection for total height growth on components of shoot elongation in Interior Douglas-fir presented at 1994 meeting of the Western Forest Genetics Association (journal paper in preparation).

Jaquish, B. C. and V.J. Ashley. 1996. Interior Douglas-fir progeny test results and recommendations for first-phase 1.5 generation seed orchards. Progress Report EP 976. B.C. Min. For., Research Branch, Victoria, B.C. 75pp.

Comments:

Six-year data analysis has been completed and parental breeding values have been estimated by Best Linear Prediction techniques. Grafting for orchard will begin in spring, 1995.