Objectives:

• To evaluate the growth and adaptability of local and non-local Douglas-fir families on high 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 (240 in total)

Layout:

• Randomized complete-block design with 8 replicate blocks.
• The 240 genetic entries were randomly subdivided into 8 sets of 30 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:

• 1988 plantations established
• 1990 manual brushing, three-year tree height and condition recorded
• 1993 manual brushing, six-year tree height and condition recorded
• 1997 manual brushing, ten-year tree height and condition recorded, data analysis in progress
• 1999 Thinned Ranch Ridge location and collected disks for wood density determination.

Status: Active.

Reports and Publications:

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 analyses have been completed and parental breeding values have been estimated by Best Linear Prediction techniques. Grafting for orchard will begin in spring, 1996.