Genetic variation in germination parameters among populations of pacific silver fir
Davidson, R. H., Edwards, D. G. W., Sziklai, O., El-Kassaby, Y. A.
1997.
Silvae Genetics, Volume 45: 2-3
Journal Article
Development
Western Canada
Strong genetic control was detected for germination capacity and germination speed in 6 populations of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis [DOUGL.] FORBES) from northern, central and southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Intra-class correlation estimates were high and varied between 0.6 and 0.7 and 0.7 and 0.8 for stratified and unstratified seeds, respectively. Stratified seeds showed marked differences in germination capacity and speed among populations when compared to unstratified seeds. Family differences in germination determined by intra class correlation, irrespective of seed pretreatment, were the most pronounced factor when compared to regions and/or populations within regions. The implications of these differences to nursery seedling production was discussed. The inadvertent selection for more-rapidly germinating families in bulked seedlots may represent the most important factor affecting the genetic diversity of seedling crops.
