Geographic variation of grand fir (Abies grandis ) in the Pacific coast region: 10-year results from a provenance trial

Journal Article

Transfer Guideline: Recommendation

The performance of 23 grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl.) Lindl.) seed sources representing the coastal range of the species was examined with respect to height, mortality, frost damage, stem defects, needle disease susceptibility, and lammas growth at four sites in the Vancouver forest region of British Columbia. Variation in height was highly significant among provenances and showed discernible patterns at all ages surveyed (1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 years from outplanting). Provenances from northern, coastal, and low-elevation regions grew tallest. The remaining characters were only investigated 10 years after outplanting. Among-provenance variation in mortality, frost damage, and stem defects was nonsignificant when two provenances from the southern end of the natural range were removed from the analysis. Resistance to needle disease (Uredinopsis longimucronata Faull) was significantly different among provenances and decreased with elevation. Geographic variation in the proportion of trees with lammas growth was also significant but did not display any apparent pattern. Variation patterns were similar at the four testing sites but among-site differences in the average performance were highly significant for all the traits investigated. Eastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and northeastern Olympia Peninsula, Washington, are recommended as primary areas of seed source for reforestation in the Vancouver forest region.