Cutting Propagation of Coniferous Forest Trees in Quebec

Rioux, M., Tousignant, D., Lamhamedi, M. S., and Colas, F. International Plant Propagators' Society, combined proceedings 2007, 57:278-283. 2008.

Mass cutting propagation of forest species is widely used in many different countries for reproducing elite material from the best controlled crosses. The production of coniferous plants from cuttings has continued to increase since 1989, when the Cutting Propagation Centre at the Pépinière forestière de Saint-Modeste (Saint-Modeste Forest Nursery) was established. White spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss), black spruce (P. mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.), Norway spruce (P. abies [L.] Korst.) and hybrid larch (Larix marschlinsii Coaz.) are now propagated at the centre using two unique and complementary systems (Bouturathèques and double-walled enclosures) developed by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec (MRNFQ). A collaboration between the researchers at the Direction de la recherche forestière (Forest Research Directorate) and practitioners at the Direction générale des pépinières et des stations piscicoles (Nurseries and Fish Farms Directorate), has led to refined cultural scenarios to meet the demands of each species (stock plant culture, rooting of cuttings and transplanting geared toward the production of large-sized plants). The integration of somatic embryogenesis, development of new production scenarios, and characterization of controlled crosses are presently receiving particular attention. In 2007, the provincial objective is to produce, via cutting propagation, 5.15 million of the 150 million conifer seedlings destined for reforestation in Québec.

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Author(s): Michel Rioux, Denise Tousignant, Mohammed S. Lamhamedi, Fabienne Colas

Section: Vegetative Propagation and Tissue Culture