Initial Results of Slash Pine Progency Test Replicated in Time and Space

The objective of progeny testing is quite simple. Tests should be designed to show the breeding value of the various selections used in an orchard program. That is, tests should demonstrate the extent that the desirable characteristics of the parent trees are passed on to their offspring. With the arrangement of clones in our current orchards, genetic improvement depends on additive genetic variance and the ability of selections to combine well with numerous other selections. Clones are scattered more or less randomly over an orchard; thus the crossing of any two specific clones which combine to produce exceptionally fine offspring can be expected to occur only occasionally and can have but little impact on the mean performance of orchard progeny. On the other hand, use of clones in an orchard that produce outstanding progenies almost regardless of pollen parent will mean substantial improvement in genetic quality. Progeny tests will supply information needed to rogue orchards or establish new ones without the guesswork unavoidable when.. current programs were initiated.

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Author(s): Ray E. Goddard, Frank Vande Linde

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1967

Section: Technical Session