Allocation and management of genetically improved stock: A "missing link"

Tree Improvement programs worldwide have devoted significant time and resources, quite successfully, to the development of varieties of commercial trees with substantially improved value potential. However, guidelines and procedures to assure maximum realization of the value of such varieties in operational forestry are seldom discussed, despite the significant opportunity costs and risks which can be incurred when such guidelines and procedures are lacking. Weyerhaeuser Company plants over 20,000 ha. annually to genetically improved seedlings of coastal Douglas-fir, Ponderosa and lodgepole pines, western hemlock and Noble fir on its western timberlands, and during the past two years, detailed standard guidelines and procedures have been developed and implemented to guide the characterization of families, the allocation of families to planting sites, and the tracking and monitoring of improved stands through time. From this experience was gained an understanding of the critical factors leading to successful implementation of genetic improvement in field forestry. These factors will be articulated, and supported by specific examples taken from Weyerhaeuser's Douglas-fir program. The benefits, expected and unexpected, from a well-planned and successful allocation system have been great, in consistent effective use of stock, in control of risk, in defensibility of genetic improvement practices outside the Company, and in improved communication and coordination between Tree Improvement and operational foresters.

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Author(s): Cheryl B. Talbert

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1993

Section: Closing Session