Greater specialisation of improved seedlots in New Zealand: New developments foe efficient selection of parents and evaluation of performance

Authors: S.D. Carson
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1996, Issue N.Z.J.For. 41(1) 1996, pp 12-17, May 1996
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: Profitability for New Zealand radiata pine forestry could be improved by using seedlots selected to target specific sites or specific end products. Trees selected from the tree improvement programme are being ranked for a number of selection criteria to facilitate selection of seed orchard parents for different mixes of characteristics. Research is progressing towards specifying genetic changes in stem form in planning and prediction models so that log quality of specialised seedlots can be predicted, as is already being done for genetic improvement in growth rate. Ratings for the major selection criteria could be incorporated in the New Zealand Seed Certification System, making selection of specialised seedlots easier and allowing prediction of performance of specific seedlots.