Tree Improvement Program Project Report 2006 / 2007

.1.6 Vernon Seed Orchard
Company (VSOC)
T a Wagner and Dan Gaudet
The Operational Tree Improvement Program (OTIP)
funded fourteen projects at Vernon Seed Orchard in
2006/2007 (Table 6).
Pollen collect on and Supplemental Mass
Poll nat on (SMP)
To ensure optimal ovule fertilization and ultimately seed
yield, it is necessary to apply pollen to early and late flowers
when pollen cloud densities are low. In addition, young
orchards, such as SelectSeed expansion orchards, require
supplemental pollination because they are beginning to
produce female strobili but not an adequate amount of
pollen. Collecting, processing, and storing pollen is a
fundamental activity in improving the quality and quantity
of seed.
Induct on
All three mature fir orchards, as well as a small trial of 30
lodgepole pine ramets, were administered GA 4/7 . Results
in Douglas-fir continue to be positive. We’ve collected
and compiled four years of data that allow for clone based
GA 4/7 injection prescriptions. This makes the process more
efficient while maximizing its efficacy.
Figure 1. Summary of VSOC 2006 OTIP activities
Table 6. Summary of VSOC 2006 OTIP act v t es.
T R E E I M P R O V E M E N T P R O G R A M
Pest Monitoring and
Control Induction
Nutrient Analysis
P R O J E C T R E P O R T 2 0 0 6 / 2 0 0 7
To gain more experience and knowledge of the effects
of GA 4/7 on lodgepole pine, a small trial was initiated to
determine appropriate timing and dosage of applications.
Last year’s results indicate no significant increase in cone
production due to induction. von Aderkas et al. (OTIP
500757AF1060) suggest that female buds differentiate a
month earlier than indicated by Owens (2006). It appears
that in 2005 induction was completed too late to achieve
positive results. In 2006 application dates were altered to
coincide with the new conclusions.
Owens, JN. 2006. The reproductive biology of lodgepole
pine. FGC Extension Note 07. Available from http://
www.fgcouncil.bc.ca
Orchard health
Each spring we launch a crusade against pests in an attempt
to save valuable seed. We’ve provided a tasty buffet for
“bugs” with a “No Entry” sign on the door that, to our
dismay, the bugs often ignore. The appearance of mountain
pine beetle in Interior seed orchards in 2006 heightens
the necessity for sound pest management plans. To ensure
the continued health and high vigour of ramets, pest and
disease management have become routine practices at
VSOC. Weekly monitoring allows for early detection of
pests and implementation of control strategies if necessary.
Upgrad ng
Second generation white spruce (2600) were grafted on
planted rootstock in the spring and maintained throughout
the season.
SMP - Ramets
Treated
Pollen
Collected (L)
Seedlings
Produced (million)
SPU Project Species SPZ Orchard
1201 all site
1208 Pli PG 236 5 na
1706 Pli BV 234 2927 na
1801 Pli CP 218 4142 12 12 0.85
1701 Pli BV 219 5455 30 12 2.4
1202 Pli PG 222 3746 30 15 0.45
4102 Fdi PG 225 510 114 300 2 na
3702 Fdi QL 226 351 236 300 6 0.40
4301 Fdi CT 231 1050 569 600 5 0.12
1403 Sx PG 211/214 8000 7.4
1421 Sx PG Grafting and maintenance of 2.0 generation holdbed (2600)
4057E18 all site
Battery powered pruners
4057E19 Fdi PG 233
Improve water drainage
4057E20 Pli PG 219
Weather station
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