56 EUEORGEN: Quercus subet:NEliWORKThe measured values were translated into points which represent the quality ofthe tree. The final score is a sum of points for phenotypic performance, acornproduction and cork. Points for the cork characteristics are obtained from values ofcork weight (maximum of 10 points when the tree produces 200 kg or more), plusan index of quality. This index gives the additional points for each qualitythicknessclass, based on the weight percentage of each class multiplied by a factorrelative to the monetary value of that class. A 'perfect' tree would reach 100 points:50 corresponding to section A, 10 to Band 40 to C. As group B was not consideredat all, the total possible sum was 90 in this case.Once labels were marked for all plus trees in a plot, the next step was to makethe final selection, taking into account the data maintained in the forms.For each tree of a group, candidate or control, the following values wereconsidered: cork weight, points in A group and points for cork quality. Lowerlimits were established for these parameters; at first, the limits were 100 kg of cork,22 points for the phenotype and 10 points for quality (Fig. 2). Trees that reachedthese three limits were directly selected. When a control tree was better than thecandidate, the former replaced the candidate.A second revision was then carried out, analyzing each tree separately. Whennecessary, less strict limits were considered, provided that the selected tree wassuperior to the average of the preselection in the year. Revision was repeated after10 plus trees were sampled.Different analyses were performed with the data, e.g. comparisons betweendehesas, superiority of the cork quality of the selected trees compared with theircontrol trees, and correlations between production and quality. _ResultsBetween 1987 and 1993,73 trees were selected. The final selection for 1994 and 1995has not yet been made, owing to the period in which cork sheets must be driedbefore cork analysis (one year). With these individuals, we expect to reach a totalnumber of 100 plus trees, thus fulfilling the initial objective of the programme.The mean values of the selected group were:• phenotypic index (points of group A) - 33.7• weight of cork per tree -121.2 kg• cork quality index - 14.6• total sum - 52.5 out of 90.Great differences have been found between the different plots, mainly withregard to the phenotypic and quality index (Fig. 3). The analyzed data show anegative correlation between cork weight per tree and its quality, thus confirmingthe previous understanding of the differences between quality of habitat andquality of cork.The results of the analyses regarding superiority in cork quality were surprising:the mean superiority was assigned 307%, but some values were close to 3500%(Figs. 4 and 5). Such variability in trees standing very close to each other, thusgrowing under identical silvicultural and ecological conditions, support theassumption of a strong genetic control of cork quality. As a consequence of thisassumption, cork oak improvement should be aimed at individuals rather thanstands. Nevertheless, the analysis of the geographic distribution pattern of plustrees allowed a selected seed stand to be defined, characterized by higher meanquality than the rest of the plots (see Table 1).
- PRESENTrATrIONS 5725 Tc C•• FINAL SELECTION.-, PRESELECTIONInitial limitsFinal limitsc·o-r------+------~------~o 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400CORK WEIGHT (kg/tree)Fig. 2. Limits for the preselection and final selection of trees based on parametersrelated to cork quality and cork weight.1,40 -;-I ,, '\ ..l"l(/) 1,20-;- \ _--.,~ I ---" >'~! p- ~> i " " _...(> __~ I / _-A.~~~~ " _---- 0-. --~-_~ ___ _w:0w'-- '-.~ I ~- '~'a: 0,80 TI0,60I+--------+--------+---------i----+-----+-----+----~CHIRINAHOYUELOS ALTOS LA BOYALNAVAHERMOSADEHESA- -0 - - PHENOTYPE ---CORK WEIGHT PER TREE -0- -CORK QUALITYFig. 3. Relative mean values of the three basic variables of the final selection in eachdehesa.Future actionsThe cork extraction in summer 1996 will take place in the dehesa where the firstselection was made_ A new analysis of the cork from all selected trees will need tobe carried out, to seek confirmation that quality does not change with time. Thisinvestigation will be repeated in the coming years.