Journal of Forest Science, 2007 (vol. 53), issue 2

Initial evaluation of half-sib progenies of Norway spruce using the best linear unbiased prediction

J. Klápště, M. Lstibůrek, J. Kobliha

J. For. Sci., 2007, 53(2):41-46 | DOI: 10.17221/2136-JFS  

The present paper deals with data obtained from fifteen years old Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) progeny test established at three sites in the Sázava River region. Parameter under the evaluation was a tree height in 15 years following the establishment of the trial. Genetic parameters were estimated using the REML (Restricted Maximum Likelihood) procedure followed by the BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction). Genetic parameters estimates were used to predict genetic gain in three alternative selection strategies. The value of gain depends on target value of gene diversity. 10-15% gain is due to selecting breeding population composed...

Addressing spatial variability in provenance experiments exemplified in two trials with black spruce

T. Funda, M. Lstibůrek, J. Klápště, I. Permedlová, J. Kobliha

J. For. Sci., 2007, 53(2):47-56 | DOI: 10.17221/2135-JFS  

Two exemplary black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) provenance trials were analyzed using traditional and spatial techniques. The objective was to find out possible differences between these approaches in terms of both the resulting fit-statistics and the estimated mean heights of provenances. Further, the spatial model was consequently adjusted to treat global and extraneous sources of variation. As expected, models incorporating spatial variation provided a better fit to the data. Consequently, there was also a noticeable shift in ranking of individual provenances, which has an important implication for the interpretation of provenance...

First evaluation of growth parameters in clonal test with wild cherry

M. Hajnala, M. Lstibůrek, J. Kobliha

J. For. Sci., 2007, 53(2):57-65 | DOI: 10.17221/2140-JFS  

A 6-year-old clonal trial with 13 clones of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) was evaluated during the summer of 2004 at 6 different sites in the Czech Republic. Observed traits were the stem height, stem diameter, health status, and mortality. The mixed linear model was implemented with either independent or the autoregressive error structure. The later provided better fit to the data. At this age, only one clone outperformed the remaining ones in volume production. Suggestions for future research activities are provided that should lead to the establishment of long-term breeding programs with wild cherry in the Czech Republic.

Study of natural hybridization between Alnus incana (L.) Moench. and Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

V. Banaev, V. Bažant

J. For. Sci., 2007, 53(2):66-73 | DOI: 10.17221/2137-JFS  

Variation of metric and qualitative characteristics of A. incana (L.) Moench. and A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. has been studied in 10 natural populations in West Siberia, Russia and the Czech Republic in connection with the problem of natural hybridization. Morphological peculiarities of the species and their spontaneous hybrids are shown. Twelve leaf characteristics were used, in addition, qualitative characteristics were assessed, such as: type of bark, degree of pubescence of leaves and stems, and presence of a "tuft" in the angles of leaf veins. The reasons for hybridization of these species are discussed.

Differential success of somatic embryogenesis in random gene pool of Norway spruce

M. Mauleová, J. Vítámvás

J. For. Sci., 2007, 53(2):74-87 | DOI: 10.17221/2139-JFS  

The use of silica sand in micropropagation of woods

H. Prknová

J. For. Sci., 2007, 53(2):88-92 | DOI: 10.17221/2138-JFS  

Cultures in vitro made in agar are rather precarious, because gel strength varies both with the medium formula used and the source and grade of agar. Any solidifying agent (like for example agar) should be strong enough to support cultivated plantlets, yet liquid enough to allow the nutrients and drossy products from plants through the medium. It should also be a chemically inert material. Agar, especially in acid solutions, is an undefined constituent of culture media, namely in the mentioned properties. Silica sand, used in cultures of herbs up to the present time, is applicable also in cultures of Sorbus sudetica. The required acid...