Somatic embryogenesis tissue culture for applying varietal forestry to conifer species

Abstract

The use of tree improvement practices to enhance the genetic characteristics of planted seedlings is a forestry practice that consistently shows a high return on investment by increasing yields obtained from planted forests. The use of improved seeds is an effective way of bringing genetic improvement to forest regeneration programs. Seed orchards are currently used to produce seeds in large commercial quantities from trees having desired genetic traits. However, improved seeds do not provide a method to multiply specific varieties that have desirable traits. Vegetative propagation techniques from full-sib seeds provide the best means for doing varietal forestry by multiplying the improved genetic resource developed from tree improvement programs.

Parent Publication

• National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2007

Citation

Grossnickle, Steven C.; Pait, John. 2008. Somatic embryogenesis tissue culture for applying varietal forestry to conifer species. In: Dumroese, R. K.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2007. Proc. RMRS-P-57. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 135-139