Seed collection success and failure in fraxinus gene conservation efforts

Abstract

National seed collection and gene conservation programs have expanded in recent years, especially in response to pressure from non-native pests such as the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Since 2008, we have been working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) and USDA Forest Service (USDA FS) leading seed collection efforts in the genus Fraxinus chiefly in Minnesota and North Dakota with smaller collections in Wisconsin and Iowa. Through 2015, we collected approximately 7.6 million seeds from a total of 1020 ash trees. The collections came from 633 green ash (F. pennsylvanica) and 387 black ash (F. nigra) trees, from which we collected an estimated 5.8 million and 1.8 million seeds, respectively. More green ash seed was collected because green ash has a larger geographic range, a broader ecological niche, and a shorter seed periodicity timeframe; green ash produces a seed crop every 1 to 3 years compared to black ash’s 3 to 5 years.

Parent Publication

• Gene conservation of tree species—banking on the future. Proceedings of a workshop.

Citation

Zeleznik, Joseph D.; David, Andrew J. 2017. Seed collection success and failure in fraxinus gene conservation efforts. In: Sniezko, Richard A.; Man, Gary; Hipkins, Valerie; Woeste, Keith; Gwaze, David; Kliejunas, John T.; McTeague, Brianna A., tech. cords. 2017. Gene conservation of tree species—banking on the future. Proceedings of a workshop. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-963. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 190-191.