Download (PDF 930 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/56700.pdf
Abstract
Five hundred whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) parent trees from 80 populations were collected from throughout the range of whitebark pine, and are to be deployed in long-term field tests to screen for resistance to blister rust. The objective is to identify individuals to provide resistant seed for restoration of the species now undergoing catastrophic population declines throughout most of British Columbia (BC), Canada. Two series of four test sites, each with half of the open-pollinated families, are to be deployed across the range in BC with the first series to be established in 2015 and the second 2 years later. Survival and effects of rust will be assessed periodically for seedlings in the field, and total height will be measured. Along with resistance, it is anticipated that facets of genetic architecture, safe seed transfer distances, and likely impacts of climate change will be determined. To date, the first series has been sown and germination data collected. Stratification and nursery methods are discussed in light of the figures, in particular variation in germination based on seed source, consequences of storage and scarification, and efficacy of x-raying seed to determine viability.
Parent Publication
Citation
Cartwright, Charlie. 2018. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) field screening for blister rust resistance in British Columbia: Germination results. In: Schoettle, Anna W.; Sniezko, Richard A.; Kliejunas, John T., eds. Proceedings of the IUFRO joint conference: Genetics of five-needle pines, rusts of forest trees, and Strobusphere; 2014 June 15-20; Fort Collins, CO. Proc. RMRS-P-76. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 81-87.
