Forest growing stock volume (GSV, m3/ha) is an indispensable variable for forest resources superv... more Forest growing stock volume (GSV, m3/ha) is an indispensable variable for forest resources supervision. Precise measurement of GSV is conducive to monitoring forest dynamics. Nevertheless, little research has explored the pattern pixel values and the function of texture features derived from a vegetation index (VI) for GSV prediction. In this study, we investigated combining linear regression or Random Forest with Sentinel-2 spectral predictors and image textures derived from spectral bands and vegetation indices, which were based on standard deviation values or mean values at the plot level, for predicting GSV of Masson pine, theropencedrymion and all the survey plots in Anji County, China. Specifically, ten groups of experiments encompassing combinations of spectral parameters and texture measures were established for detecting the potential of image textures based on two different image pixel statistics. The results showed that texture measures derived from VI were superior to sp...
Oaks (Quercus spp.) are widespread hardwood trees in the Northern Hemisphere and of high ecologic... more Oaks (Quercus spp.) are widespread hardwood trees in the Northern Hemisphere and of high ecological, economic, and social values. Optimal experimental design of genetic trials is essential for accurate estimates of genetic parameters and improving the genetic merit of breeding stock. Here, we evaluate the use of post hoc row-column factors combined with spatial adjustment to improve genetic analyses of parents and individual trees in field progeny tests of plantation hardwoods, using cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) as an example. For tree height, post hoc incomplete blocking reduced ~14% more of the within-block environmental variance compared to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) model. Incomplete blocking also improved the heritability estimates for height by 7% to 14% compared to the original RCBD model. No clinal trend for growth breeding values was identified due to provenances. Our approach warrants the initial selection for height as early as age ~10 based on it...
Picea pungens (Engelm.), known for its blue-green needles, has become a likable ornamental specie... more Picea pungens (Engelm.), known for its blue-green needles, has become a likable ornamental species in northeast China since 2000. Nonetheless, a lack of propagation methods that can maintain genetic fidelity and develop seedlings at a large scale prevents the further expansion of the species. Somatic embryogenesis (SE), paired with cryopreservation technologies, may provide a valid alternative. Picea pungens SE is not new, but its practical application has been limited due to low efficiencies in SE initiation and maturation as well as a lack of effective cryopreservation technology. In this study, experiments were carried out to overcome the limitations by modifying culture media. For initiation, the efficiency was enhanced by adjusting concentrations of 2.4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzyl amino–purine (6-BA) or sucrose supplemented to the induction medium. The concentrations of 4.0 mg/L 2,4-D, 2 mg/L 6-BA, and 5 to 10 g/L sucrose were found optimal in maximizing initi...
Abstract. Patterns of species' occurrences across space and time are fundamental components t... more Abstract. Patterns of species' occurrences across space and time are fundamental components to understanding their ecology, as this variation often reflects responses to local environmental gradients. We built species-specific models to understand the spatial and temporal factors predicting captures and activity of five snake species in upland pine forests: copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), racer (Coluber constrictor), coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), western ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus), and western ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus). From mid-May to mid-July across 3 y (2018, 2019, 2020), we monitored boxtraps in two upland pine forests experiencing different management regimes: (1) subjected to frequent thinning and prescribed burning, and (2) subjected to infrequent thinning and prescribed burning. Significantly more copperheads and western ribbonsnakes were captured at the infrequently thinned and burned forest, whereas significantly more racers were captured at fo...
Landslides are a common geodynamic phenomenon that cause substantial life and property damage wor... more Landslides are a common geodynamic phenomenon that cause substantial life and property damage worldwide. In the present study, we developed models to evaluate landslide susceptibility in forest-covered areas in Lin’an, southeastern China using logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF) techniques. In addition to conventional landslide-related natural and human disturbance factors, factors describing forest cover, including forest type (two plantations (hickory and bamboo) and four natural forests (conifer, hardwood, shrub, and moso bamboo) and understory vegetation conditions, were included as predictors. Model performance was evaluated based on true-positive rate, Kappa value, and area under the ROC curve using a 10-fold cross-validation method. All models exhibited good performance with measures of ≥0.70, although the LR model was relatively inferior. The key predictors were forest type, understory vegetation height (UVH), normalized differential vegetati...
This study developed somatic embryogenesis protocols for Picea pungens (Engelm), an important orn... more This study developed somatic embryogenesis protocols for Picea pungens (Engelm), an important ornamental species, including initiation, proliferation, maturation, germination, and acclimation. Somatic embryogenic tissues were induced from mature zygotic embryos of five families, with a frequency of $$\ge $$ ≥ 22% for each. Embryogenic tissues (ET) from 13 clones of three families were proliferated for one week, achieving an average rate of 179.1%. The ET of 38 clones of three families were cultured in maturation medium for six weeks; 188 mature embryos on average were counted per gram ET cultured, of which $$\ge $$ ≥ 81.1% appeared normal, and each clone developed at least 28 normally matured embryos. A total of 69.9% or more of cotyledonary somatic embryos germinated normally and developed into normal emblings. The experiment of transplanting the emblings into a greenhouse had an average survival rate of 68.5%. Considerable variation among and within families during initiation an...
Accurately measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and estimating tree positions in a samp... more Accurately measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and estimating tree positions in a sample plot are important in tree mensuration. The main aims of this paper include (1) developing a new, integrated device that can identify trees using the quick response (QR) code technique to record tree identifications, measure DBH, and estimate tree positions concurrently; (2) designing an innovative algorithm to measure DBH using only two angle sensors, which is simple and can reduce the impact of eccentric stems on DBH measures; and (3) designing an algorithm to estimate the position of the tree by combining ultra-wide band (UWB) technology and altitude sensors, which is based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI) algorithm and quadrilateral localization algorithm. This novel device was applied to measure ten 10 × 10 m square plots of diversified environments and various tree species to test its accuracy. Before measuring a plot, a coded sticker was fixed at a height of 1.3 m on each individual tree stem, and four UWB module anchors were set up at the four corners of the plot. All individual trees’ DBHs and positions within the plot were then measured. Tree DBH, measured using a tree caliper, and the values of tree positions, measured using tape, angle ruler, and inclinometer, were used as the respective reference values for comparison. Across the plots, the decode rate of QR codes was 100%, with an average response time less than two seconds. The DBH values had a bias of 1.89 mm (1.88% in relative terms) and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.38 mm (4.53% in relative terms). The tree positions were accurately estimated; the biases on the x-axis and the y-axis of the tree position were −8.55–14.88 cm and −12.07–24.49 cm, respectively, and the corresponding RMSEs were 12.94–33.96 cm and 17.78–28.43 cm. The average error between the estimated and reference distances was 30.06 cm, with a standard deviation of 13.53 cm. The device is cheap and friendly to use in addition to its high accuracy. Although further studies are needed, our method provides a great alternative to conventional tools for improving the efficiency and accuracy of tree mensuration.
Key message Variation in carbon concentration amongLarix olgensisA. Henry provenances and tree ti... more Key message Variation in carbon concentration amongLarix olgensisA. Henry provenances and tree tissues was significant, suggesting importance of such variation to carbon stock calculation. Provenance variation in carbon allocation was only significant in allocations to some tissues, including stem wood, and was strongly site-specific. Some allocation patterns correlated significantly with provenance growth and were related to geographic/climatic variables at the provenance origins. Context Understanding variation in carbon concentrations and allocations to tree tissues among genetic entries is important for assessing carbon sequestration and understanding differential growth rates among the entries. However, this topic is poorly understood, in particular for mature trees in field conditions. Aims The study aims to assess genetic variation in C concentrations and allocations to tree tissues and further to link the variation to tree growth and to assess their adaptive nature. Methods ...
Polycross-pollinated white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) families were evaluated in field a... more Polycross-pollinated white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) families were evaluated in field and retrospective nursery tests in 1989, 1991, and 1992, respectively. Height growth was measured at age 10 for the field tests and at ages 1 to 6 for the retrospective nursery tests. Except for a few cases, the family mean correlations between nursery and field heights were significant for the 1989 and 1992 series, and their corresponding genetic correlations ranged from low to medium (from 0.37 to 0.74). Because of heavy noncrop competition, height growth in the 1991 nursery series showed consistently lower heritabilities and correlations with field performance compared with those of the other two series. Early nursery selection by theoretical prediction was generally efficient for the 1989 and 1992 series. Rank classification analysis indicated that application of early nursery selection should be used with caution for identifying elite families but could be used to cull inferior famil...
Site index (SI) estimation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations is important for the su... more Site index (SI) estimation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations is important for the successful management of this important commercial tree species in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States. This study evaluated various SI models for intensively managed loblolly plantations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain using data collected from permanent plots installed in intensively managed loblolly pine plantations across east Texas and western Louisiana. Six commonly used SI models (Cieszewski GADA model, both Chapman-Richards ADA and GADA models, both Schumacher ADA and GADA models, and McDill-Amateis GADA model) were fit to the data and compared. The Chapman-Richards GADA model and the McDill-Amateis GADA model were similar and best in their fit statistics. These two models were further compared to the existing models (Diéguez-Aranda et al. 2006 (DA2006), Coble and Lee 2010 (CL2010)) commonly used in the region. Both the Chapman-Richards GADA and the McDill-Amateis GADA ...
Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas were once dominant across the southeastern U.S., includi... more Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas were once dominant across the southeastern U.S., including East Texas and parts of western and central Louisiana. The diverse understory associated with these historical savannas may occasionally be seen today, but not often in longleaf pine ecosystems. This project aimed to define east Texas site characteristics that are necessary to support these ecosystems with a dense and diverse herbaceous understory with little to no midstory cover. Fifty-nine plots across three study sites were established to evaluate the influence of overstory cover, basal area, aspect, elevation, and slope on the number of plant genera present. Forest structure and site characteristics had significant effects on the number of plant genera found. The number of genera increased with higher elevation and slope; as elevation increased, there was a decline in basal area and overstory cover, leading to a more diverse, understory layer. In order to re-establish and maintain...
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the most noxious invasive species in the world. The f... more Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the most noxious invasive species in the world. The fern is known to have primary, secondary, and tertiary growth forms, which are also commonly hypothesized as growth stages. The identification of these forms is primarily based on the size and folding status of the floating leaves. However, we identified 12 forms in the greenhouse and the field. Our experiments showed that the folding of floating leaves is a reversible trait dependent on water access. The floating leaves quickly fold in response to water shortage, reducing water loss and needs, decreasing growth, and avoiding trichome damage. The leaves re-open to allow trichomes repel water and enhance growth when having adequate water supply. Larger secondary or tertiary forms do not produce small-leaf primary forms without high intensity stress. These results do not support the hypothesis that three growth forms represent sequential growth stages. The abnormal small-leaf forms are the ...
We evaluated the effect of tree genotype on the resistance of balsam fir,Abies balsamea(Linnaeus)... more We evaluated the effect of tree genotype on the resistance of balsam fir,Abies balsamea(Linnaeus) Miller (Pinaceae), to damage from the balsam twig aphid,Mindarus abietinusKoch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), by visually assessing aphid damage in clonal seed orchards located in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada, during four consecutive years. Estimates of clone mean heritability were moderate, suggesting that heritability of resistance is influenced by genetic factors. In New Brunswick, positive phenotypic and genetic correlations of clone-mean damage among years indicate that clones rank similarly each year. Our results suggest that selectively breeding for increased resistance could result in genetic gains.
Developing resistance to western gall rust (WGR) is important for maintaining healthy and product... more Developing resistance to western gall rust (WGR) is important for maintaining healthy and productive jack pine plantations. In this study, we estimated genetic parameters of resistance to WGR and its relationship with tree height growth, based on data collected from three second-generation full-sib progeny testing series of jack pine planted in New Brunswick, Canada. Results indicated that (i) resistance to WGR in jack pine was controlled by both additive and dominance gene effects, with the latter playing a greater role; (ii) narrow-sense heritability estimates for resistance to WGR were low (mean = 0.05; series range = 0.00∼0.09), and broad-sense heritability estimates were moderate on an individual-tree basis (mean = 0.53) and considerably higher on the full-sib family mean basis (mean = 0.87); (iii) additive genetic correlation between tree height growth and WGR incidence was low (≤0.06) in two series and only slightly higher and favorable (–0.19) in one series, suggesting that ...
Forest growing stock volume (GSV, m3/ha) is an indispensable variable for forest resources superv... more Forest growing stock volume (GSV, m3/ha) is an indispensable variable for forest resources supervision. Precise measurement of GSV is conducive to monitoring forest dynamics. Nevertheless, little research has explored the pattern pixel values and the function of texture features derived from a vegetation index (VI) for GSV prediction. In this study, we investigated combining linear regression or Random Forest with Sentinel-2 spectral predictors and image textures derived from spectral bands and vegetation indices, which were based on standard deviation values or mean values at the plot level, for predicting GSV of Masson pine, theropencedrymion and all the survey plots in Anji County, China. Specifically, ten groups of experiments encompassing combinations of spectral parameters and texture measures were established for detecting the potential of image textures based on two different image pixel statistics. The results showed that texture measures derived from VI were superior to sp...
Oaks (Quercus spp.) are widespread hardwood trees in the Northern Hemisphere and of high ecologic... more Oaks (Quercus spp.) are widespread hardwood trees in the Northern Hemisphere and of high ecological, economic, and social values. Optimal experimental design of genetic trials is essential for accurate estimates of genetic parameters and improving the genetic merit of breeding stock. Here, we evaluate the use of post hoc row-column factors combined with spatial adjustment to improve genetic analyses of parents and individual trees in field progeny tests of plantation hardwoods, using cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) as an example. For tree height, post hoc incomplete blocking reduced ~14% more of the within-block environmental variance compared to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) model. Incomplete blocking also improved the heritability estimates for height by 7% to 14% compared to the original RCBD model. No clinal trend for growth breeding values was identified due to provenances. Our approach warrants the initial selection for height as early as age ~10 based on it...
Picea pungens (Engelm.), known for its blue-green needles, has become a likable ornamental specie... more Picea pungens (Engelm.), known for its blue-green needles, has become a likable ornamental species in northeast China since 2000. Nonetheless, a lack of propagation methods that can maintain genetic fidelity and develop seedlings at a large scale prevents the further expansion of the species. Somatic embryogenesis (SE), paired with cryopreservation technologies, may provide a valid alternative. Picea pungens SE is not new, but its practical application has been limited due to low efficiencies in SE initiation and maturation as well as a lack of effective cryopreservation technology. In this study, experiments were carried out to overcome the limitations by modifying culture media. For initiation, the efficiency was enhanced by adjusting concentrations of 2.4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzyl amino–purine (6-BA) or sucrose supplemented to the induction medium. The concentrations of 4.0 mg/L 2,4-D, 2 mg/L 6-BA, and 5 to 10 g/L sucrose were found optimal in maximizing initi...
Abstract. Patterns of species' occurrences across space and time are fundamental components t... more Abstract. Patterns of species' occurrences across space and time are fundamental components to understanding their ecology, as this variation often reflects responses to local environmental gradients. We built species-specific models to understand the spatial and temporal factors predicting captures and activity of five snake species in upland pine forests: copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), racer (Coluber constrictor), coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), western ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus), and western ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus). From mid-May to mid-July across 3 y (2018, 2019, 2020), we monitored boxtraps in two upland pine forests experiencing different management regimes: (1) subjected to frequent thinning and prescribed burning, and (2) subjected to infrequent thinning and prescribed burning. Significantly more copperheads and western ribbonsnakes were captured at the infrequently thinned and burned forest, whereas significantly more racers were captured at fo...
Landslides are a common geodynamic phenomenon that cause substantial life and property damage wor... more Landslides are a common geodynamic phenomenon that cause substantial life and property damage worldwide. In the present study, we developed models to evaluate landslide susceptibility in forest-covered areas in Lin’an, southeastern China using logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF) techniques. In addition to conventional landslide-related natural and human disturbance factors, factors describing forest cover, including forest type (two plantations (hickory and bamboo) and four natural forests (conifer, hardwood, shrub, and moso bamboo) and understory vegetation conditions, were included as predictors. Model performance was evaluated based on true-positive rate, Kappa value, and area under the ROC curve using a 10-fold cross-validation method. All models exhibited good performance with measures of ≥0.70, although the LR model was relatively inferior. The key predictors were forest type, understory vegetation height (UVH), normalized differential vegetati...
This study developed somatic embryogenesis protocols for Picea pungens (Engelm), an important orn... more This study developed somatic embryogenesis protocols for Picea pungens (Engelm), an important ornamental species, including initiation, proliferation, maturation, germination, and acclimation. Somatic embryogenic tissues were induced from mature zygotic embryos of five families, with a frequency of $$\ge $$ ≥ 22% for each. Embryogenic tissues (ET) from 13 clones of three families were proliferated for one week, achieving an average rate of 179.1%. The ET of 38 clones of three families were cultured in maturation medium for six weeks; 188 mature embryos on average were counted per gram ET cultured, of which $$\ge $$ ≥ 81.1% appeared normal, and each clone developed at least 28 normally matured embryos. A total of 69.9% or more of cotyledonary somatic embryos germinated normally and developed into normal emblings. The experiment of transplanting the emblings into a greenhouse had an average survival rate of 68.5%. Considerable variation among and within families during initiation an...
Accurately measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and estimating tree positions in a samp... more Accurately measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and estimating tree positions in a sample plot are important in tree mensuration. The main aims of this paper include (1) developing a new, integrated device that can identify trees using the quick response (QR) code technique to record tree identifications, measure DBH, and estimate tree positions concurrently; (2) designing an innovative algorithm to measure DBH using only two angle sensors, which is simple and can reduce the impact of eccentric stems on DBH measures; and (3) designing an algorithm to estimate the position of the tree by combining ultra-wide band (UWB) technology and altitude sensors, which is based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI) algorithm and quadrilateral localization algorithm. This novel device was applied to measure ten 10 × 10 m square plots of diversified environments and various tree species to test its accuracy. Before measuring a plot, a coded sticker was fixed at a height of 1.3 m on each individual tree stem, and four UWB module anchors were set up at the four corners of the plot. All individual trees’ DBHs and positions within the plot were then measured. Tree DBH, measured using a tree caliper, and the values of tree positions, measured using tape, angle ruler, and inclinometer, were used as the respective reference values for comparison. Across the plots, the decode rate of QR codes was 100%, with an average response time less than two seconds. The DBH values had a bias of 1.89 mm (1.88% in relative terms) and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.38 mm (4.53% in relative terms). The tree positions were accurately estimated; the biases on the x-axis and the y-axis of the tree position were −8.55–14.88 cm and −12.07–24.49 cm, respectively, and the corresponding RMSEs were 12.94–33.96 cm and 17.78–28.43 cm. The average error between the estimated and reference distances was 30.06 cm, with a standard deviation of 13.53 cm. The device is cheap and friendly to use in addition to its high accuracy. Although further studies are needed, our method provides a great alternative to conventional tools for improving the efficiency and accuracy of tree mensuration.
Key message Variation in carbon concentration amongLarix olgensisA. Henry provenances and tree ti... more Key message Variation in carbon concentration amongLarix olgensisA. Henry provenances and tree tissues was significant, suggesting importance of such variation to carbon stock calculation. Provenance variation in carbon allocation was only significant in allocations to some tissues, including stem wood, and was strongly site-specific. Some allocation patterns correlated significantly with provenance growth and were related to geographic/climatic variables at the provenance origins. Context Understanding variation in carbon concentrations and allocations to tree tissues among genetic entries is important for assessing carbon sequestration and understanding differential growth rates among the entries. However, this topic is poorly understood, in particular for mature trees in field conditions. Aims The study aims to assess genetic variation in C concentrations and allocations to tree tissues and further to link the variation to tree growth and to assess their adaptive nature. Methods ...
Polycross-pollinated white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) families were evaluated in field a... more Polycross-pollinated white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) families were evaluated in field and retrospective nursery tests in 1989, 1991, and 1992, respectively. Height growth was measured at age 10 for the field tests and at ages 1 to 6 for the retrospective nursery tests. Except for a few cases, the family mean correlations between nursery and field heights were significant for the 1989 and 1992 series, and their corresponding genetic correlations ranged from low to medium (from 0.37 to 0.74). Because of heavy noncrop competition, height growth in the 1991 nursery series showed consistently lower heritabilities and correlations with field performance compared with those of the other two series. Early nursery selection by theoretical prediction was generally efficient for the 1989 and 1992 series. Rank classification analysis indicated that application of early nursery selection should be used with caution for identifying elite families but could be used to cull inferior famil...
Site index (SI) estimation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations is important for the su... more Site index (SI) estimation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations is important for the successful management of this important commercial tree species in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States. This study evaluated various SI models for intensively managed loblolly plantations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain using data collected from permanent plots installed in intensively managed loblolly pine plantations across east Texas and western Louisiana. Six commonly used SI models (Cieszewski GADA model, both Chapman-Richards ADA and GADA models, both Schumacher ADA and GADA models, and McDill-Amateis GADA model) were fit to the data and compared. The Chapman-Richards GADA model and the McDill-Amateis GADA model were similar and best in their fit statistics. These two models were further compared to the existing models (Diéguez-Aranda et al. 2006 (DA2006), Coble and Lee 2010 (CL2010)) commonly used in the region. Both the Chapman-Richards GADA and the McDill-Amateis GADA ...
Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas were once dominant across the southeastern U.S., includi... more Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas were once dominant across the southeastern U.S., including East Texas and parts of western and central Louisiana. The diverse understory associated with these historical savannas may occasionally be seen today, but not often in longleaf pine ecosystems. This project aimed to define east Texas site characteristics that are necessary to support these ecosystems with a dense and diverse herbaceous understory with little to no midstory cover. Fifty-nine plots across three study sites were established to evaluate the influence of overstory cover, basal area, aspect, elevation, and slope on the number of plant genera present. Forest structure and site characteristics had significant effects on the number of plant genera found. The number of genera increased with higher elevation and slope; as elevation increased, there was a decline in basal area and overstory cover, leading to a more diverse, understory layer. In order to re-establish and maintain...
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the most noxious invasive species in the world. The f... more Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the most noxious invasive species in the world. The fern is known to have primary, secondary, and tertiary growth forms, which are also commonly hypothesized as growth stages. The identification of these forms is primarily based on the size and folding status of the floating leaves. However, we identified 12 forms in the greenhouse and the field. Our experiments showed that the folding of floating leaves is a reversible trait dependent on water access. The floating leaves quickly fold in response to water shortage, reducing water loss and needs, decreasing growth, and avoiding trichome damage. The leaves re-open to allow trichomes repel water and enhance growth when having adequate water supply. Larger secondary or tertiary forms do not produce small-leaf primary forms without high intensity stress. These results do not support the hypothesis that three growth forms represent sequential growth stages. The abnormal small-leaf forms are the ...
We evaluated the effect of tree genotype on the resistance of balsam fir,Abies balsamea(Linnaeus)... more We evaluated the effect of tree genotype on the resistance of balsam fir,Abies balsamea(Linnaeus) Miller (Pinaceae), to damage from the balsam twig aphid,Mindarus abietinusKoch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), by visually assessing aphid damage in clonal seed orchards located in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada, during four consecutive years. Estimates of clone mean heritability were moderate, suggesting that heritability of resistance is influenced by genetic factors. In New Brunswick, positive phenotypic and genetic correlations of clone-mean damage among years indicate that clones rank similarly each year. Our results suggest that selectively breeding for increased resistance could result in genetic gains.
Developing resistance to western gall rust (WGR) is important for maintaining healthy and product... more Developing resistance to western gall rust (WGR) is important for maintaining healthy and productive jack pine plantations. In this study, we estimated genetic parameters of resistance to WGR and its relationship with tree height growth, based on data collected from three second-generation full-sib progeny testing series of jack pine planted in New Brunswick, Canada. Results indicated that (i) resistance to WGR in jack pine was controlled by both additive and dominance gene effects, with the latter playing a greater role; (ii) narrow-sense heritability estimates for resistance to WGR were low (mean = 0.05; series range = 0.00∼0.09), and broad-sense heritability estimates were moderate on an individual-tree basis (mean = 0.53) and considerably higher on the full-sib family mean basis (mean = 0.87); (iii) additive genetic correlation between tree height growth and WGR incidence was low (≤0.06) in two series and only slightly higher and favorable (–0.19) in one series, suggesting that ...
Uploads
Papers by YUHUI WENG