Juvenile growth of provenances and open pollinated families of four Russian larch species (Larix Mill.) in Swedish field tests

Abstract

Four Russian larch species; (Larix sukaczewii Dyl., L. sibirica Ledeb., L. gmelinii Rupr. and L. cajanderi Mayr.) were tested in combined provenance-progeny tests on three sites in Sweden. 29 provenances, two seed orchards and four seed stands-material were assessed for juvenile height growth and survival after five growing seasons in the field. Genetic parameters were also determined on the family level. The results show that provenances of L. sukaczewii originating from western Russia have the highest survival. Compared to the closely related L. sibirica, L. sukaczewii show better adaptation, a pattern that has also been observed in Finland and Iceland. Provenances of L. gmelinii from the Russian Far East demonstrate best juvenile height growth on all three sites. L. cajanderi from northern interior Siberia failed on all three sites. Both climatic and geographical variables showed strong correlation with survival and height. At this early evaluation it seems like provenances of L. sukaczewii can be transferred northward with satisfactory survival whereas southern transfer or transfer from strongly continental areas in Russia to the semi maritime climate in Sweden results in poor growth. CVA values suggested relatively high genetic variation in height for L. sukaczewii and L. sibirica. The heritabilities for height growth and survival were at this early evaluation generally low (h2 < 0.10) and often non-significant.

Vitality and height growth of two <i>Larix</i> species and provenances in a field trial located in north-west Russia

“…The results obtained by Lukkarinen et al (2010) and Karlman et al (2011) using similar materials (of approximately the same age) for field trials in Finland and Sweden offered an opportunity to compare larch tree vitality and growth along a longitudinal gradient. The field trials at Särna (61°31´N, 13°00´E) in Sweden and at Punkaharju (61°49´N, 29°19´E) in Finland were at similar latitudes (but a different longitude) to the Syktyvkar field trial (see Materials and methods).…”

“…The overall survival was higher (by about 20%) for the Syktyvkar field trial compared to the Särna and Punkaharju trials. The reason for the lower survival at Punkaharju was pine weevil damage to the seedlings (Lukkarinen et al 2010), while Särna has very stony soil conditions, resulting in occasional poor soil scarification (Karlman et al 2011). The higher altitude at Särna could also be an additional reason for increased seedling mortality.…”

“…The series of the field trials with the same material of Russian larches was established in Canada, China, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States (Martinsson and Takata 2005). Recently Lukkarinen et al (2010) and Karlman et al (2011) reported on survival, growth and damage to Russian larch material at the age four and five years in the field trials located in Finland and Sweden, respectively.…”

“…The objectives of this study were to compare vitality and growth of L. sukaczewii and L. sibirica seedlings under field conditions; evaluate the relationships between tree vitality and growth with climatic and geographic variables; and to study genotype × environment interaction for L. sukaczewii and L. sibirica at the provenance level using the findings of Lukkarinen et al (2010) and Karlman et al (2011). These results would be important for a proper selection of provenances for commercial planting.…”

Near Infrared Spectroscopy as non-destructive method for sorting viable, petrified and empty seeds of <i>Larix sibirica</i>

“…Interests in growing Larix species (commonly known as larch) in the Northern hemisphere, particularly Fenno-Scandinavia, have grown over the past few decades owing to their better juvenile growth, high timber quality, adaptation to the harsh climate and relatively strong resistance to wind throw and root-and butt rot (Polubojarinov et al 2000;Pâques 2004;Karlman et al 2011). Sustainable establishment of larch forests, among other things, demands a continuous supply of high quality seeds for the production of the desired quantity of seedlings in nurseries or for direct sowing out in the field.…”