Natural Variation Among Seedlings from Colorado Sources of Blue Spruce

Abstract

Germination value, seed weight, cotyledon number, cone length, date of bud set, and height growth were examined on 75 single-tree Colorado sources of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) grown under accelerated conditions in a greenhouse. The 75 sources were grouped according to seed zone of origin; and nested analysis of variance indicated significant differences between zones for all traits except cotyledon number and date of bud set. No differences were found among families (grouped according to subregions) within seed zones. Trees in families from low elevations and southern latitudes set bud later than trees of other origins. Variation in date of bud set conformed to local altitudinal clinal patterns. West. J. Appl. For. 2(4):106-109, October 1988.