Applications:  While all plans are subject to change as new knowledge, methods and technologies arise, it is imperative that a sound plan be developed. Tree improvement programs require long time frames and large investments; a plan is needed that is flexible, while still maximizing genetic gains within an operationally-manageable framework.
 

Materials and Methods:
The plan will be developed in four phases: 1) identifying important concepts, 2) quantifying key issues, 3) developing draft proposals for review by CFGRP members and other scientists and 4) revising the plan into an operationally- and genetically-sound strategy.
Phase 1 entails learning the details of tree, plant and animal improvement programs around the world. Key concepts and issues will be identified that may have a place or need further study in regards to the CFGRP slash pine program. Phase 2 entails quantifying the key issues so that the appropriate business decisions can be made. Such projects might entail simulations or analyses of actual data. Examples are quantifying optimal selection ages for important traits in field tests and determining the role of early selection in the overall program.
Phases 3 and 4 will consist of working with CFGRP members and other scientists in an interactive fashion to develop, revise, and finally approve the plan.
 

Materials and Methods:
Materials: Approximately 150 polymix families of approximately equal representation from the orange and blue super lines will be planted on eight operational slash sites.  This planting will constitute the first of two series of polymix tests for the second generation of slash pine breeding.
 
Methods: Seed from the polymix families will be planted in the greenhouses of three cooperators.  The seedlings will be randomized into tests which have single-tree plots with twenty blocks per test.  Every block will be subdivided into families which are in the orange or blue super line.
Each test site will be chosen from the two sites for which the cooperator has filled out establishment forms.  Sites should be chosen to have a square area of five acres.  The site will have tillage to promote uniformity and preplant herbicides as needed.   Sites will be laid out prior to planting so that atypical (filler) positions can be noted.  All herbicides applied after planting will be spot sprays.
 
 

Objectives:
To estimate genetic parameters:
a .- Provenance differences among the Central Florida, North Florida, Atlantic Coastal Plain, and Gulf Coastal at ages 3, 5, 10 and 15 (series 1).
b ,- Heritability at ages 3, 5, 10 and 15 (series 1 and series 2).
c .- Genotype-environment interactions parameters (such as type B genetic correlation, stability parameters (series 1 and series 2
d .- Age-age genetic correlation's between younger and older ages (series 1 and series 2).
e .- Trait-trait genetic correlation's among the three traits of rust, volume and height (series 1 and series 2).

Applications: With a species that has such a large range as P. taeda, it is possible that some genetic parameters might be different for certain provenances or for populations planted in certain regions. The Florida sources have not been well studied. Also, all tree improvement programs need estimates of genetic parameters (such as Heritability, genotype-environment interaction, age-age correlation's and correlation's among traits). These parameters are critical for making strategic and profitable decisions (such as which traits to select for and how many breeding zones are warranted) as well us for program implementation (such as determining appropriate selection ages and developing selection indices).

Materials and methods: Data from 28 tests containing open-pollinated families collected from seven different provenances planted in the Lower Coastal Plain exist that permit estimation of genetic parameters for the Florida provenances and comparison of the Florida to Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coastal Plain sources: a) Series 1 provenance progeny trials established jointly in 1982 by NCSUITIC and CFGRP cooperatives comparing approximately 15-20 families from each of four provenances (Central Florida, North Florida, Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coastal Plain), and b) Series 2 trials established by the CFGRP cooperators from 1970 to 1987 which containing mainly families from the Florida provenances. Height, DBH, and rust incidence were measured at 5, 7 and 10 years.
 

Number: P-52
Contact: R. Sanhueza Cooperators:
Forestal Monte Aguila
Locations: Chile, South America
Keys: QG Title: Genetic parameter estimates for seedling and clone of E. globulus.

Objectives:
To estimate heritabilities, genetic correlations, juvenile-mature correlations, and genotype X environment interactions for both seedling and rooted cutting populations in chile.  To predict genetic values using both seedlings and clones.  To develop ortet-Ramet regressions.
 
Applications:
These estimates will be used to make selections, refine breeding strategies, develop clonal and family deployment strategies and predict gain for the Forestal y Agricola Monteaguila S.A. tree improvement program.

Materials:
Seven clonal trials planted in 1995 and 1996 and 6 progeny trials planted in 1990 and 1991 will be analyzed.  The 7 clonal trials were established in an RCB design with 2 and 5-tree plots and 3 to 5 replications, whereas the progeny trials consist of alpha lattice designs with 4 tree row plots and 6 replications.
 
Methods:
Analysis of variance of each test and pooled across tests will be performed to obtain variance components and parameter estimates.  These results will then be used to predict breeding values.
 

Number: P-53
Keys: QG, GY
Title: Estimation of genetic parameters, prediction of genetic merit and determination of optimal test design for clonal and seedling material of E. grandis
Initiated: 1995
Contact: Luis F. Osorio
Cooperators: Smurfit Carton de Colombia, UF
Locations: Cali, Colombia

Objectives:
The overall goal of this research project is to use a series of existing genetic tests to: 1) obtain unbiased estimates of genetic parameters in both clonal and seedling trials of  E. grandis; 2) Predict the breeding value of OP families and the genetic merit of clones for their inclusion in the next generation of breeding; and 3) Run a simulation study to determine efficient genetic test designs for seedling and clonal populations.

Applications:
The expansion of the forestry program with E. grandis has increased its complexity and there is a need for accurate and precise genetic information to support sound decisions in a tree improvement program to maximize genetic gains in a cost effective manner.  The proposed research will provide reliable information to design testing and selection strategies for the next generation of breeding.

Materials:
Seven clonal trials planted in 1991 and 10 progeny trials, from the same ortets of the clonal trials, planted in 1994 and 1995 will be used.  The 7 clonal trials are RCBD in a six-tree-row-plot configuration.  The 10 progeny trials consist of RCBD with both row plots and single tree plots.

Methods:
The estimation of genetic parameters will follow the methods used by the cooperative, but will look for a way to estimate correlations between clonal material and OP families.  Parental and individual tree breeding values will be predicted by using  BLUP methodologies.  The simulation study will be conducted under different scenarios of genetic parameters and the efficiency of the simulation tests will be assessed by using the variance of the parameter estimates.

Objectives:
The objectives for this study are to rank parents and produce breeding values for increment core specific gravity for the Florida loblolly first generation population with particular emphasis on parents with a breeding value for volume greater than zero.
 
Applications:
Information about the genetic merit of individuals in the Florida loblolly population for increment core specific gravity could be used for deployment, roguing of orchards, breeding to increase specific gravity, or breeding for volume gain while holding specific gravity fixed.  Specific gravity is associated with the properties of wood when used for either pulp or solid products.
 

Materials:
A group of twelve open-pollinated tests provides a sufficient number of offspring to sample all but four members of the Florida loblolly population.
 

Methods:
A breast height increment core will be taken from each tree sampled.  The specific gravity of the cores will be determined by the ratio of oven-dry weight to green volume by displacement.  The data will be analyzed using Restricted Maximum Likelihood estimates of the variances components and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction of the genetic parameters.