Family tests as a basis for the genetic improvement of Eucalyptus nitens in New Zealand.
Year: 1988
Type: article
Abstract: Vigorous and healthy growth (16-m heights) was shown by 8-year-old Eucalyptus nitens (Deane & Maiden) Maiden families in New Zealand trials Central Victorian families were 10-15 % greater in diameter growth and 35-50% better in tree form scores than seedlots from eastern Victoria (Errinundra) and southern New South Wales. There were no large or consistent differences among the three provenances of central Victoria- Macalister, Toorongo, or Rubicon. The large variation between populations within the Toorongo provenance, showing the Mt Erica population top ranked for diameter growth and the Upper Thomson River population bottom ranked, supports the theory of introgression from the Errinundra variety. Multiple4rait index selection across sites was used to choose the best 20 central Victorian half-sib families. Selection of these families should give gains of 7.5% for diameter, which equates to a 19 % volume gain, over unselected central Victorian families. Predicted gains in form score are 8 % for these selected families. Genetic variability in resistance to wind damage was demonstrated and this characteristic was also used in the selection of half-sib families. Half-sib family selection can be utilised for seed production gains and there are methods of advancing the population in open-pollinated families.
Authors: John King, M. D. Wilcox
Language: English
Topic: Genetics and Plant Breeding
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W1471450140