Genetically Improve tree

Tree Improvement In Florida To learn more about programs to assist with reforestation costs or to determine the best species of pine seedlings to plant on your property, contact the Division of Forestry County Forester in your area. Tree Improvement applies basic genetic principles to develop healthier, faster growing forests. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry's tree improvement program provides genetically improved tree seedlings to Florida landowners. These seedlings are used to reforest thousands of acres annually to meet a variety of needs including timber production, wildlifehabitat, erosion control and the aesthetic beauty enjoyed at state forests and on other lands. Tree Improvement Specialists accelerate and enhance the process of natural selection through careful analysis and controlled breeding of the best trees. Program HistoryStarting in the 1950's, the Florida Division of Forestry began the selection of superior trees from Florida's natural forests. What foresters looked for then and now are straight trees having high growth rates and good crown characteristics without insect or disease problems. These measurable traits are a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Controlled Cross Pollination Seed OrchardsTo establish seed orchards for specific regions of the state, technicians collected branch tips from these selected trees and grafted them on to compatible rootstock. Orchards located in Brooksville, contain selections made from peninsular Florida. Superior trees identified in the northern part of the state are in orchards located at Munson, Florida. Grouping genetic material by region provides landowners with improved seedlings which are well adapted to their specific area. The improved seed produced by these seed orchards is formed through pollination among the superior trees. Orchard seed, therefore, produces genetically-improved seedlings that are more resistant to insects and diseases and grow faster. Controlled Cross Pollination Breeding and TestingTo more accurately define or evaluate genetic improvement of orchard trees, progeny tests have been established over a range of environments using seed from selected trees. This process allows for separation of genetic traits from those caused by the environment in which the trees are grown. Performance of offspring measures the parent trees' ability to pass desirable traits to future generations. Once proven genetically superior, the best trees are cross pollinated under controlled conditions. Their progeny will form the next generation. These seedlings must also be evaluated for several years before the superior individuals are grafted into advanced generation orchards. This breeding cycle is continuous, with improvements in growth and disease resistance realized through each generation. Choosing Genetically Improved Seedlings for Reforestation in FloridaWhen landowners decide to plant pine trees, there are two primary decisions involved: Selection of the correct species and Selection of the best available variety of that species. Matching the correct pine species to the site is the first critical step. Off-site planting of tree species can result in stagnated growth or mortality. The selection of the proper species should be based on soil characteristics, final product desired (lumber or fiber), presence of insects and/or disease and aesthetics. Landowners should also observe neighboring stands of trees which exhibit desirable growth rates and appearance. Slash and loblolly pine seedlings are usually sold as "Improved" or "Improved Rust-Resistant". Consult a professional forester and a nursery manager to determine the best choice of species and variety for your tree planting project. Use of improved trees goes hand in hand with high quality nursery stock, good site preparation and appropriate silvicultural treatments. When used in combination with these cultural practices, properly selected, genetically improved seedlings will greatly increase the growth and yield of your forest. For over 40 years the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry has been committed to research and careful management of its tree improvement program in order to improve the health of Florida's forests. New orchards are established from the best parent trees available and the seed of these trees is used at the Division of Forestry's Andrews Nursery to provide improved seedlings for reforestation of public lands and nonindustrial private lands. Forests established with these seedlings will have excellent volume gain with broad genetic diversity. These new seed orchards will help to ensure the sustained production of lumber and fiber in Florida into the 21st century.