Abstract

Struve, D.K. 1982. Breeding for tree improvement requires industry cooperation. Am. Nurseryman 156(1): 179-181.

After a species is chosen, three basic tree improvement steps should follow. First, the amount and cause of variaton that exists in the traits of interest are determined. Second, the variation is “packaged” or reproduced, and third, the variation is mass-produced and made available for operational use. Variation is the key to success in any breeding program. Range-wide sampling indicates the amount of variation present in the traits of interest. An educated guess can be made as to whether the variation is under environmental or genetic control using these data. Genetically controlled variation, that which is inherited, is the only type available to a breeder. Alternatively, provenance tests can be established to determine the amount and cause of variation. But it may take years before this information is available. Generally, most species have enough genetically controlled variation to justify a breeding program. Breeding for fast growth, wide adaptability, and resistance to disease and insect pests holds great promise for ornamental plants. Trees might be bred to tolerate or perhaps flourish under harsh urban environments. Although it is more difficult, trees might be bred for resistance to combinations of air pollutants, or trees could be bred that perform well over climatically diverse areas.