Study on the variation in and selection of Fraxinus mandshurica provenances and families in northeast China

Abstract

AbstractFraxinus mandshurica Rupr. is one of the main afforestation species in northeast China, and there is great demand for improved F. mandshurica varieties. The results of an investigation into and analysis of the growth traits of F. mandshurica provenances and families showed that there were significant differences in different periods. However, variations in growth traits decreased year by year. There was a significant negative correlation between tree heights of the provenances and sunshine hours in their areas of origin. The provenances of Xinglong, Hailin and Wuchang were selected based on the volume of 18-year-old trees. The average genetic gain from the selection of fast-growing provenances was 19.4%. Ten superior fast-growing families were selected. The average volume of the selected families was 22.6%, higher than that of all families. The correlation coefficient between heights at 6-year-old and at 18a was 0.838 for provenances, and between heights at 4-year-old and at 18-year-old was 0.303 for families. These results indicate that early selection for height in provenances or families could be performed at 6 years or 4 years, respectively. Early selection for DBH and volume in families could start at 8 years.