Genetic parameters of growth and stem quality traits for jack pine second-generation progeny tested in New Brunswick

Abstract

Genetic variation and time trends for growth and stem quality traits were evaluated in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) second-generation progeny tests. The study was based on a large dataset, involving 275 half-sib families and 17 field trials, planted across New Brunswick, Canada. Growth was indicated by cumulative tree height (HT) measured at trial ages from 5 to 20 years, and stem quality was evaluated on stem straightness (SST) and stem forking (SF). Results indicated that both HT and SST were moderately genetically controlled, with mean individual heritability estimates of 0.14 (range: 0.03–0.30) and 0.16 (range: 0.10–0.25), respectively, which were lower than those estimates from the first-generation progeny tests. Heritability estimates for HT increased from trial ages of 5 to 10 years and then remained stable, whereas for SST, heritability estimates showed a “Λ” shape with the highest value occurring at trial age of 15 years. HT measurements at trial ages of 5 to 10 years were highly predictive of HT growth at 15 to 20 years, and similarly, SST assessment at 10 years correlated well with assessment at 20 years. Estimates of genetic correlation between HT and SST were positively and moderately strong, which contrasted with the moderately negative genetic correlation between the two traits in the first-generation progeny. Heritability estimates for SF were generally low (mean [Formula: see text] = 0.06) and remained constant over time. SF was essentially not genetically correlated with HT or SST. Family-by-site interactions were weak for HT and SST over the trial ages but were strong for SF at trial age of 10 years or older. The potential impact of selection on genetic architecture of growth and stem quality traits in advanced generation jack pine breeding populations and on breeding and selection strategies was discussed.