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Production of a new generation of seeds through the use of somatic clones in controlled crosses of black spruce (Picea mariana)

Summary

Published in New Forests https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-013-9388-2

To assess the potential to integrate somatic clones (SC) of desired characteristics in production of high genetic quality seed, controlled crosses between different SCs of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.) were used to assess their suitability for the production of viable pollen, cones, seeds and seedlings. These SC produced male and female strobili at an early stage. Pollen, cones and seeds produced were characterized (mass, size, germination); their characteristics were similar to those produced by trees in natural forests or seed orchards. A maternal effect was demonstrated for the cone size and seed mass. Although seeds had excellent germination rates, the somatic biparental crosses were divided into three distinct groups with different germination curves using the Weibull function. Seeds from controlled crosses between different SC enabled the production of high morpho-physiological quality seedlings in a forest nursery. Using black spruce as a model, we showed, for the first time, that SC can be used as seed producers. These encouraging results open new perspectives on the tangible integration of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in the chain of seed, vegetative propagation (cuttings and SE) and production of plants for high productivity plantations. Controlled crosses can be made between SC with the desired characteristics (fewer large branches, fewer nodes, good growth, high wood density, performance, improved yield, etc.), vegetative propagules produced and deployed to clonal tests. After elimination of the worst performing SC, clonal tests can be converted into seed orchards that produce a new generation of seeds of high genetic quality. This will allow the rapid introduction of new materials in elite breeding programs of forest species.

Sector(s): 

Forests

Categorie(s): 

Scientific Article

Theme(s): 

Forestry Research, Forests, Seeds and Forest Seedlings Production

Departmental author(s): 

Lamhamedi, Mohammed

Author(s)

COLAS, Fabienne and Mohammed S. LAMHAMEDI

Year of publication :

2013

Format :

PDF available upon request

ISSN

0169-4286

Keywords :

clone somatique, floraison, croisement dirigé, graine, germination, plant, article scientifique de recherche forestière, production de semences et de plants, seeds and forest seedlings production, somatic clones, flowering, controlled crosses, seeds, germination, seedlings

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