THE NEW-BRUNSWICK-TREE-IMPROVEMENT-COUNCIL IS 20 YEARS OLD

Applied breeding programs in New Brunswick have been coordinated for t he past 20 years by the New Brunswick Tree Improvement Council. First- generation programs for black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) and j ack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) consisted of seedling seed orchards a nd open-pollinated family tests, in contrast to those of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) and tamarack (Larix laricina [Du Roi] K. Koch), which were clonal seed orchards and control-pollinated progeny tests. Production from the seed orchards has been regular and heavy. I n only 15 years, most reforestation stock was being grown from orchard seed. Early results from black spruce and jack pine realized gain tes ts indicate increases of 12 to 20% in volume growth by using genetical ly improved seed. This is double the prediction that was made when the program started. Stem straightness of jack pine trees has been improv ed by 25%. Second-generation programs of black spruce and jack pine ar e well underway and production from these orchards is steadily increas ing. Indications are that gains from using this seed will be substanti al. An ongoing research and development program has contributed to a m ore effective breeding program, has increased seed production, and has given further insights into wood quality. The success of the Council' s program is due to excellent participation and team work by governmen t, university and industrial agencies and their long-term commitment.