POLLEN MANAGEMENT FOR INTENSIVE SEED ORCHARD PRODUCTION

Artificially increasing pollen supply (supplemental mass pollination ( SMP)) to conifer seed orchards has the potential to increase seed yiel ds and improve the genetic worth of seed crops that would otherwise su ffer from the detrimental effects of pollen contamination and unbalanc ed paternal contribution. However, success rates, measured as the prop ortion of seed fertilized by SMP, have been low. This review examines the concepts underlying SMP and presents data for two SMP field trials with Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) France) and white/Eng elmann spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.). The trial results are discussed with respect to pollen ferti lity, pollination technique, and competing pollen cloud density. I als o summarize methods for ensuring the successful handling of pollen ex situ.