{{

Tree Seed use in Tree Seed use in British Columbia British Columbia

current practices and future current practices and future directionsdirections

Dave Dave KoloteloKolotelo

BC Background / PQ ContrastsBC Background / PQ Contrasts Reforestation Reforestation ““AdministrationAdministration”” Seed Use / Seedling ProductionSeed Use / Seedling Production Tree Seed CentreTree Seed Centre Quality AssuranceQuality Assurance

Topic OverviewTopic Overview

Reforestation with genetic gain is viewed as a strong tool to help deal with our expected mid-term timber supply decline

53% of pine killed710 M m3 killedPeaked in 2005

Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB)

44 M m3 78 M m3 (MPB overcutting)50 to 60 M m3 by 2025Annual allowable Cut

USA, Europe (certification)USA, AsiaMarkets

92%93%Public Land Ownership

424 000 km2 (25%)397 000 km2 (42%)Productive Forest Land

498 000 km2 (30%)567 000 km2 (62%)Forest land

1 667 000 km2

(1,8 x)945 000 km2Total Area

QuebecBritish Columbia

http://geobc.gov.bc.ca/map_src/carbon.pdf

Managed =58%Private =5%Protected=14%

BC Ecosystem Classification SystemBC Ecosystem Classification System

Zones

Subzones

Variants !

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/becweb/

Regulatory FrameworkRegulatory Framework This link provides a good summary and additional linksThis link provides a good summary and additional links http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/publications/misc/legs&standards.hthttp://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/publications/misc/legs&standards.htmm

Forest Range and Practices Act Forest Range and Practices Act ((FRPAFRPA) ) [2004][2004] Defines Defines ‘‘seedseed’’ as any part of a forest tree used to grow a plantas any part of a forest tree used to grow a plant Requires establishment of free growing standRequires establishment of free growing stand Gives Chief Forester ability to establish standardsGives Chief Forester ability to establish standards

Some older Some older ‘‘plantationsplantations’’ still subject to former legislation still subject to former legislation --Forest Practices CodeForest Practices Code Must use seed of best available qualityMust use seed of best available quality Tree Cone Seed and Vegetative RegulationTree Cone Seed and Vegetative Regulation

Chief Foresters Standards for Seed Use Chief Foresters Standards for Seed Use [2004] [2004] next slidenext slide

FederallyFederally Seeds ActSeeds Act Plant protection ActPlant protection Act

Regulation that guides Regulation that guides seedlotseedlot registration, storage and testing, registration, storage and testing, seedlotseedlotselection and transfer, and defines acceptable selection and transfer, and defines acceptable ‘‘exoticsexotics’’

Separate seed planning zones exist for natural stand Separate seed planning zones exist for natural stand seedlotsseedlots and orchard and orchard produced seed produced seed

Establishes Genetic Worth (Establishes Genetic Worth (GWGW) > 5 ) > 5 ‘‘standardstandard’’ ≈≈ One One mustmust use orchard seed if it is availableuse orchard seed if it is available

Diversity Standard Diversity Standard –– Effective population size (Effective population size (NeNe) > 10) > 10 Acceptable Acceptable GameticGametic contribution estimation methods indicatedcontribution estimation methods indicated

SeedlotSeedlot StandardsStandards Seed from BC Seed from BC ( a few exceptions ( a few exceptions FDCFDC –– WAWA; ; PWPW--WAWA, OR; BP, OR; BP--WAWA; SS; SS--WAWA, OR, OR)) Moisture content 4.0 Moisture content 4.0 -- 9.9%9.9% Purity >97% by weightPurity >97% by weight No germination standards exist No germination standards exist -- bankerbanker

http:/http:/www.for.gov.bc.ca/code/cfstandardswww.for.gov.bc.ca/code/cfstandards//

Chief Foresters Standards for Seed UseChief Foresters Standards for Seed Use

Seed Planning Zones/Units Seed Planning Zones/Units -- Genetic Genetic Class Class

Natural Stand SPZ (all species) Orchard Seed SPZ (Species Specific)Transfer =lat /long / elevation Pinus contorta lodgepole pineCoast vs. Interior programs Seed Planning Unit includes Species, SPZ and elevation band

54 SPU’s

Overlap zones

Administrative

Science-Based

1. Advanced Generation Breeding (16 = 30%)2. First-generation program (29 = 53%)3. Genecology research only (9 = 17%)

VISIONVISION-- BCBC’’s forest genetic resources are diverse, resilient, and s forest genetic resources are diverse, resilient, and managed to provide multiple values for the benefit of present anmanaged to provide multiple values for the benefit of present and future d future generationsgenerations

MultiMulti--stakeholder group = 14 total voting membersstakeholder group = 14 total voting members Industry +Ministry coIndustry +Ministry co--chairs + Program Managerchairs + Program Manager Representatives from Industry, Ministry, Universities, Representatives from Industry, Ministry, Universities, CFSCFS Provides direction to Chief Forester on Genetic Resource ManagemProvides direction to Chief Forester on Genetic Resource Management ent

Various Technical CommitteesVarious Technical Committees Coast and interior breeding programsCoast and interior breeding programs Genecology Genecology -- Climate Climate Based Seed Transfer Based Seed Transfer Genetic ConservationGenetic Conservation Pest ManagementPest Management BiotechnologyBiotechnology ExtensionExtension

Forest Genetics CouncilForest Genetics Council

http://www.fgcouncil.bc.ca/

Three Pillars

The FGC objective is for 75% of our planting material be obtained from orchard material by 2014

Lodgepole pine is the bottleneck

•The objective is for the average weighted Genetic Worth (GW) to be 20% by 2020 – on track

•GW is the expected gain in volume at rotation (i.e. GW 15 = 15% more wood volume at harvesting)

• also goals for genetic conservation, having adequate genecological information and supporting climate based seed transfer

Seed Planning and Registry System Seed Planning and Registry System (SPAR)(SPAR)

Tool for Tool for seedlotseedlot registration, registration, seedlotseedlot information database, information database, seedling ordering, buying and selling seed, Status, Reporting seedling ordering, buying and selling seed, Status, Reporting

Integrates with local Tree Seed Centre database program Integrates with local Tree Seed Centre database program ((CONSEPCONSEP) and GIS program () and GIS program (SeedMapSeedMap))

SPAR contains calculations to go from seed to SPAR contains calculations to go from seed to ‘‘potential potential seedlingsseedlings’’

Clients can search for seed to meet planting needsClients can search for seed to meet planting needs Seed can be identified as Seed can be identified as SurplusSurplus or or ReservedReserved

http://http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/spar/index.htmwww.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/spar/index.htm

SPAR / CONSEP relationshipSPAR high level request and SPAR high level request and seedlotseedlot datadata Web Online Data Entry Screens (60+)Web Online Data Entry Screens (60+) Client request entry Client request entry –– registration, sowing, cone/seed processing, registration, sowing, cone/seed processing,

testing, direct withdrawalstesting, direct withdrawals

CONSEPCONSEP details of request and details of request and seedlotseedlot datadata Desktop Online Data Entry Screens (30+) Desktop Online Data Entry Screens (30+) Activity data Activity data -- stratification dates, test replicate data stratification dates, test replicate data

(measurements/counts), extraction volumes/dates, (measurements/counts), extraction volumes/dates, seedlotseedlot storage storage locationlocation

Scheduling and request Scheduling and request detailsdetails

40% SPAR Used Exclusively 40% SPAR Used Exclusively at the Tree Seed Centreat the Tree Seed Centre

Potential seedling are the way we translate between seedling reqPotential seedling are the way we translate between seedling requests and uests and grams of seed in inventory (grams of seed in inventory (ordering, planning ordering, planning ……) = ) = Sowing Sowing ““GuidelinesGuidelines””

Potential seedlings are a function of individual Potential seedlings are a function of individual seedlotseedlot germination (germination (GCGC); ); seed size (seeds per gram=seed size (seeds per gram=SPGSPG) and average nursery factors () and average nursery factors (oversowoversow + + handling)handling)

Seeds requiredSeeds requiredper seedlingper seedling

Fractional sowingFractional sowing Clients can Adjust Clients can Adjust

Grams requiredGrams required

Promotion ofPromotion ofSeed UseSeed UseEfficiencyEfficiency

Potential Seedlings (seed allocation) Potential Seedlings (seed allocation)

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

100 97 94 91 88 85 82 79 76 73 70 67 64 61 58 55 52 49 46 43 40 37 34 31 28 25

Germination Capacity (%)

# Se

eds

per S

eedl

ing

Req

uest

ed2001

1999

1996

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/spar/2007_sowing_guidelines.htm

Fractional Fractional SowingSowing7777--cavity cavity styroblockstyroblock

2 seeds 1 seed

Average Block Seeding factors don’tHave to be whole numbers

BC Seedling ProgramBC Seedling Program Forest License/tenure holder responsible for seed, seedlings, plForest License/tenure holder responsible for seed, seedlings, planting anting

and stand development until and stand development until ““freefree--toto--growgrow”” stage !!!! since 1988stage !!!! since 1988 All 28 forest nurseries are now privateAll 28 forest nurseries are now private

History of government nurseries History of government nurseries –– styroblockstyroblock development with development with CFSCFS, , Extension ServicesExtension Services

““Mature IndustryMature Industry”” Seed orchards are still a combination of public and private ventSeed orchards are still a combination of public and private venturesures StyroblockStyroblock production universal in BCproduction universal in BC Some BC / AB seedling Some BC / AB seedling ““exchangeexchange””

81%81% seedlings spring planted (frozen seedlings spring planted (frozen overwinteroverwinter)) Usually bundled Usually bundled –– planting planting ‘‘popsiclespopsicles’’ also in testalso in test Some nurseries have dedicated facilities , some rent spaceSome nurseries have dedicated facilities , some rent space

17% 17% seedlings planted in summer (hot plant)seedlings planted in summer (hot plant)

In 2013In 2013 Seed was distributed to produce 238 million seedlings in 21 specSeed was distributed to produce 238 million seedlings in 21 speciesies 58% of seed used to grow seedlings came from seed orchards {58% of seed used to grow seedlings came from seed orchards {%% AA--classclass}}

““The Big 5The Big 5”” –– 221 M seedlings (221 M seedlings (96% of total96% of total))

LodgepoleLodgepole pinepine -- 112 M seedlings {112 M seedlings {A=A=3131%%} } ** Interior spruce Interior spruce -- 77 M seedlings {77 M seedlings {A=97%A=97%}} DouglasDouglas--fir fir –– 25 M seedlings {25 M seedlings {Coast=95%; Interior=27%Coast=95%; Interior=27%}} Western Western redcedarredcedar –– 10 M seedlings {10 M seedlings {A=66%A=66%}} Western larch Western larch -- 6 M {6 M {A=83%A=83%}}

Top broadleaf species Top broadleaf species –– red alder 480K red alder 480K

Seedling ProductionSeedling Production

Ministry has an established seed price list for its seed Ministry has an established seed price list for its seed –– industry can industry can price differently, but generally uses the same pricesprice differently, but generally uses the same prices

Prices separate for wild and orchard seed Prices separate for wild and orchard seed Discount for below average germination Discount for below average germination http://http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/treeseedcentre/tsc/fees.htmwww.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/treeseedcentre/tsc/fees.htm LodgepoleLodgepole pine pine wild stand wild stand -- $1480 /Kg$1480 /Kg seed orchard seedseed orchard seed -- $8500 /Kg$8500 /Kg

Interior Spruce Interior Spruce wild stand wild stand -- $ 668 /Kg$ 668 /Kg seed orchard seedseed orchard seed -- $4400 /Kg$4400 /Kg

Seed PricingSeed Pricing

75% of planting

Very minor part of programVery minor part of program

Hybrid PoplarHybrid Poplar Small program, private lands, (Small program, private lands, (farm status??farm status??) local nursery closed) local nursery closed International Poplar Symposium International Poplar Symposium –– July 2014 July 2014 http://www.2014ipsvi.com/ http://www.2014ipsvi.com/

Yellow cypress cutting program Yellow cypress cutting program by default for gain by default for gain –– poor quality of seed orchard seed poor quality of seed orchard seed ““SolvedSolved”” = long= long--term program likely seed based term program likely seed based ((SCASCA gain vs. increased gain vs. increased clonalclonal trial costs)trial costs)

Western Western redcedarredcedar potential potential –– testing / development phasetesting / development phase Selection for browse resistanceSelection for browse resistance Selection for wood durability (Selection for wood durability (tropalonestropalones))

Sitka Spruce cuttingsSitka Spruce cuttings Potential gain Potential gain –– weevil resistance weevil resistance –– low planting #low planting #’’ss

Interior spruce (Interior spruce (SxSx)/ Douglas)/ Douglas--fir (fir (FdFd) Somatic Embryogenesis) Somatic Embryogenesis Lots of initial interest (Lots of initial interest (flirtingflirting), ), SxSx program disjointedprogram disjointed FdFd program could not deliver enough of a competitive productprogram could not deliver enough of a competitive product Operational scaleOperational scale--up and cost main deterrentsup and cost main deterrents

Vegetative Propagation in BCVegetative Propagation in BC

Germination Rate

Transferability (B+)

Genetic Background

Seed Pathogens

Trinity Valley Douglas-fir provenance trial. B. Jaquishphoto

O’Neill, Hamann and Wang. 2008.

New toolsNew

analysis techniques

Old and new data

New climates

Yellow cedar decline. P. Hennon photo.

MPB L. MacLauchlan. photo

Seedlot selection system St. Clair et al. 2005

Slide courtesy of Greg O’Neill

Principles•Operator flexibility•Maximize seed deployability•Ease of use

Fixed allocation system

Focal point allocation system

Hybrid allocation system

1.92.02.22.32.42.52.72.82.93.03.23.33.43.53.73.83.94.04.24.34.4

-7.5

-6.6

-5.7

-4.8

-3.9

-3.0

-2.1

-1.2

-0.3 0.

61.5

2.4

3.3

4.2

5.1

6.0

6.9

7.8

8.7

9.6

10.5

11.4

12.3

13.2

logMAP

MAT (°C)

250

800

2500

8000

MAP (mm)

25000

80

``

Ukrainetz et al. 2011

SimpleSomewhat restrictive

Complex (~) Flexible

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/climate_based_seed_transfer/index.htm

Big Brains for questionsGreg O’NeillTongli Wang

What have we done?What have we done? 20082008 -- upper elevation transfer limits increased 100 to upper elevation transfer limits increased 100 to

200 m in most species200 m in most species 20102010 –– western larch range expansion for breeding western larch range expansion for breeding

populations populations –– putting larch into new areasputting larch into new areas Method development !! Method development !!

Climate Based Seed Transfer Climate Based Seed Transfer ((CBSTCBST) is a big project with big) is a big project with bigimplicationsimplications

Pressure to move Pressure to move –– caution tocaution todo it correctlydo it correctly

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/climate_based_seed_transfer/index.htm

AMATAMAT(Assisted Migration Adaptation Trial)(Assisted Migration Adaptation Trial)

To better understand speciesTo better understand species’’ climate tolerancesclimate tolerances 15 species planted across 15 species planted across

48 test sites (200948 test sites (2009--2012) 2012) $$$$$$$$ LongLong--term study term study –– will help will help

refine, not define refine, not define CBSTCBST

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/forgen/interior/AMAT.htm#Ministry_Contacts

Seed Handling SystemSeed Handling System Examines all steps of seed Examines all steps of seed

handling from collection handling from collection to useto use

ID ID throughoutthroughout = = seedlotseedlotintegrityintegrity

Principles rather than Principles rather than exact proceduresexact procedures

““RecipesRecipes”” are for agricultureare for agriculture Product value Product value chain chain Any previous Any previous ““LinkLink”” can can

impact your productimpact your product ““Art and Science Art and Science ““

ID

BC BC Tree Tree Seed CentreSeed CentreDeliver Deliver ““Excellence in Excellence in Cone Cone and Seed Servicesand Seed Services””

Cone Cone and Seed and Seed Processing Processing --75%75% Seed StorageSeed Storage** Seed Testing*Seed Testing* SeedlotSeedlot Registration*Registration* Seed PretreatmentSeed Pretreatment & &

Distribution*Distribution* Inventory Inventory ManagementManagement Systems SupportSystems Support Facilities, Finance, Facilities, Finance,

AdministrationAdministration

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/treeseedcentre/index.htm

Cost recovery services *Stewardship functions

Over 80 000 kg of seed resides in storage Over 80 000 kg of seed resides in storage Enough seed for 8 Billion seedlingsEnough seed for 8 Billion seedlings Estimated value Estimated value $100 M$100 M at current seed pricesat current seed prices Seed of some trees can be stored at least 50 yearsSeed of some trees can be stored at least 50 years Primary reason the Primary reason the TSCTSC is designated as a is designated as a Mission Critical Mission Critical

facility in case of natural disasterfacility in case of natural disaster Seed stored in polyethylene bags with air expelled in wax Seed stored in polyethylene bags with air expelled in wax

cardboard boxes cardboard boxes –– labels on box, on bag and within baglabels on box, on bag and within bag

We also have a dedicated genetic conservation seed bank We also have a dedicated genetic conservation seed bank ≈≈9000 samples (all trees)9000 samples (all trees)

Seed InventorySeed Inventory

With the exception of western With the exception of western redcedarredcedar all conifers are stratified all conifers are stratified (3 to 14 weeks)(3 to 14 weeks)

All broadleaf species are sown / tested dryAll broadleaf species are sown / tested dry Naked stratification method Naked stratification method -- no media is used (no media is used (YCYC exceptionexception)) Western Western redcedarredcedar and red alder pellet coated for ease of and red alder pellet coated for ease of

mechanical sowing (contracted semechanical sowing (contracted se Deeply dormant species are more complicatedDeeply dormant species are more complicated

We perform 94% of seed preparation for BCWe perform 94% of seed preparation for BC

Seed Seed SeedSeed PreparationPreparation

Yellow cypress – warm treatment, high moisture levelsAbies spp. – split stratification - different moisture levelsWestern white pine – 14-day soak! 98+ days stratification

““Dormancy may be perceived as a Dormancy may be perceived as a strategy for optimizing the strategy for optimizing the distribution of germination through distribution of germination through space and time in order to maximize space and time in order to maximize survival, but this seldom coincides survival, but this seldom coincides with the nursery workers with the nursery workers objectivesobjectives””

Seed is a Seed is a livingliving biological endbiological end--product of genetic and product of genetic and environmental interaction and its behaviour cannot environmental interaction and its behaviour cannot be be predicted with predicted with certaintycertainty

Many germination traits have high Many germination traits have high heritabilitiesheritabilities

Forest tree seeds are in a relatively wild state compared to Forest tree seeds are in a relatively wild state compared to agricultural crops agricultural crops

genetic diversity genetic diversity ‘‘complicatescomplicates’’ direct adoption of agricultural techniques direct adoption of agricultural techniques

MMoisture Contentoisture Content is related to damage potential is related to damage potential ((m.cm.c.. then risk of damagethen risk of damage) )

Seed quality (Germination and storability) is maximal at Seed quality (Germination and storability) is maximal at time of natural dispersaltime of natural dispersal

““Your test result is only as good as the sample you takeYour test result is only as good as the sample you take””

Basic ConceptsBasic Concepts

MoistureMoistureOvercome DormancyOvercome DormancyTemperature SumsTemperature Sums properly stratified properly stratified coniferconifer seed does not have a light seed does not have a light

requirement (requirement (not everyone agreesnot everyone agrees))

some angiosperms have more specific requirements some angiosperms have more specific requirements --light, alternating temperature and/or moisturelight, alternating temperature and/or moisture, gases, gases, , nutrients, smoke nutrients, smoke

Conifers Conifers are relatively simple to are relatively simple to germinate germinate (in general)(in general)

EfficiencyEfficiency is the is the issueissue –– large large energy input energy input for germination!for germination!

What does a seed need to germinateWhat does a seed need to germinate??

Quality Assurance (QA) ProgramQA Foundations

Avoid Physical contamination (Debris) Avoid seedlot contamination (Adaptation) Information Management (Organization) Handling a perishable product (Care)

•Ensure seeds shipped to nurseries are of high quality

•Accumulate information on species MC ranges

•Compare standard lab results with SRQ results in seed preparation and at the nursery

LAB SEED PREPARATION NURSERY

•Determine effectiveness of current dormancy breaking treatments – prioritize improvement efforts

Continuous Improvement

Germination Germination FalldownsFalldowns

0102030405060708090

100

Ba Bl Cw Fdc Fdi Hw Lw Pli Pw Py SS Sx Yc

Ger

min

atio

n C

apac

ity (%

)

LAB

TSC OPS

NURSERY

Germinant Classification - quite different in timing!

Germination Environment - uniform vs. variable, media used

Pretreatment - differs from lab? Not perfect, but provides guidanceprediction vs. rank changes

General Stratification Moisture General Stratification Moisture Content ResultsContent Results

Stratification Moisture Content Varies by SpeciesMC Currently estimated using target moisture content equations in QA

1. Initial Quality

2. Viability

3. Dormancy

4. Deterioration Rate

5. Seedlot Age

10. Damage6. Germination

Speed

8. Repeatability

9. Abnormals

11. Pests

12. Origin

13. Operational Preparation

14. Nursery Conversion

7. Vigour

Quantifiable Germination Influences

Final CommentsFinal Comments BC reforestation will be impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle (BC reforestation will be impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPBMPB) )

epidemic for decadesepidemic for decades LodgepoleLodgepole pine seed orchard production is our main bottleneck for pine seed orchard production is our main bottleneck for

delivering genetic gain and reducing delivering genetic gain and reducing MPBMPB impactimpact There will be a decline in seedling production after There will be a decline in seedling production after MPBMPB--killed stands killed stands

are reforested are reforested Climate Based Seed Transfer is coming Climate Based Seed Transfer is coming ?????????? Climate change will also require us to pay more attention to othClimate change will also require us to pay more attention to other er

traits (i.e. resistance traits (i.e. resistance –– pests, droughtpests, drought)) The Tree Seed Centre will continue to be the centre of the UniveThe Tree Seed Centre will continue to be the centre of the Universe for rse for

reforestation in BCreforestation in BC

If you are in BC come and visit us:If you are in BC come and visit us:Dave Dave KoloteloKoloteloDave.Kolotelo@gov.bc.caDave.Kolotelo@gov.bc.ca