Darius Danusevičius
Strategy for long-term breeding of Picea abies in Lithuania: short overview
Dendrobiology 2009, vol. 61 supplement: 87-90
Abstract: This paper presents the newly suggested long-term breeding strategy for Norway spruce in Lithuania to share with the optimisation approach, which may be useful in synchronising the long-term breeding and gene conservation plans in neighbouring regions. The breeding programme in Lithuania is at a stage where the long-term plans need to be developed. Our strategy is to proceed with a closed-nucleus breeding population which is structured into subpopulations according to adaptation zones (4-5 subpopulations). The size of each subpopulation is 50 unrelated and progeny-tested individuals. The breeding cycle consists of double- pair mating and a balanced within-family selection forward. The candidates will be clone-tested. Advanced genotypes will be selected into an advanced nucleus; an isolated foreign breeding population is planned. Positive assortative mating is used for deployment. An experimental "shuttle-breeding" strategy may be tested: selection with avery high intensity, controlled crosses, nursery tests for vigour and growth rhythm, cloning by hedges into short-rotation clonal plantations.
Additional key words: Norway spruce, long-term breeding, "shuttle-breeding", within-family selection