FAIR-CT95-0909 EUDIREC: Towards a sustainable productive Douglas-fur forest of high quality raw material in Europe

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FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Forestry : Solid Wood Products : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Proposal No:	FAIR-CT95-0909
	Date Prepared:	April 2000, April 1998
	Source:	Final Report Abstract First Annual Progress Report

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Final Report Abstract

Introduction

The EUDIREC project deals with Douglas-fir, a valuable conifer originating from North America. Well-known for its high productivity and wood quality, this species is planted in Europe on a large scale.

Objectives

The objectives were set in the research plan, divided into eleven subtasks, grouped together under four main tasks studying genetics, breeding in variable environments, wood quality and deployment of more sustainable Forest Reproductive Materials (FRM).

Task 1 is devoted to genetic resources.

• The goal of subtask 1.1 is the evaluation of possible changes in the genetic diversity of natural populations after their transfer to Europe and after natural regeneration.
• The main objective of subtask 1.2 is the development of a database for European gene resources.
• Subtask 1.3 aims at extending the experimental European Union (EU) network of valuable gene pools to build a common breeding population.

Task 2 concerns the adaptation of Douglas-fir.

• Subtask 2.1 aims at evaluating natural provenances from the IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Institutes) collection.
• The objective of subtask 2.2 is to evaluate progenies collected in natural provenances.
• In subtask 2.3, genotype stability over space and time is predicted through early testing and ecophysiological studies on contrasted genotypes.

Task 3 addresses wood quality.

• In the frame of subtask 3.1, environmental and genetic control of branching and forking defects are being investigated.
• Expected results from subtask 3.2 should help breeders to select the most interesting wood characteristics among those easy to collect on trees in field tests or by taking non-destructive samples, and those showing the highest genetic gains in relation with industrial uses.

Task 4 aims at varietal output valorisation.

• The objective of sub-task 4.1 is the increase of seed-orchard effectiveness.
• The goal of subtask 4.2 is to develop bulk vegetative propagation of elite families by cuttings without clonal identification.
• Subtask 4.3 aims at investigating the performances of EU Douglas-fir seed-sources through an EU FRM network in order to advise Forest Services for seed transfers within Europe.

Activities

Task 1. Terpene and isozyme data were analysed. The database was implemented by all the partners. The EU progeny network was extended.

Task 2. A synthesis was made for IUFRO provenances. GxE interaction was analysed for the EU joint network. Three studies concerning the prediction of genotype stability were carded out.

Task 3. The new polycyclism classification was applied in field tests. Concerning the Thermo-Mechanical Pulp (TMP) process, the genetic variability of different parameters was set. Sixteen clones selected on the basis of non destructive assessments were tested in a pilot. Plywood tests were performed with 70 contrasted trees phenotypically selected for industrial peeling trials, in order to study the range of the industrial impact of the variability of specific wood parameters.

Task 4. The results of flower stimulation treatments and their economic interest were analysed. For bulk propagation, a technical and economic synthesis was done. Preliminary results from forest-based trials were analysed.

Results

Task 1. For both terpene and isozyme markers, the geographically isolated provenance Eagle Bay was found to be very distinct from the others, Using terpenes, further noticeable provenance distinctions were found for Arlington and Sedro Wooley. Isozyme markers showed a trend toward a limited reduction in observed heterozygosity between the original seed collections and the planted provenance materials. It was concluded that the transfer of FRM is possible within regions of comparable climatic conditions (Atlantic, Continental, Mediterranean). For the transfer of seeds across these great European climatic regions, the growth region of the basic material has to be taken into account along with the origin of the seed lot in the USA. As for natural regeneration, the genetic structure of the seedlings shows moderately higher variability than the original seed stands.

Concerning the database, it is planned to store describing information about Douglas-fir genetic resource occurrences and planted sites. The programme for handling the database was written in Delphi 3. Each partner input his own records. The co-ordinating partner merged the databases and distributed the updated compiled files. The database is to be used in international projects. A users guide describes the installation routine, the programme structure and all functions.

As for the progeny test network in Europe, a synthesis of the different statistical designs was made. Eleven new progeny tests for the USFS collection were established during 1996-1999 in Belgium, Spain, France and Italy. It must be said that the range of latitude, longitude and elevation is much higher for the European test sites than for the sites of origin of progenies.

Task 2. Recommendations were made for the 176 IUFRO provenances on the basis of the rankings for growth and external tree form in each of the 25 sites. A restricted set of 84 green Douglas-fir provenances x 20 sites, with a 34% degree of completeness for Annual Diameter Increment, was more particularly studied. Concerning the EU progeny test network, two sets of data were studied : the 124 progenies from Darrington, evaluated in 9 sites and the 10 mixes of progenies from each of the 10 Washington provenances on 21 sites. Analysis showed significant G x E interactions, with complex patterns. However, groups of sites having similar climatic characteristics were identified : southern France, northern France, Belgium and Germany. It must be noted that the only statistically significant grouping of provenances is Darrington with Humptulips.

Estimation of juvenile-mature correlations for the main selection criteria were obtained through age-to-age correlation in multi-site clonal tests and through early and forest family tests. The second clonal retrospective test was completed. Data collected in the two experiments raised in phytotron between 1996 and 1998 were compiled and analysed. Low GxE interactions were observed : important reduction of genotype evaluation costs could be expected. It was also concluded that frost tolerance tests in controlled conditions need to be included in the Douglas-fir evaluation procedure.

Task 3. The new polycyclism classification with four types was used on different genetic materials. Occurrence of forking defects on the basal part of each annual shoot seems to be a rare event (2%-5%) when no late frost occurs at the beginning of spring. Occurrence of forking defects on the upper part of each annual shoot is linked to polycyclism ability. As for wood quality, contrasted genetic units were tested in order to identify the range of the genetic variability for both solid wood and paper properties. 120 non-genetically controlled logs were industrially peeled. The economic return on the use of genetic variability was evaluated. Concerning the genetic selection, it is suggested to simultaneously increase the average wood density and the homogeneity of the Douglas fir wood. Concerning stand management, growth must be kept as regular as possible with prudent thinnings in the young age, combined with early pruning on the crop trees.

Task 4. Additional information was obtained in flower stimulation: from both economic and technical points of view, the best treatment is the association of girdling, nitrogen fertilisation and gibberellin. If containerised orchards did not prove to be interesting, promising results were shown with meadow orchards. The economic study demonstrated that

• stimulating flowering artificially resulted in reduced seed costs
• the more sophisticated the treatment the lower the seed cost
• seed cost decreased logically when productive seed orchard life span increased.

In addition, flower stimulation treatments improved panmixis and, therefore, the genetic quality of the crop. For pollen technology, it was proposed to use water activity rather than moisture content to characterise pollen humidity and, as a consequence, its ability to be stored. The bulk propagation technique is now well documented and the main economic result is that a Douglas-fir cutting would cost at least twice the price of a seedling.

As for the FRM network, preliminary data from the new trials sown during the contract were analysed. Partner 6 carded out a complete across-site analysis of earlier comparative trials designed to compare the performances of seed lots from Weyerhauser Seed orchards growing in the Pacific North West (PNW).

Achievements

Task 1.

• A synthesis on the evolution of genetic diversity after transfer to Europe, and after natural regeneration was done.
• The database was validated and a users guide was edited.
• A synthesis on the evolution of valuable Douglas-fir gene pools was done
• Recommendations for long-term conservation of Douglas-fir genetic diversity were made.

Task 2.

• IUFRO provenance tests in Europe were analysed and synthesised.
• G x E interactions were analysed by joint analysis of data collected in the existing European progeny test network.
• General/specific adaptation of breeding populations for use in Europe was analysed.
• Intensive data collection on growth dynamics of a subset of common progenies, planted in two farm-field progeny tests was completed.
• Data obtained with progeny performances in forest field tests for both growth and forking defects were compared with farm-field tests.
• A phytotron study on fall and winter frost resistance was terminated and a synthesis done on early predictors for both performances and stability.

Task 3.

• The influence of polycyclism type and frequency, environment and age on branching/forking was assessed.
• Industrial gains to be made by genetic improvement of wood quality were validated.

Task 4.

• The seed production potential of meadow orchards was assessed
• Seedling/graft/cutting seed-orchards were compared
• Mobile seed-orchards were tested under greenhouse
• The effectiveness of flowering treatment (GA4/7 injection, CaNO₃, stress) combinations was determined in five countries
• An economic study was carried out
• Techniques of artificial pollination in seed-orchards were assessed.
• Bulk propagation was evaluated.
• Field plots were planted
• Existing multi-local tests were measured and a joint analysis done.
• Recommendations for seed transfers and state of the art
• Prospects of EU/OECD new regulations were made
• The genetic value of seed-orchard components was assessed.

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First Annual Progress Report

State of the Project

TASK 1: Inventory and management of Douglas-fir genetic resources in Europe:
The general objective for 1996 was to start the project. Initial actions included the following:

Subtask 1.1:
To choose the IUFRO stands; to start the collection of samples from the natural range.

Subtask 1.2:
To define the structure of the database, to choose standard software for related aspects, to develop the software and to contribute to a better ecological characterisation of the sites.

Subtask 1.3:
To define the list of seed lots to grow, to share these seed lots and to start raising progenies of the European Douglas-fir progeny test network in nurseries.

Subtask 1.1.
Evolution of genetic diversity after transfer to Europe and after natural regeneration. The biochemical work for the marker systems started in September/October. For six isozyme systems, protocols were devised. Additional systems are to be tested. Seven IUFRO provenances are chosen for the genetic isozyme analyses. Five test sites are available

Subtask 1.2
Extension of the European database of Douglas-fir genetic resources, with development of the precise structure of the proposed database.

Subtask 1.3.
Extension of the European Douglas-fir progeny test network. In this task, the objectives are to create in western Europe a broad base population for a long term Douglas-fir breeding program. This project started in 1985 with the collection of 540 progenies (Washington), planted in Germany, Belgium, France and Spain from 1989 to 1995. In 1991, US Forest Service provided over 600 additional plus tree open progenies. This second collection was, in the first stage, shared between United Kingdom, Belgium, France and Italy. Activities in this task can be grouped into 4 topics: exchange of seed lots, seedling growing in nursery, progeny test establishment in Europe and synthesis of the European common Douglas-fir progeny test network.

TASK 2. Douglas-fir adaptation/adaptability:
For subtask 2.1 and 2.2, a questionnaire was sent to all participants involved in the IUFRO provenance test and European progeny test networks, to collect information on the measurements already made or planned in the framework of this project. From this information, updated lists of tests were made. A meeting was held in Birmingham in September 1996, where decisions were taken concerning traits to be measured by all participants, protocols to be applied and the deadline for the measurements to be taken. At the same time preliminary decisions were also taken concerning common site descriptors. Data collection have been started by several partners.

For subtask 2.3, three groups of studies were started by some of the partners in 1996. These activities included:

• Evaluation of correlations of stability between juvenile and mature trees.
• Retrospective studies in farm field tests
• Growth pattern and frost tolerance studies in Phytotrons

Subtask 2.1.
Updating IUFRO Provenance database. 32 sites altogether have been or will be measured. Measurements should be finished by April 1998. A common protocol of measurements was decided, with site descriptors including climatic and soil characteristics.

Subtask 2.2.
European progeny test network. In 1996, several partners obtained data from the European progeny test network concerning height, forking, stem flexibility, branch angle, branch density and date of flushing. Data are under analysis

Subtask 2.3.
Descriptive approach to Douglas-fir adaptation. A study was initiated concerning the study of growth pattern and frost tolerance in a Phytotron on 6 contrasting provenance seed lots. One provenance (Forks), shows a slower growth in height than the other varieties. Full sib families and clones, contrasted for growth pattern and forking ability in 1996 were identified.

TASK 3. Increasing quality of Douglas-fir wood for various industrial uses:

Subtask 3.1.
Branchina/forking. During this first year INRA collected data on three trials with different genetic material (open pollinated progenies). Characters assessed concerned forking and polycyclism. Data are under analysis. A new classification of forking was proposed to other partners in 1997.

Subtask 3.2.
Wood properties. The microdensitometry technique (MDM) was compared with the resistograph (RST). Density profiles of the same trees were recorded with the two techniques. The estimation of some parameters is good or excellent, for instance for the parameters computed from the weighted profile, but the estimation of the within-ring density is not so good. With an apparatus known as PQM 1000, it is possible to determine quickly several morphological data on a great number of fibers. Billets from Douglas-fir were peeled and small veneer samples taken separately from early wood and late wood. These were pulped in microdigesters. Within the annual rings, some fiber characteristics were measured from unbleached kraft pulps using the PQM analyser. Relationships between some basic characteristics and wood basic density were evaluated using models. This synthesis showed that the main problem with Douglas-fir for peeling and plywood ability is the heterogeneity of within-ring density traits. Another problem is the moisture content and the impregnation of wood after steaming;

In standing trees, moisture varies significantly between sapwood and heartwood: It was around 140% in sapwood and only 30% in heartwood. Different treatments were tested on 120 mm long billets from 42 years old Douglas-fir. These included conventional boiling, hot/cold soaking and vacuum/pressure cycles. After this third treatment, the heartwood moisture seemed satisfactory for peeling. But because of residual dry areas, a complementary study will be conducted to adapt the vacuum/pressure cycles.

To study the thermomechanical pulpability of Douglas-fir, logs from a 26 year old AFOCEL thinning trial were chipped and pulped. The brightness of the pulp was strongly affected by increasing the proportion of Douglas fir wood. STORA is now studying the use of a chemical pre-treatment. A method was set up to produce thermomechanical pulp at laboratory scale. The objective is to work with small amount of wood (about 50g). This method allows differences between Douglas fir trees to be established. When the breaking length of the different papers obtained were examined the ranking using the micro-TMP process was the same as that obtained using a semi-industrial scale process.

TASK4. Varietal output valorisation:
Eight participants contribute to Task 4 which consists of 3 separate subtasks. A total of 5 different activities were started in the first year and these will all continue into the second year of the project. All three subtasks are designed to improve the quantity, quality and efficient utilisation of well adapted Douglas fir planting stock (seeds or cuttings) in order to assist Europe becoming self-sufficient. Most work this year has been carried out under subtask 4.1 and 4.2. The first year has been mainly a planning and preparation year for subtask 4.1 and 4.3 that involve high degrees of collaboration between participants. All objectives for the first year have been met and plans have been made to achieve objectives in the second year. All participants met in Birmingham in October 1996 to discuss progress, further collaborative work, and plans for the balance of the contract.

Task 4.1
Increasing seed-orchard productivity. NFV and Cemagref summarised the results obtained in their own experiments during the last decade. Practical transfer of know-how began in 1996. Two simple experiments have been set up by CIF and ISSA with technical support of Cemagref. Data obtained in five experiments were analysed by Cemagref. It was found that:

• girdling + gibberellin 4n injections (G+GA) was effective in three different seed orchards G+GA was superior to girdling from a quantitative and qualitative points of view
• low amounts of hormones are enough, optimal quantities were determined
• repeated treatments tended to weaken the trees
• large-scale treatments were utilised to determine the cost of girdling and GA4/7 injections.

Since 1985 different flower-induction trial series were made by NFV:

New experiments were set up in 1996 by Cemagref and NFV. Results will be available next year. For pruning, it was shown that it resulted in a decrease of cone production. However, it led to lower cone collection costs when the trees were kept small enough to be harvested from the ground.

Task 4.2
Bulk propagation of improved families. 2500 stock-plants were raised in 1996 in three nurseries under four growing conditions. Ten families were sown in January at INRA Orleans and transplanted in three nurseries in May, under four different environments.

Task 4.3
European network of forest reproductive material. Eight participants are involved in this subtask. Fourteen seed lots have now been exchanged between these participants, who will establish forest-based trials from nursery sown seed lots during the second year of the contract.