Hybridization Among White, Red, Blue, and White X Blue Spruces

Authors: Bongarten, Bruce C.; Hanover, James W.

Source: Forest Science, Volume 28, Number 1, 1 March 1982 , pp. 129-134(6)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $29.50 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Crosses between white spruce (Picea glauca), red spruce (P. rubens), blue spruce (P. pungens), and (P. glauca x P. pungens) from several seed and pollen parents were made during 1974-76. The seeds were grown for 6 months with the aid of continuous illumination and several characters were measured to verify the hybridity of the seedlings. Hybrids of rubens with glauca and (glauca x pungens) were verified on the basis of differences in needle color, number of needle serrations, and concentrations of 3-carene, limonene, and β-pinene in the cortical oleoresin. P. glauca x pungens hybrids were verified with more difficulty by a combination of needle curvature and 3-carene concentration. The backcrosses, (glauca x pungens) xglauca and (glauca x pungens) x pungens, were differentiated from each other by growth rate, needle curvature, and concentrations of 3-carene and β-pinene. For most traits, putative hybrids were intermediate to their parents. However, F₂ glauca x pungens hybrids were severely stunted, possibly owing to consanguinity of the parents. Forest Sci. 28:129-134.

Keywords: Picea glauca; Picea rubens; Picea pungens; Picea glauca x P. pungens

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: Professor, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Publication date: 1982-03-01

More about this publication?