Wild Cherry (Prunus avium L.) for Timber Production: Consequences for Early Growth from Selection of Open-pollinated Single-tree Progenies in Sweden
Prunus avium L. is a fast-growing hardwood tree species that has demonstrated good production on both well-drained forest soils and farm land in southern Sweden. Growth rate and breeding value were tested in 101 open-pollinated single-tree progenies of Swedish origin and five German seed sources. After eight growing seasons and two selective thinnings the mean tree height reached 4.7 m. The mean tree height of the progenies varied between 3.3 and 6.1 m. A total rotation period of 50-60 yrs and a dominant height of 20-22 m can be expected. The results indicated great phenotypic variation within progenies and good possibilities for improving production and stem quality by early selective thinning. In terms of height growth and stem straightness the best Swedish progenies were as good as the tested German seed sources.
Keywords: AVIUM; GENETIC VARIATION; GROWTH; HARDWOOD; HEIGHT; PHENOTYPIC; PRUNUS; SELECTION
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Silviculture, SE-901 83 Umea˚, Sweden
Publication date: 01 March 2001
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