Study supported by the JSC Latvia's State Forests
The breeding activities were carried out in accordance with the "Tree breeding program for economically important tree species (Scots pine, Norway spruce, Silver birch and aspen) for 30 years for JSC "Latvia's State Forests"" (Jansons 2008).
To ensure breeding material for the next breeding cycle, controlled crossing of high-value clones of Scots pine and Norway spruce was performed, creating 360 and 120 new combinations, respectively.
The results of Norway spruce progeny testing were analyzed. The best performing families and clones were selected, preparing sets of clones for the establishment of new seed orchards in the Western (31 clones) and Central (30 clones) provenance regions, as well as for vegetative propagation (21 clones).
Silver birch progeny testing results were analyzed. Subsequently, the best performing families and clones were selected, preparing sets of clones for the establishment of new seed orchards for the Western (25 clones) and Eastern (36 clones) provenance regions, and creating a breeding population (150 clones) for further breeding activities.
95 new progeny tests with total area of 183 ha have been established for Norway spruce, Scots pine, silver birch and hybrid aspen clones and families.
