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Assessing genetic variation to improve stem straightness in Eucalyptus globulus

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Abstract

Context

Stem straightness is an important trait for growers and processors of Eucalyptus globulus logs for solid-wood products.

Aims

The aims of the study were to determine the extent of genetic variation in stem deviation from straightness in E. globulus and assess the utility of a six-point subjective scoring method as a selection criterion for stem straightness.

Methods

Two E. globulus progeny trials, grown under solid-wood product regimes, were studied. At age 9 years (post-thinning), stem straightness was measured using both image analysis and a six-point subjective scale. Diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.3 m) was measured at both age 5 (pre-thinning) and age 9 years.

Results

Significant additive genetic variation was observed. Strong, positive and significant additive genetic correlations were observed between the stem straightness assessment methods and between DBH at ages 5 and 9 years. Significant positive genetic correlations were shown between subjectively scored stem straightness and DBH at both ages 5 and 9 years.

Conclusion

The six-point subjective scoring method is a cost-effective selection criterion for stem straightness in E. globulus. The image measurement technique may be applied where objective estimates of stem straightness are required, for training purposes and to verify subjective scores.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Gunns Ltd., HVP Plantations and the Southern Tree Breeding Association (STBA) for access to the field trials; David Pilbeam of the STBA for trial design, trial establishment and providing historical trial data and Chris Szota of The University of Melbourne for assistance during trial assessments for this study.

Funding

We acknowledge substantial assistance from the Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Plant Science, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia

    David P. Blackburn, Matthew G. Hamilton & Brad M. Potts

  2. National Centre for Future Forest Industries, Private Bag 12, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia

    David P. Blackburn, Matthew G. Hamilton, Chris E. Harwood & Brad M. Potts

  3. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Private Bag 12, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia

    Chris E. Harwood

  4. Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 3121, USA

    Thomas G. Baker

Authors
  1. David P. Blackburn
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  2. Matthew G. Hamilton
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  3. Chris E. Harwood
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  4. Thomas G. Baker
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  5. Brad M. Potts
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David P. Blackburn.

Additional information

Handling Editor: Jean-Michel Leban

Contribution of co-authors

Dr. Matthew G. Hamilton performed the advanced statistical analyses, offered advice on general data analysis and reviewed and commented on successive drafts of the paper.

Dr. Chris E. Harwood helped coordinate the research project, reviewed and commented on successive drafts of the paper.

Dr. Thomas G. Baker coordinated the research project and assisted in the trial’s design and establishment.

Professor Brad M. Potts provided advice on advanced genetic analyses, reviewed and commented on successive drafts of the paper.

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Blackburn, D.P., Hamilton, M.G., Harwood, C.E. et al. Assessing genetic variation to improve stem straightness in Eucalyptus globulus . Annals of Forest Science 70, 461–470 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0277-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0277-9

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