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Full-diallel-based analysis of genetic parameters for growth traits in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi)

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Abstract

Genetic parameters were estimated for tree height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), and volume from a progeny trial conducted in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) in Liaoning, China. A 12 × 12 full-diallel mating design with selfing was adopted, and data were collected in 2005 and 2014 at 20 and 29 years after planting. Based on an analysis of 55 of 144 potential crosses, general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were statistically significant for these traits. Variance was larger in SCA than in GCA in 2005, and the ratio of SCA to GCA was lower in 2014. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability were low to moderate, ranging from 0.10 for DBH to 0.14 for H, in 2005 and decreased in all traits except H as the trees aged. The reciprocal effect was not significant. Selfed progeny did not show severe inbreeding depression for survival or growth. The results of this study will facilitate the development of breeding and deployment strategies to increase the efficiency of genetic improvement in Japanese larch.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Forestry Industry Research Special Funds for Public Welfare Projects (201504104).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd., Beijing, 100091, China

    Leiming Dong, Yunhui Xie & Xiaomei Sun

  2. Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd., Beijing, 100091, China

    Leiming Dong, Yunhui Xie & Xiaomei Sun

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  1. Leiming Dong
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  2. Yunhui Xie
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Correspondence to Xiaomei Sun.

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Dong, L., Xie, Y. & Sun, X. Full-diallel-based analysis of genetic parameters for growth traits in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi). New Forests 51, 261–271 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-019-09729-6

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