Abstract
Context
Wood density is an important component of wood quality, and it is therefore important to assess whether it can be subject to genetic improvement.
Aim and methods
We assessed the potential for genetic improvement of wood density in Larix kaempferi by recording components of annual growth rings. A full diallel mating test based on six plus L. kaempferi trees was used. Trees were 29 years old. Wood density was recorded by soft X-ray densitometry, and genetic parameters and genetic gains were computed.
Results
Wood density of mature wood was highly heritable, and the largest heritability (0.78) was reached at age 25. Specific combining ability and reciprocal effects displayed very low variance. The age–age correlation of overall wood density was very high (>0.94). The genetic correlation between overall wood density and basal cross-sectional area was positive after age 10. Early selection at age 6 would account for 69 % of the genetic gain from direct selection at age 28 in terms of wood density.
Conclusion
Genetic improvement of wood density could be achieved by mass selection and a simultaneous selection for radial increment in L. kaempferi; early selection for wood density can be achieved in this species.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Dr. Takeshi Fujiwara from the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute in Japan (FFPRI) and Professor Koh Yasue of Shinshu University for their advice regarding the measurement of wood density. We would also like to thank Dr. Makoto Takahashi from the Forest Tree Breeding Center, FFPRI for his useful comments.
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Handling Editor: Erwin Dreyer
Contribution of the co-authors
Eitaro Fukatsu: measuring the samples, running data analysis and writing the paper.
Miyoko Tsubomura: collecting the samples
Yoshitake Fujisawa: coordinating research project
Ryogo Nakada: collecting the samples and supervising the work
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Fukatsu, E., Tsubomura, M., Fujisawa, Y. et al. Genetic improvement of wood density and radial growth in Larix kaempferi: results from a diallel mating test. Annals of Forest Science 70, 451–459 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0278-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0278-8