Early prediction of Douglas-fir growth and forking in farm field tests
Résumé
Selection techniques for early evaluation of genotypes for form and wood quality (less than 10 years) were discussed and viewed during the INRA station visit. Presentations were made on the wood quality traits that should be assessed, effective ways for their measurement, and methods for incorporating these traits into tree improvement programmes. Advantages of early prediction in farm-field tests are: - homogeneity of environmental conditions - intensive measurements at a lower cost - efficient multitrait family selection for adaptation, growth and stem form.