Some aspects of the methodological approach in the progeny testing of European larch in Poland

Autorzy

• Vasyl Mohytych Forest Research Institute, Department of Silviculture and Genetics of Forest Trees,
  Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
  e-mail: V.Mohytych@ibles.waw.pl
• Tadeusz Zachara Forest Research Institute, Department of Silviculture and Genetics of Forest Trees
  Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
• Małgorzata Sułkowska Forest Research Institute, Department of Silviculture and Genetics of Forest Trees
  Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
• Jan Kowalczyk Forest Research Institute, Department of Silviculture and Genetics
  Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland

Abstract

In Poland, the tree improvement programme was initiated in 2004, but the trials for European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) did not start until 2021. Our aim is to present certain aspects of the methodological approach of progeny testing for this species. The European larch, known for its rapid growth among native coniferous trees in Europe, holds great promise for forest breeding. Unfortunately, its natural range in Poland is limited, with rare but well-known valuable provenances. In 2023, six progeny tests were established using the same 130 open-pollinated families, derived from plus trees originating from valuable seed regions (Md51, Md61, Md71) and areas below 52° N latitude. After a decade of growth, the results will be used to identify valuable genotypes and establish advanced-generation seed orchards.

Keywords

• progeny test trial
• common garden test
• progeny of plus trees
• half-sib families