Publications and papers
LEE, S.J, COTTRELL, J., and JOHN, A., (in press). Advances in biotechnology – powerful tools for tree breeding and genetic conservation. Forestry Commission Information Note. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh (Recently completed internal refereeing).
Induction of flowering in Sitka spruce:
Although data are still to be analysed it is clear that ‘Regulex’ is every bit as good as Technical Powder (TP) in inducing flowering in mature grafts planted in the field (clone banks or seed orchard). It is not clear yet if the same conclusion can be drawn for young potted grafts growing in the flowering halls. An experiment was set up during the year to compare Regulex with TP in flowering halls and flowers will be counted when they appear in April, with analysis to follow in 2004/5. It is anticipated that one further experiment will be required during 2004/5 in the flowering hall to test the repeatability of results.
Off-label approval for Regulex to induce flowering in Sitka spruce was successfully obtained in July 2003 from Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD).
Flowers and seed
This was one of the poorest flowering programmes on record. Very little progress was made to advance the breeding programme, with staff struggling to replace seed removed from store for family mixture purposes.
Three family mixtures were sold to the nursery trade in both the state and private sector. TIB are finding that customers are becoming more aware of the different types of improved material available and often specify the potential gains they require by diameter, density and stem straightness, and whether the seed should be from half-sib or full-sib families.
Grafting and clonal archives
The programmed restructuring of the Sitka spruce clonal archives was further delayed due to postponed data analysis and data collection caused by the demands upon Technical Support Unit of Sudden Oak Death survey commitments. A large Sitka spruce grafting programme was commenced which will take two years.