Field trials with Abies lasiocarpa progenies from plus trees and seed orchard clones for Christmas tree production in Norway

ABSTRACT

The Christmas tree industry in Norway is increasing and Abies lasiocarpa is, together with Abies nordmanniana, the most common exotic species for Christmas tree production. A. lasiocarpa today constitutes ca. 50% of the fir sold in Norway, and there is high demand for sufficient supply of high-quality seed and knowledge of seed sources with a potential for high Christmas tree quality. Two experimental plots were established to identify seed sources with potentially high survival and satisfactory Christmas tree quality. The high variation in traits on the two sites indicates promising possibilities for further selection of A. lasiocarpa clones for growing Christmas trees in Norway. Selection for late bud break to avoid spring frost is important. Pathogens were not found in any of the studied trials, but are an important factor to consider when selecting seed sources for Christmas trees. Due to the early bud break of this species, it is also of high importance to choose planting sites with minimal risks for spring frost. Good localities are slopes where the frost drains away during cold nights. In eastern Norway, A. lasiocarpa should be used with care in districts and sites where spring frost is commonly occurring.

KEYWORDS:

• Christmas tree quality
• corkbark fir
• morphological traits
• subalpine fir

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Åge Østgård for help with fieldwork and organizing data, and the field trial host Hans A. Næss for helpful co-operation. The authors also thank the Norwegian Forest Seed Center for giving them access for seed collection in Kaupanger seed orchard, and Tormod Stavrum, Odd Ragnar Johnskås, Olav Gislerud, and Tore Wetlesen for their seed collection in the USA and Canada. The authors also thank Erling Fløistad for drawing the maps and Torfinn Torp for statistical advice.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.