Percentage of elite (plus) trees in Norway Spruce and Silver fir seed reservation

Abstract

Following some studies concerning the importance of the elite trees in the activity of genetic forestry improvement, in this scientific paper we have studied the percentage of the elite (plus) trees in Norway Spruce and Silver fir seed reservations. Such samples are usually found in the dominant forestry floor, exceeding the neighbouring trees by rapidity of growth, trunk straightness and increased resistance against pests and diseases. The total number of elite (plus) trees in the three testing areas was of 19 samples, 16 of them belonging to Norway Spruce and three to Silver fir trees. The total number of inventoried trees was 66 (57 Norway Spruce and nine Silver fir trees). All the elite trees belonged to the first quality class. The results of this study have shown that the analysed arboretum could be considered as an important seeds and cuttings purveyor in the afforestation activity, as well as for the conservation of the most valuable forest genetic resources.