Introduction to Forest Genetics examines some of the basic genetic concepts typically used in forestry and tree improvement studies, including Mendelian and population genetics. It also describes techniques that are generally useful in tree improvement work, including individual tree selection and breeding, provenance testing, species and racial hybridization, and introduction of exotics. Organized into 19 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of forest genetics and problems associated with forest genetics. It then discusses concepts from basic genetics, including chromosome structure and function; DNA and RNA; nongenetic inheritance; and genotype versus phenotype. Other chapters focus on inbreeding: complete elimination of homozygous recessive trees; mutation and migration; and controlled pollination and vegetative propagation. The book also covers the establishment and measurement of test plantations; general principles and methods of selective breeding; choice of breeding method and type of seed orchard; heritability and genetic gain; geographic variation in Scotch pine and American trees; species and racial hybridization; chromosome studies; and polyploidy and haploidy breeding. This book is a valuable resource for foresters, professional tree breeders, and those with or without previous training in genetics or forestry.

Table of Contents:
PrefaceAcknowledgments1 Introduction Problems Peculiar to Forest Genetics The Possibilities of Tree Improvement General Sources of Information2 Concepts from Basic Genetics Chromosome Structure and Function DNA and RNA Genes Nongenic Inheritance Genotype versus Phenotype Cell Division and the Opportunity for New Gene Combinations Study Questions Suggested Reading3 Additional Basic Genetic Concepts Inbreeding Hybrid Vigor Recovery Ratios in the F2 Generation Study Questions4 Population Genetics—Selection Definitions Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Complete Elimination of Homozygous Recessive Trees Partial Selection against Récessives Selection Favoring Récessives (against Dominants) Selection for Genes with Additive Effects "Fitness" and Fisher's "Fundamental Theorem" Selection for and against Hétérozygotes Selection in Small Populations How to Increase Selection Pressure A Word Picture of Selection Recapitulation Study Questions5 Population Genetics—Mutation, Migration, Isolation Mutation Migration Isolation Study Questions6 Useful Techniques—Controlled Pollination Selection of Parent Trees Climbing Bagging to Prevent Outside Pollination Pollen Handling Pollination Procedures Indoor Controlled Pollination Fruit Collection and Seed Handling Success Expected from Controlled Pollination Study Questions7 Useful Techniques—Vegetative Propagation Introduction Grafting and Budding Propagation by Stem Cuttings Propagation by Root and Root-Stem Cuttings Propagation by Leaf Cuttings Root Suckers Other Methods of Occasional Interest Apomixis Topophysis or Persistent Nongenetic Effects Study Questions8 Useful Techniques—Establishment and Measurement of Test Plantations Introduction Definitions Commonly Used Experimental Designs Nonstatistical Considerations Statistical Considerations Sample Schedules for Experiment Establishment Hints on Measurement and Data Recording Study Questions9 Selective Breeding—General Principles and Methods Role of Selective Breeding in Tree Improvement General Principles Breeding Methods Described Study Questions10 Choice of Breeding Method and Type of Seed Orchard Factors Affecting Choice Thinned Natural Stands versus Planted Seed Orchards Mass versus Family Selection Half-Sib versus Full-Sib Progeny Testing Half-Sib versus Full-Sib Family Selection Progeny Test Seed Orchards versus Clonal Seed Orchards Earliness of Flowering on Grafts and Seedlings Study Questions11 Examples of Progress through Selective Breeding and Seed Orchard Management Introduction Examples of Simple Inheritance Variation and Improvement in Quantitative Traits Seed Orchard Management in Loblolly and Slash Pines Management of Seedling Seed Orchards of Red Pine Special Cases Study Questions12 Estimation of Heritability and Genetic Gain Experimental Procedures and Applicability of Estimates Parent-Progeny Regression Variance Analysis—Half-Sib Progeny Test Variance Analysis—Full-Sib Progeny Test Conversion of Family to Single Tree Heritabilities Variance Analysis—Clonal Test Genotype-Environment Interaction—Effect on Breeding Plans Study Questions13 Provenance Testing Role of Provenance Tests in Tree Improvement Factors Influencing Amount of Geographic Variability General Geographic Trends Knowns and Unknowns about Natural Selection Design of Provenance Tests Practical Use of Provenance Data Study Questions14 Geographic Variation in Scotch Pine Introduction Phenotypic versus Genetic Variation Patterns Amount and Pattern of Genetic Diversity Description of Varieties Practical Use of Scotch Pine Provenance Data Typical and Atypical Aspects of Scotch Pine Study Questions15 Geographic Variation in American Trees The Pacific Coast, California to Alaska Western United States—A Region of Great Diversity Boreal America—A Region of Clines and Great Genetic Diversity Slight to Moderate Variation in Northeastern Species Geographic Variation in the Central Hardwoods Southeastern United States—A Region of Moderate Genetic Diversity Study Questions16 Species and Racial Hybridization Use of Hybridization in Agriculture Goals of Hybridization in Trees Crossability Patterns Hybridization and Evolution Crossability Patterns by Genus Study Questions17 Species and Racial Hybridization—Practical Application Historical Background Mass Produced F 1 Hybrids Utilization of F 2 Generation Hybrids Hybridization and Subsequent Selection in Later Generations Study Questions18 Introduction of Exotic Species Introduction Reasons for Expecting Success from Exotics Factors Governing Successful Introduction Exchange Relationships among Regions Methods of Introducing and Testing New Species Examples of Successful and Unsuccessful Exotics Regional Summaries of the Use of Exotics Study Questions19 Polyploidy, Aneuploidy, and Haploidy Definitions Techniques of Chromosome Study Karyotypes of Pines Rareness of Polyploidy in Gymnosperms Importance of Polyploidy in Angiosperms Breeding Behavior of Polyploids and Aneuploids Induction and Recognition of Polyploidy Haploid Breeding Study QuestionsAppendix: Common and Scientific Names of TreesBibliographyGlossaryIndex