Practical strategies of black walnut genetic improvement—an update
| Authors: | George Rink, J.W. Van Sambeek, Phil O'Connor, Mark Coggeshall |
| Year: | 2017 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | Walnut Council Bulletin. 44(2): 1-3, 10-11. |
Abstract
The ultimate goal of any tree improvement program is the large-scale production and distribution of genetically improved seedlings. In black walnut, projections based on earlier research indicate that genetically improved seedlings could provide growth improvement of between 15 to 25 percent by using seed or seedlings of the proper geographic origin (Bey 1980; Clausen 1981; Deneke et al. 1987) and additional gains of similar magnitude from progeny testing (Rink 1984). Unfortunately, the large-scale production of such genetically improved seedlings has yet to become a reality. The purpose of this paper is to briefly outline how far we've come in walnut improvement programs between 1967 and 1987 and how far we still need to go.This article was originally published in 1987 in the Walnut Council Bulletin 14(2): 3-5. 2017 updates are in italics.