Variation and Stability in Female Strobili Production of a First-Generation Clonal Seed Orchard of Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis)

Abstract Seed orchards of Chinese pine, Pinus tabuliformis, are in a transition period from first generation to advanced generation. During this crucial period, evaluation of seed production in seed orchards is essential. Female strobili production is an important factor in seed production. This study examined the variation and stability in female strobili production in a first-generation clonal seed orchard of Chinese pine in years 9, 10, 13, 14, 20 and 21 after grafting in 1974. The results showed significant variation in female strobili production among clones, years, and interactions between clones and years. Correlations in female strobili production between years were significant. The repeatability for female strobili production within the examined years ranged from 0.47 to 0.87. The relative stability of female strobili production varied among clones, with regression coefficients among individual clones and an environmental index ranging from 0.13 to 2.81. The productivity index in different clones ranged from -1.09 to 1.83. Yield stability of female strobili among clones could be estimated from female strobili production. Clones could be divided into three groups according to their stability and productivity parameters. The results of this research provide guidance for evaluating clones in existing seed orchards, as well as some basic information for seed orchard management and advanced-generation seed orchard establishment.