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Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative
2014
Annual Report
Carrie Pike, Research Associate
Jim Warren,
Research Fellow
Andy David, Associate Professor
and Director
FULL MEMBERS
Beltrami County
Cass County
Crow Wing County
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
Koochiching County
Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources
Red Lake Nation
St. Louis County
University of Minnesota
Department of Forest
Resources
UPM-Blandin
SUPPORTING
MEMBERS
BIA
Carlton County
Clearwater County
Hedstrom Lumber Company
Hubbard County
Lake County
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative (MTIC) completed its 33rd year in 2014 with ten full members and six supporting members. Dues payments in the amount of $53,792 were collected, which included the contract with the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources. Andrew David directed the MTIC, while Carrie Pike managed day to day operations. Jim Warren provided field and technological assistance and Egon
Humenberger provided field assistance on other projects as needed. One business meeting was held on March 19 at the Cloquet Forestry Center. One fall workshop on red oak
management was organized with Aitkin County Land department on October 1 near Malmo, MN.
In 2014, seventeen controlled crosses were completed on red pine, and ninety crosses were made on white pine. In total, 38 orchards were visited during the summer by MTIC
staff. Cones were collected from five conifer species (red pine, jack pine, white pine, white spruce, black spruce). A bumper cone crop was observed statewide on white pine. Ten-year
tree height and diameter measurements were completed on the white spruce second-generation populations (MN DNR Eaglehead - 2005, Lake County Ostman Pit and UPM Blandin Feeley). Pike and Warren installed and completed a second gravel bed experiment
at the Cloquet Forestry Center.
In 2015, we plan to complete work on silvicultural demonstration areas on sites managed by UPM Blandin and the MN DNR. Breeding values for all white spruce second-
generation genotypes will be calculated in early 2015. Cones that were pollinated in spring 2014 (white pine and red pine) will be harvested in 2015. Rootstock will be planted for future grafting for jack pine, red pine and hemlock. General Andrews nursery continues to
be transitioned to a tree improvement facility where we hope to continue grafting conifers for new advanced-generation orchards.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 2
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 1 A Letter from the Director .............................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Administration ................................................................................................................................ 5
Seed Orchards ........................................................................................................................... 11 Species Reports ............................................................................................................................. 17
Black spruce .............................................................................................................................. 17 White spruce ............................................................................................................................. 17 Jack pine.................................................................................................................................... 18
Red pine .................................................................................................................................... 19 White pine ................................................................................................................................. 19 Tamarack................................................................................................................................... 23
Acknowledgments......................................................................................................................... 23 Outlook ......................................................................................................................................... 26 2015 Cooperative Work Plan ........................................................................................................ 27 Advisory Committee ..................................................................................................................... 28
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 3
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Cooperative Members,
Reviewing the annual report for this year there are a couple of highlights to pass on. We had a large push in red pine and white pine breeding this year in anticipation of upcoming
advanced generation progeny tests. We should be able to collect the last of these cones in fall of 2015 and shortly thereafter start growing seedlings. The second generation white
spruce plantings have reached 10 years of age and were fully measured. Once the analysis is finished this year we can begin to make selections for third-generation orchards.
As a recently minted Ph.D. Carrie taught her first class, Conservation of Plant Biodiversity,
on St Paul campus, which was a rousing success. Also this fall we teamed up with the
Aitkin County Land Department to offer a field workshop on oak regeneration that was one of the ideas generated at the last annual meeting. It was well attended, very informative and
provided an opportunity to think about silviculture systems and genetics in natural stands.
People often ask me in this day and age of climate change if planting improved seedlings still makes sense. I always answer in the affirmative! Without a doubt, improved seedlings from our seed orchards are the best tested, most genetically diverse seedling that can be
planted on our forest lands. Furthermore both FSC and SFI accept artificial regeneration with improved seedlings if they come from known genetically diverse sources that have been
tested for adaptation to our local conditions. Your improved seedlings meet these qualifications while providing better growth rates, better stem form and better disease
resistance than natural regeneration or unimproved seedlings. They can be used as a stand-alone option for regenerating harvested areas, or in combination with natural regeneration or assisted migration to meet third party certification standards. If you have any questions
about these regeneration options feel free to contact me.
How will you use your improved seedlings this year?
Sincerely,
Andy David
Andrew David
Associate Professor Director MTIC
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 4
INTRODUCTION
The Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative (MTIC) completed its 33rd year of
operation in 2014. Andy David, Associate Professor, served as Director and Carrie Pike,
Research Associate, managed day to day operations. Jim Warren and Egon Humenburger
provided technical and field assistance. As part of Pike’s new position as Research
Associate, she taught ESPM 3101/5101, Conservation of Plant Biodiversity on Monday
afternoons in St Paul, fall semester. Andy David also continued his teaching responsibilities
in the fall semester.
The winter of 2014 was cold and snowy, making it the 9th coldest winter since 18731.
The delayed spring resulted in the latest date for spring road restrictions ever, which
impacted logging operations. Hunters registered 31,000 fewer deer in November 2014 than
in the previous year2, although the DNR’s final report is not yet posted. Fewer deer should
result in less browse on tree seedlings, but don’t pull off your bud-caps yet. The warmer,
and so far nearly snowless, winter of 2015 will likely speed their recovery. The winter
conditions also partially contributed to a shortage of stored aspen, prompting a call for
increased harvesting in fall 2014.
On the industry side: this year marked the 100th anniversary of Hedstrom lumber, a
significant milestone for this family-run operation, so make sure to congratulate Howard!
Our advisory committee members had some personnel changes: Jim Marshall retired from
his post at UPM Blandin and Cheryl Adams succeeded Jim. Beth Jacqmain, formerly of
Smartwood and a previous MTIC advisory committee member, joined Blandin’s team.
Greg Duwe will represent Blandin on the advisory committee. Finally, Mark Pannkuk of St
Louis County Land Department shifted duties and has delegated tree improvement work to
Rob Benson. We will miss Mark, but undoubtedly will pester him for information since he
managed the St Louis county orchard complex for nearly 20 years.
Forest health issues for the year included a climb in gypsy moth trap counts along the
north shore. On a positive note, the emerald ash borer has not been identified northwest of
Superior, WI – yet. We know its arrival is pending. Topping the list of unwelcomed novel
1 http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/journal/coldest_winters.html
2 http://blogs.twincities.com/outdoors/2014/11/18/minnesota-deer-hunting-harvest-well-last-years-pace/
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 5
critters: mountain pine beetle. It may soon enter our state, unless the new quarantine,
effective January 1, 2015, keeps them from entering our backyard from points west. Lastly,
in 2014 the comment period for listing the northern long-eared bat for endangered species
status has been a continuous topic for forest managers, and the subject of several high-
profile webinars and meetings. The bat’s populations have been decimated by white-nosed
fungus in other states, so federal protection could potentially limit summer harvests in their
roosting habitats.
In University of Minnesota departmental news: Dr. Eli Sagor was hired to manage
the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (SFEC), and Julie Hendrickson now
provides full time program support to the SFEC. Dr. Tony D’Amato departed for a new
appointment at the University of Vermont at the end of 2014. Interviews are being
conducted in early 2015 to replace his position. Dr. Matthew Russell started work in
August as an Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist in Forest Ecosystem Health in the
Department of Forest Resources, based at St Paul.
This report summarizes activities and accomplishments from January 1 to December
31, 2014. It is organized into five major sections: Administration, Finances, Seed Orchards,
Species Reports, and Outlook.
ADMINISTRATION
The advisory committee, consisting of representatives from each member
organization, formally met once on March 19, 2014 at the Cloquet Forestry Center. A fall
workshop was organized in conjunction with Aitkin County land department on October 1.
This workshop focused on red oak management and was coordinated and funded by the
MTIC (costs were limited to refreshments and satellite toilet). The tour was led by Bob
Kangas, forester with Aitkin County, who inspired us to consider different management
strategies for red oak. Kudos to Bob for an outstanding presentation – even the steady rain
could not dampen his enthusiasm!
In research news: Carrie and Jim installed a second study to test the effects of soil
media (gravel vs sand) on above- and below-ground growth of bur oak and white spruce.
This is part of a larger project with Dr. Mike Reichenbach (Extension Educator) and Dr.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 6
Gary Johnson (Extension Professor) on the use of gravel beds as a regeneration medium for
urban plantings. The LCCMR proposal we submitted in 2014 was not funded, so we are
developing a new proposal in 2015 with additional collaborators and a revised set of
objectives.
Carrie and Jim attended the International Union of Forest Research Organizations
(IUFRO) Forest Tree Breeders meeting in Prague, Czech Republic in August. Carrie
attended an oak field tour with the MN DNR in Lewiston on September 11, winter and fall
meetings of SAF in Walker and Cloquet, respectively.
Presentations
Pike, Carrie, R. A. Montgomery, J. Warren. April 17, 2014. Effects of artificial warming during quiescence on bud-break and growth of white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench)
Voss. Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. Seminar for faculty and students.
Pike, Carrie, R. Montgomery, J. Warren. August 26 2014. Early-season phenology impacts
growth patterns in improved and wild sources of white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench)
Voss. Prague, Czech Republic. IUFRO Forest Tree Breeding meeting.
Pike, Carrie and R. Montgomery. August 28 2014. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among tree volume, wood specific gravity and foliar traits in white spruce, Picea
glauca (Moench) Voss and implications for selection. Prague, Czech Republic.
IUFRO Forest Tree Breeding meeting.
3Pike, Carrie, M.Reinikainen, A. Stefanski, J. Zobel, and Jim Warren. August 29 2014. Growth potential of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) for reforestation in the lake states
region of the USA. Prague, Czech Republic. IUFRO Forest Tree Breeding meeting.
3 Poster presentation
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 11
Seed Orchards
In the past 33 years, MTIC members have planted over 125,000 trees in 77 orchards.
Of those, 32,000 trees in 59 orchards remain. Members maintain 132 acres of seed orchards
for five improved conifer species, and a seed production area for tamarack (Table 5). The
MN DNR continues to convert the facility at General Andrews Nursery into a tree
improvement center. Nursery beds are being reserved for future use that could include
improved jack pine, red pine, and white pine improved for rust resistance. The DNR will
likely field-graft a red pine orchard in the future as well.
Carlton County is planning to establish a hemlock seed collection area at the
Gillogly Rd. complex. Their objective is to graft selections from the hemlock ravine in Jay
Cooke State Park onto rootstock for conservation. In fall 2014, the orchard was cleared and
fenced to protect trees from deer and rabbit browse. Rootstock will be planted in spring
2015. Field grafting could begin as early as spring 2016.
Table 6 summarizes the history of MTIC orchards by type, and number of
genotypes. Forty eight percent of orchards are grown from seed, the remainder are grafted.
Figure 1 shows the percent of orchard acreage that each species occupies in the MTIC
program. The current status of all Picea orchards is shown in Table 7. MTIC members
maintain 24 Picea orchards for seed collection averaging 2.5 acres in size. Eight of these are
black spruce orchards with 6,000 trees and sixteen are white spruce orchards with 6,000
trees. Current Pinus and Larix orchards are shown in Table 8. All ‘active’ research trials
related directly to the MTIC are shown in Table 9.
Table 5. Acres of seed orchard by species and orchard type.
Orchard Type Black
spruce
White
spruce
Jack
pine
Red
pine
White
pine Tamarack
Total
acreage
First Generation Clonal 8 16 --- --- 11 --- 35
First Generation Seedling Seed 5 --- 24 26 --- 4 63
Improved First Generation Clonal --- 15 --- 3 --- --- 13
Second Generation Full Sib 4 11 6 --- --- --- 21
Total acreage by species 17 42 30 29 11 4 132
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 12
Table 6. Summary of all orchards planted in the history of the MTIC
Black
Spruce
Jack
pine
Red
pine
White
pine
White
spruce Tamarack Totals
Number of orchards 9 20 11 9 27 1 77
Number of orchards in use
8 11 8 8 23 1 59
Number of genotypes
after roguing 474 795 214 461 444 8 2,396
Percent genotypes remaining
78 86 69 94 70 100 Avg:
83%
Number of trees
and/or positions planted
17,158 46,059 24,034 3,704 32,447 2,010 125,412
Number of living trees
5,890 5,299 1,747 1,856 15,391 1,795 31,978
Percent trees remaining
34 12 7 50 47 89 Avg:
40%
13
32
23
22
8
3
Black spruce
White spruce
Jack pine
Red pine
White pine
Tamarack
Figure 1. Species composition (percentage, by area) of orchards and seed production areas in the MTIC.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 13
Table 7. Picea spp seed orchards actively managed by the MTIC.
Species Orchard Type Organization Planting Date PlantedSize
(ac)
Live
Trees
Minnesota DNR Eaglehead 5/17/1978 2.7 487
UPM-Blandin Blackberry 5/22/1978 2.5 596
U of M CFC Plantation "U" 5/22/1978 2.5 3,168
1st Gen. Clonal U of M CFC Airport 40 5/1/1995 1.1 238
Koochiching
CountyBig Falls 5/19/1989 2.3 79
Koochiching
CountyDitch 7 5/27/1998 4.0 59
Minnesota DNR Sturgeon Lake 5/1/1979 1.3 812
Minnesota DNR Split Rock 5/27/1992 2.4 262
Totals: 8 Orchards 18.8 5,701
Lake County Two Harbors 9/2/1987 1.0 183
Minnesota DNR Cotton 5/1/1977 12.0 206
Minnesota DNR E3 5/12/2012 2.5 172
Minnesota DNR E4 5/12/2012 2.8 192
St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd. 5/11/1988 1.5 189
UPM-Blandin Arbo 5/1/1976 1.5 121
Carlton County Gillogly Road 4/1/2003 2.1 122
Minnesota DNR Split Rock 9/2/2001 3.7 209
Red Lake Redby 4/1/2004 0.9 125
UPM-Blandin College 9/5/2000 2.9 762
Lake County Ostman Pit Road 6/6/2005 1.3 809
Itasca County Wabana Lake 5/20/2003 1.8 693
Minnesota DNR Eaglehead 6/3/2003 1.8 394
Minnesota DNR Eaglehead 5/1/2005 1.3 398
St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd. East 6/6/2003 2.1 368
UPM-Blandin Feeley 5/1/2005 2.4 1,531
Totals: 16 Orchards 41.6 6,474
1-1/2 Gen.
Clonal
2nd Gen.
Seedling
White
spruce
Black
spruce
1st Gen.
Seedling
Improved 1st
Gen. Clonal
1st Gen. Clonal
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 14
Table 8. Pinus spp and Larix laricina orchards actively managed by the MTIC.
Species Orchard Type Organization Planting Date Planted Size (ac) Live Trees
Carlton County Gillogly Rd. 28-Jun-83 5.5 183
Crow Wing
CountyCrow Wing 04-Jun-85 2.1 247
Iron Range
ResourcesCalumet 16-Sep-82 1.7 220
Minnesota DNR Longprairie 18-May-84 4.0 465
Minnesota DNR Nickerson 15-May-84 2.4 387
Red Lake Nation Redby 29-Apr-87 1.8 516
St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd. 10-May-88 1.6 279
Crow Wing Co. /
MN DNRCounty Line 01-May-99 2.6 679
St. Louis / Iron
Range Resources
Ellsburg Rd.
East12-May-99 3.8 936
Totals: 9 Orchards 25.5 3,912
Minnesota DNR Split Rock 25-May-93 1.0 88
Minnesota DNR St. Francis 15-May-85 3.0 319
Red Lake Nation Cooks Rd. 05-May-11 2.2 193
St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd. 02-May-90 1.1 233
St. Louis CountyEllsburg Rd.
East21-Jun-99 2.5 182
Totals: 5 Orchards 9.8 1,015
Carlton County Gillogly Rd. 10-Jul-81 6.6 38
Cass / Beltrami/
Hubbard CountiesBlind Lake 10-Sep-91 5.3 400
Minnesota DNR Cotton 29-Jul-81 4.5 462
Minnesota DNR Eaglehead 25-Jun-81 3.6 128
St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd. 09-May-88 5.5 473
Carlton County Gillogly Rd. 01-May-11 0.5 51
Red Lake Nation Cooks Rd. 05-May-11 1.3 50
St. Louis CountyEllsburg Rd.
West01-Jun-11 1.5 62
Totals: 8 Orchards 28.8 1,664
Tamarack1st Gen.
SeedlingMinnesota DNR Split Rock 12-May-08 4.3 1,795
Totals: 1 Orchard 4.3 1,795
1st Gen.
Seedling
Jack pine
1st Gen.
Seedling
1st Gen.
Clonal
Red pine
2nd Gen.
Seedling
White pine1st Gen.
Clonal
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 15
Table 9. Active MTIC research trials.
Species Planting TypeYear
plantedOrganization Planting Name
Last
measured
Next
Scheduled
Full-sib progeny
test1995 U of M CFC-Airport 40 1995 --
Comparison trial 2008 Koochiching County Manitou 2012 2017
1993 Minnesota DNR Dago Lake Rd 2012 2022
1993Potlatch Forest Holdings,
Inc.Orr 2012 2022
1993Plum Creek Timber
CompanyGordon 2012 2022
1993 Blandin Paper Company Hwy 61 2012 2022
1995 U of M CFC-Airport 40 2005 2015
2003 Koochiching County Little Fork 2012 2022
2003 Minnesota DNR Side Lake * 2012 2022
2003Potlatch Forest Holdings,
Inc.Brookston 2012 2022
2003 St Louis County Jean Duluth Rd 2012 2022
2003 UPM-Blandin Wilson Lake * 2012 2022
1986 Lake County Finland 2005 2015
1986 Minnesota DNR Nickerson 2005 2015
1986 Minnesota DNR Ross Lake 2008 2015
1986 St Louis County Rabbit Lake 2005 2015
1986 UPM-Blandin Nine-mile 2005 2015
2003 Itasca County Wabana Lake 2012 2016
2003 St. Louis County Ellsburg East 2012 2016
2003 Minnesota DNR Eaglehead 2012 2016
2005 Lake County Ostman Pit 2009 2019
2005 Minnesota DNR Eaglehead 2009 2019
2005 UPM-Blandin Feeley 2009 2019
1999 St Louis / IRRRB Ellsburg East 2008 --
1999 Crow Wing / MN DNR County Line Rd 2008 --
2007 Beltrami County Lake Bemidji 2011 2016
2007Potlatch Forest Holdings,
Inc.Lake George 2011 2016
2007 U of M CFC 2011 2016
2007 St Louis County NE Grade 2011 2016
1999 St Louis County Ellsburg Rd 2008 --
1999 USFS Grand Marais 2008 --
1999 ORSO ORSO 2008 --
Jack
pine
White
pine
Progeny test for
blister rust
resistance
Red
pineComparison trial
Black
spruce
Comparison trial
Progeny test
2nd generation
population
White
spruce
2nd generation
population
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 16
Cone Collections
Cone crops were variable among species in 2014. Cooperative members successfully
collected over 100 bushels of cones from five species (Table 10).
Table 10. Cones collected by MTIC members in 2014.
Species Agency Orchard # bushels
Big Falls 2.8
Ditch 7 1.0
MN DNR Split Rock 16.0
Crow Wing / MN DNR County Line Rd 9.3
MN DNR Longprairie 20.0
Red pine St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd 14.0
White pine St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd 5.0
Blandin College 27.0
Carlton Co. Gillogly Rd 5.5
E3 0.2
E4 0.1
Split Rock 0.8
Red Lake Redby 3.0
Total number of bushels collected: 104.7
Koochiching CountyBlack spuce
Jack pine
White spruceMN DNR
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 17
SPECIES REPORTS
Black spruce
Black spruce cone crops were generally small across the region. Cones were
collected at Koochiching County’s Big Falls and Ditch 7 (formerly Larsaybow) orchards,
and the MN DNR’s Split Rock orchard. Blandin’s Blackberry orchard continues to be
managed by Mutch’s Forestry, and seed is harvested destructively every few years. Cones
were not collected from the MN DNR’s Eaglehead orchard which will require additional
maintenance of competing vegetation to improve access. Aerial seeding remains the
predominant method of artificial regeneration in the state. Demand for seed fluctuates
wildly from year to year, but supplies of improved seed are generally suitable for the amount
of hand- or machine-planting that occurs each year.
White spruce
White spruce remains the most highly-improved species in the cooperative, with
genetic gains approaching 30% for volume. Orchards have historically produced periodic
bumper crops and most are well-maintained. Blandin’s College orchard is leading the
MTIC for white spruce seed production: Mutch’s Forestry procured 27 bushels, the most of
any orchard this year. Red Lake’s Redby orchard is also starting to produce regular crops,
with three bushels collected this fall. Carlton County’s Gillogly Rd orchard yielded 5.5
bushels of cones. Grafts at the MN DNR’s new E3 and E4 orchards, planted in 2012 at
General Andrews Nursery, are well-tended. The DNR’s Split Rock orchard was visited and
a small cone crop collected. No cones were collected at St. Louis County’s Ellsburg Road
orchard. Lake County’s Two Harbors orchard has an expanding population of spruce
budworm, and no cones were picked. The small white spruce grafts, added to the south end
of Koochiching County Big Falls orchard, are thriving.
Ten-year measurements were completed on the second-generation white spruce
populations planted in 2005: Blandin’s Feeley, Lake County’s Ostman Pit, MN DNR’s
Eaglehead 2005. This data will be combined with ten-year measurements from three sites
planted in 2003: MN DNR’s Eaglehead 2003, Itasca County’s Wabana Lake, and St. Louis
County’s Ellburg Rd. East. Breeding values will be assigned to all genotypes in winter
2015. As always, regular maintenance and annual orchard sanitation (removal of as many
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 18
cones as possible) is the best bet to prevent the establishment of cone/seed insects and
diseases.
Jack pine
MN DNR’s Longprairie orchard had a modest cone crop that was collected by a
crew consisting of STS, staff from the Little Falls office, Badoura and General Andrews
Nurseries. Cones were not collected at MN DNR’s Nickerson, St. Louis County’s Ellsburg
Rd, Carlton County’s Gillogly Rd, Red Lake’s Redby, or Crow Wing County’s Crow
Wing first-generation orchards. Cass/Beltrami/Hubbard County’s Deep Portage,
MNDNR’s Bemidji, and IRRRB’s Calumet orchards are being phased out.
The second-generation population at St Louis County/IRRRB Ellsburg Rd East
experienced some wind-throw after rogueing in fall 2013. A survey of these trees was
started in 2014 and will be completed in 2015. At the Crow Wing County / MN DNR
County Line population, hardwood competition was mechanically removed, and many
trees were topped for cone collections. All remaining trees at both second-generation
populations will be surveyed and tagged to facilitate future scion collection.
First-generation jack pine orchards are senescing and should be replaced with
improved second-generation orchards, propagated by grafting. We are working with the
MN DNR to designate an area at the General Andrews facility for field grafting to support
this work..
Lastly, we were contacted by Dr Pengxin Lu, Research Scientist at the Ontario
Forest Research Institute in S. S. Marie, about collaborating on a climate change project.
They have asked if we could re-measure jack pine range-wide provenance trials located at
Blackberry and Cloquet Forestry Center. We agreed to measure these sites as part of this
collaboration. Each site will require roughly three days to complete. We measured these
sites in 2005 for a similar project led by Dr Bill Parker at Lakehead U at Thunder Bay, so we
are familiar with their condition and layout.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 19
Red pine
St. Louis County removed approximately 32 trees at the Ellsburg Rd orchard, to
alleviate spacing constraints, and collected cones from the felled trees. The MN DNR’s
Cotton orchard had a small cone crop, and a grocery bag full was collected from the
ground. The MN DNR’s Eaglehead orchard had few cones this year. All but 38 trees of
Carlton County’s Gillogly Rd orchard were removed. The orchard was down-sized to
make room for the new grafted orchard.
Our objective is to create a new set of improved first-generation orchards produced
by grafting. In 2011 we planted our first grafted trees at three sites. Survival at Carlton
County’s Gillogly Rd is high, at 78%. Survival at Red Lake’s Cooks Rd is fairly low, at
35%. We are hopeful that the remaining grafts will continue to thrive at all three sites. At
St. Louis County’s Ellsburg Rd West, survival was lower, about 40%, but established grafts
had a few cones on them. Jim and Carrie attempted to replace 72 failed grafts by field-
grafting new scions onto the rootstock in 2014. The 11% success rate was uninspiring. We
attributed this lackluster success to the unusual cold spring weather that froze the scions
after grafting, and not necessarily to our grafting techniques.
Jim and Carrie made 17 controlled crosses at the St. Louis County Ellsburg Rd.
orchard using a JLG lift that was rented using separate funds. These trees will need to be
revisited in the spring to apply mesh bags for insect control, and again in the fall for cone
collections. We also collected open pollinated seed from 23 mother trees to supplement the
second-generation populations.
White pine
A bumper crop of white pine cones occurred statewide in 2014. Unfortunately,
demand for white pine seed is low at this time, so no collections were made from any
orchards. At Red Lake’s Cooks Rd orchard, a few trees were lost to mowing damage, but
overall survival is excellent. We did not visit the DNR’s St Francis orchard near
Zimmerman, MN this year. The two orchards at St Louis County’s Ellburg Rd are in good
shape and continue to produce cone crops periodically. Jim collected six sources of open-
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 20
pollinated seed from the CFC Breeding Arboretum for potential screening and/or for
planting at the CFC.
In 2012, we installed a disease garden trial intended to test blister rust resistance in
white pine parents and seedlings side-by-side with a control of zone appropriate seedlings.
This study is described in more detail in the 2012 Annual Report. Seedlings and grafts (only
at the Eveleth site) were planted at Eveleth and HWRC in 2012 and at Namebini in 2013.
The Namebini site is located on private property near Duluth on McCade Road and was
planted with leftover seedlings from Eveleth and HWRC. All sites are fenced with high
tensile wire to five feet and poultry fencing at the bottom.
Seedlings were classified by their expected level of performance once infected with
white pine blister rust, i.e. susceptible cross, susceptible, susceptible X resistant, increased
resistance, and resistance cross, where the labels ‘susceptible’ and ‘resistant’ are lower and
higher rates of survival compared to a zone appropriate DNR control.
Data were collected on survival and height in fall 2014 after three and two years of
growth respectively. Table 11 reports averages for seedling survival and height by seedling
classification within sites without further analysis. Survival is excellent on all sites with the
exception of three seedlots at Namebini (open pollinated seedlots P-30 and Tofte #305 and
resistance cross P-343 X H-111). In general, seedlings have well developed buds going into
winter of 2014-2015. Lack of snow depth may result in higher levels of winter injury and
lower levels of soil moisture and seedling growth in spring 2015.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 21
Table 11. Seedling number, survival percentage and height (cm) by resistance category at the Eveleth, HWRC and Namebini white pine disease garden trial sites. Survival was
assessed after three growing seasons, and heights were measured after two growing seasons.
Female Male Category N Survival Height N Survival Height N Survival Height
H-109 Open S 30 96.7 34.5 15 93.3 41.1H-111 Open S 30 96.7 41.1 15 100.0 40.5 20 100.0 31.8H-109 H-111 SxS 30 100.0 41.0 15 100.0 44.9 30 100.0 24.8
Average 97.8 38.9 97.8 42.2 100.0 28.3
P-327 Open R+ 30 93.3 41.7 15 100.0 47.7 25 100.0 34.3ON-469 Open R+ 30 96.7 43.5 15 93.3 59.2 30 100.0 36.1
P-343 Open R+ 30 96.7 41.5 15 100.0 46.5ON-491 Open R+ 30 100.0 48.0 15 100.0 44.9 30 100.0 34.6
P-312 Open R+ 30 75.0 41.5 15 86.7 50.5P-30 Open R+ 30 96.7 38.9 15 100.0 53.9 13 46.0 16.4
Tofte #305 Open R+ 30 100.0 35.8 15 93.3 42.4 15 50.0 13.1Average 94.0 41.6 96.2 49.3 79.2 26.9
P-327 P-312 RxR 30 100.0 53.5 15 93.3 58.7 30 93.5 34.8P-327 P-343 RxR 30 100.0 45.5 15 100.0 50.1 31 90.0 30.7P-327 P-30 RxR 30 96.7 46.0 15 100.0 46.5 30 100.0 34.3
ON-469 P-312 RxR 30 100.0 52.6 15 93.3 62.2 30 100.0 39.6ON-469 P-327 RxR 30 93.3 46.2 15 100.0 50.3 31 100.0 37.4ON-469 P-343 RxR 30 96.7 48.2 15 93.3 62.4 30 100.0 33.2ON-469 P-30 RxR 30 100.0 48.6 15 100.0 51.3 30 100.0 36.5
P-343 P-327 RxR 30 93.3 45.8 15 100.0 40.8 24 100.0 28.9P-343 P-30 RxR 30 96.7 41.3 15 100.0 43.8 30 100.0 30.0
ON-491 P-343 RxR 30 100.0 42.2 15 93.3 57.6 30 100.0 31.1
P-312 P-30 RxR 30 96.3 40.8 15 86.7 62.3
Average 97.5 46.4 96.4 53.3 98.4 33.6
P-30 H-111 RxS 30 96.7 47.7 15 100.0 49.8 30 100.0 35.5
P-312 H-111 RxS 30 100.0 43.7 15 100.0 57.3 30 100.0 31.7
P-343 H-111 RxS 30 100.0 43.4 15 93.3 51.2 10 50.0 15.2
P-327 H-111 RxS 30 93.3 48.3 15 93.3 48.8 30 100.0 32.3
Average 97.5 45.8 96.7 51.8 87.5 28.7
DNR 104 bulked control 60 98.3 44.8 30 96.7 44.7 31 90.5 35.4
Plantation Average 96.7 44.1 96.5 50.4 91.8 30.8
Eveleth HWRC Namebini
Means for survival and height appear to be similar across the three sites and among
categories of seedlings (i.e. susceptible, increased resistance, resistance cross, etc) suggesting
that all three sites will provide valid information once blister rust infection starts. Currently
there is no evidence of blister rust in any of the plantings but microsite conditions (tall
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 22
grass), landform position (level ground or toe slope position) and the presence of blister rust
in native white pine all suggest that blister rust is in the areas. We will continue to monitor
for signs of the disease and consider planting inoculated Ribes spp. plants if necessary.
There are also ten grafted white pine genotypes at Eveleth that represent parents
considered both resistant and susceptible. Survival averages 86% and ranges from 50-100%
(data not shown).
Advancing the breeding work from 2013 we made 90 crosses at the St Louis County
orchard and the CFC breeding arboretum this past summer in a series of non-connected full
diallels. Ten of the crosses were repeats of 2013 due to branch breakage (Table 12) although
80 crosses were new (Table 13). The goal is to cross genotypes that have shown promise for
increased blister rust resistance from USFS blister rust field screening trials (912, 922, 924
and 989A), USFS greenhouse screening trials (2009-2010) and results from the Moose
Fence trial at Tofte amongst themselves and with additional selections currently in the
MTIC orchards. Seeds will be collected, grown into seedlings and out-planted in field trials
and/or screened in greenhouse trials.
Table 12. White pine crosses made at the St Louis County seed orchard in 2013 and 2014.
Males
MI-69 MI-155 ON-466 ON-469 ON-491 ON-504 ON-646
C-101 X X 2014 X X X
MI-25 X 2014 X 2014 X 2014 2014
MI-27 X X X X X X X
P-30 2014 X 2014 X 2014 X X
P-343 X X X 2014 2014 X
In addition to making crosses we also collected pollen from 16 un-sampled genotypes
in the St. Louis County orchard. This pollen has been dried and vacuumed sealed and is in
storage in Grand Rapids.
In 2015 we plan to place mesh bags over the pollinated cones to reduce predation
and cone weevil infestations. We also plan to collect cones from the crosses we made in
2013. We will also be assessing the cone crops in our orchards and wild trees to determine
if a new collection of open-pollinated seed will be feasible in 2015. In 2014, the white pine
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 23
cone crop was the best it has been in years and often there is a somewhat smaller crop the
following year. We are in particular need of open-pollinated seed from genotypes in the
Fall Lake orchard but there were few cones in that orchard in 2014. Finally, we will be
making plans for a field based progeny trial that will assess growth and form.
Table 13. White pine crosses made at the St. Louis County seed orchard in 2014.
P-343 P-327 P-312 ON-466 C-101 C-108 MI-155 MI-38
C-120 X X X X MI-23 X X X X
C-132 X X X X MI-29 X X X
C-137 X X X S-504 X X X
C-157 X X X S-510 X X X X
ON-469 ON-491 ON-504 ON-646 MI-98 3880 2410 3961
C-159 X X X X S-512 X X X
C-160 X X X X S-517 X
C-257 X X X X S-521 X X X
C-172 X X X S-530 X X X X
MI-69 MI-27 MI-112 MI-117 4090 2840 62 2940
C-170 X X X X S-533 X X X X
MI-2 X X X S-534 X X X X
MI-4 X S-536 X X X X
MI-12 X X X X S-539 X X
Males Males
Males Males
Males Males
Tamarack
The MN DNR’s Split Rock tamarack seed collection area is now above the grass,
and the trees are thriving. This planting will provide a highly accessible, genetically diverse
seed source in the future.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of
Forestry, for acknowledging the work of the Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative in 2014.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 24
We were a recipient of the Partnership Award of Excellence, given at their Supervisor’s meeting
at the Cloquet Forestry Center. The award consists of a framed plaque and letter pictured below.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 26
OUTLOOK
The economy continues to improve but forest managers in Minnesota continue to
confront new critters in addition to a changing climate. Invasive species such as gypsy
moth, emerald ash borer, and more recently mountain pine beetle, threaten the vitality of
our forests and will challenge our forest products industry. Climate change is already
influencing the composition of our forests and plant communities, prompting the DNR to
develop a new OP order related to its mitigation. The forest industry faces steep
competition from overseas and high stumpage prices locally. Where does tree improvement
fit in this mix? We are optimistic that our work will increase in relevancy, because the
pedigree information we maintain is useful to quantify local adaptation, seed transfer, and
maximize productivity. We plan to submit another proposal to LCCMR to pursue a multi-
species common garden experiment to advance our knowledge with respect to hardwoods,
and to further test the DNR seed zones.
This winter, we will assign breeding values to all second-generation white spruce
families, white pine resistance trials, and revise red pine datasets. We have purchased a
one-year site-license for software to assign breeding values on this complex pedigree. This
will allow us to estimate genetic gains and select genotypes for creating improved second-
generation orchards.
We commend cooperative members who have supported the MTIC all these years,
allowing us to advance the program and continue building orchards for future reforestation.
We will continue to work with Dr. Alan Ek and the Department of Forest Resources at the
University of Minnesota to complete installation of silviculture demonstration areas, and
look forward to working with new faculty members in forest health and silviculture.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 27
2015 COOPERATIVE WORK PLAN
Black spruce
Monitor seed orchards, collect cones as they are available.
White spruce
Collect all cones from orchards!
Progeny test is 30 years old in 2015! Make plans to manage and/or measure trees.
Collect baseline data on Blandin IIC sites.
Visit white spruce comparison trial on String of Pearls IIC site on Blandin land.
Visit 2003 white spruce comparison trial site at Side Lake area (Tim Russ)
Jack pine
Collect additional pollen from second-generation orchards.
Make plans for field grafting at General Andrews.
Identify and prepare other locations for new grafted orchards.
Monument all trees at the second-generation jack pine populations.
Identify and prepare rootstock.
Measure range-wide provenance trials at Blackberry and Cloquet for OFRI scientists.
Red pine
Re-survey graft survival at Red Lake, Ellsburg Rd, Carlton County
Plant rootstock at General Andrews for field grafting in 2016.
White pine
Mesh bags on control pollinated trees
Pick cones fall 2015
Monitor disease gardens
Hemlock (Carlton County)
Plant rootstock into Gillogly Rd orchard.
Identify trees for grafting in 2016 or later.
Tamarack (MN DNR)
Monitor seed orchard, collect cones as they are available.
Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, Annual Report for 2014 28
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2014
FULL MEMBERS
Beltrami County DJ Bakken, Dick Moore Cass County Erik Lindquist
Crow Wing County Bryan Pike Iron Range Resources,
Mineland Reclamation Dan Jordan Koochiching County Tom Morris, Tom Toratti Minnesota DNR - Forestry Deb Pitt, Rick Klevorn
Red Lake Nation Tony Arola, Jeff Fossen St. Louis County Rob Benson, Mark Pannkuk
Univ. of Minnesota Dept. of Forest Resources Alan Ek
UPM-Blandin Greg Duwe, Beth Jacqmain
SUPPORTING MEMBERS
Bureau of Indian Affairs Matt Anderson Carlton County Greg Bernu
Clearwater County Bruce Cox Hedstrom Lumber Co. Howard Hedstrom
Hubbard County Allen Lysdahl Lake County Bill Nixon, Nate Eide
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