- (2026). The potential of advanced hybridization seed orchards for mass-producing hybrid seed of Larix × eurolepis. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 41: (4), 406-416.
| Year | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Title | The potential of advanced hybridization seed orchards for mass-producing hybrid seed of Larix × eurolepis |
| Abstract | Mass production of Larix decidua × L. kaempferi seed in first-generation hybridization orchards (F1s) is hindered by wide variation in the proportion of hybrid seeds. Second-generation hybridization orchards (F2s) have therefore been established in Belgium and in France. Seed crops from F2 orchards produced 13-18% less viable seed/kg than F1s but with similar seed quality. Across 6 progeny trials, survival of F2s at age 9–10 was generally better than that of F1s as well as European (EL) and Japanese larch (JL) controls. The volume growth of the F2 hybrids was 7-36% lower than that of F1s across sites and orchards but exceeded that of EL and JL. Stem straightness varied between orchards, reflecting differences in the level of selection of parental clones: the French F2 orchard achieved much better straightness than F1s, EL, and JL, whereas the Belgian F2 orchard had a systematically lower proportion of straight stems than F1s (although its stem straightness generally matched or exceeded that of EL and JL). Second-generation hybridization orchards were thus shown to be a promising alternative to 1st-generation orchards for mass-producing hybrid seed. Further research is needed to identify optimal strategies for advanced hybridization. |
| Journal | Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 406-416 |
| Date | 17 april 2026 |
| Type of article | peer-reviewed |
| Isbn | 1651-1891 |
| Project/Service ref | https://www.cra.wallonie.be/fr/prw108 |
| Endnote keywords | Seed orchard, Hybrid, Advanced hybridization, Stem straightness, Growth, Seed crop |
| Author address | s.dufour@cra.wallonie.be, d.mathy@cra.wallonie.be |
| Authors | Pâques, L. , Mathy, D. , Servais, A. & Dufour, S. |