The hybrid black × Sitka spruce, implications to phylogeny of the genus Picea

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Abstract
Between 1974 and 1981, the cross black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.)B.S.P.) × Sitka spruce (P. sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) was attempted on over 2000 black spruce strobilis on 39 trees. Of 58 different tree × pollen combinations attempted, 48 yielded viable seeds. Species crossability, although highly variable on an individual-tree basis, averages about 5%. Hybrid seeds have slightly poorer germination and produce more abnormal seedlings than nonhybrid seeds. The hybrid seedlings are intermediate between the parents for most taxonomic characters and are clearly distinguishable from the parents on the basis of bud scale shape and serrations. Within-family variation in growth is higher in hybrid than in nonhybrid families, and most hybrid families contain a few exceptional seedlings. Methods of mass producing these exceptional seedlings are discussed. It is suggested that black spruce and Sitka spruce should be placed in different subsections of section Omorika, genus Picea.

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