Prediction of breeding values and expected genetic gains in diameter growth, wood density and spiral grain from parental selection in Picea abies (L.) KARST.

Parental breeding values were predicted for diameter growth, pilodyn penetration, basic density and spiral grain in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) KARST.). Cross- and open-pollinated progenies, tested across a range of sites, were evaluated under univariate and multivariate individual tree mixed models. Best Linear Unbiased Predictions (BLUP) of breeding values were obtained by linking data from different mating designs, in order to evaluate parents present as both females (open-pollinated progenies) and males (controlled crosses). The BLUP analysis of diameter followed a multivariate approach that combined correlated information across two different planting environments in Denmark. For selection targeting one of the planting zones, the analysis took simultaneously into account the data available on different characters, and the BLUP solutions of the parent effects were then applied to construct an index for genetic improvement of multiple traits. In this context, the evaluations used pilodyn as a selection criterion, basic density as a goal trait, and spiral grain and diameter as both selection criteria and goal traits. The single and multiple trait evaluations served as a basis to discuss strategies and associated genetic gains from parental selection.