new s b u l l e t in - british columbia · orchard. with a list file of the ramets in an orchard...
TRANSCRIPT
THIS ISSUE AT A GLANCE
Page Article
3 Data Management Using Microsoft Excel
4 Information Management at NewBrunswick-DNR Tree Improvement
5Province-Level Information in Support ofOperational Tree Improvement and SeedSupply
6 Orchard Data Management System
9 Information Management!!
10Managing Gene Resource Information inBritish Columbia
11 Gene Resource Information Management inBritish Columbia
14 Cone and Seed Processing System(CONSEP)
16 Information Management of Alberta’sReforestation Seed
17 Ontario Tree Seed Plant InformationManagement Experiences
18Data Management at the National Tree SeedCentre
18 Orchard Information System in BC
19 The PRT Seed Centre
20 National Tree Seed Centre
21 Interior Spruce Chemical Treatment Trial
24 High-Resolution MRI in Conifer Seeds
27New Interior Cone and Seed PestManagement Biologist
27 Digital Seed Atlas
CANADIAN TREE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION/ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE POUR L’AMÉLIORATION DES ARBRES
Tree Seed Working Group
NEWS BULLETIN
No. 43 June 2006
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
CHAIR’S ‘ARMCHAIR’ REPORT
Hello, I hope everyone is having a good spring.The monsoons seem to have finished on the westcoast and it looks like summer is finally here.Most of our current activities in BC are focused onmountain pine beetle and lodgepole pine –planning for future seed needs, increasing yieldsand seed quantities from our orchards, increasingseed-use efficiency, and dealing with a very largeincrease in cone collections. This past year in BC,we have seen twice as many cones processedcompared to the 10-year average! It is June, weare still processing cones and foresters are stillcollecting. Many of you have heard about themountain pine beetle and its impact – it certainlyis a strong focal point for almost all of our currentactivities related to reforestation.
I’m very much looking forward to heading backeast for the CTIA meeting and associated TreeSeed W orkshop in C harlottetown, PEI(http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestry/ctia/). Thetheme of the Tree Seed W orkshop is“Appreciating, Quantifying, and Utilizing FamilyDifferences” and this will be presented from boththe technical and operational levels. I think this isan extremely important topic in the delivery of thegenetic gain we have worked so hard to breed andselect for. I think the topic also fits very well withthis News Bulletin’s theme of “InformationManagement” which I will say a few words onbelow. The other exciting east coast adventure willbe the IUFRO Tree Seed Symposium inFredericton, NB (http://www.tss2006.org/). Thisis a great opportunity to listen, learn, andexchange ideas with some of the mostdistinguished tree seed researchers fromthroughout the world. Hope to see you there.
I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed tothe News Bulletin. It is great to see some newnames attached to articles, but I’m especially
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indebted to those who continually support theworking group through their contributions – ThankYou!
Information Management is an important topic thatwe all engage in daily. If one Google’s InformationManagement you get 2.7 Billion hits on the internet!The whole area of certification under schemes likeISO 9000 is a good example of the importance placedon information management. Most of the NewsBulletin contributions have focused on the area ofmanaging data. This is extremely important and mostjurisdictions have systems to track seed inventoriesand assist with distribution of seed to productionfacilities. Many orchards have systems to aid withtheir crop monitoring, data collection requirements,and mapping functions. Most also have some methodof capturing environmental data, although this is anarea that I believe data are being underutilized.Hopefully someone can provide a good example toadjust my thinking on this topic as I think these dataprovide a good opportunity to better understandenvironmental cues to bud differentiation, cropdevelopment, and insect population dynamics.Processing facilities also require information systemsto keep track of activities performed, yields obtained,and comments related to insect and fungal pestoccurrence as well as other unique attributes of eachseedlot. There is a great appreciation for the need tomanage the data we obtain in our operational andscientific endeavours.
Information management goes beyond managingdata. We all manage the background information thatis critical to our jobs whether it be legislation,scientific reports and papers, the masses of e-mailswe accumulate, and the working files we manage onour computers. We often talk about something beingbased on the “best scientific information”, but how isthis information managed? The transition from datato information often involves statistics that areintended to translate the raw data into informationthat is useful to us. Unfortunately, statistics is adiscipline most people are not comfortable with orinterested in improving their abilities in. I’m not sureif this is because of the awesome powers ofcomputers (and choices of statistical methods), thebasic fear of statistics (and statisticians (), or the lackof resources to assist in statistical inquiry?
Most facilities are engaged in some form ofcontinuous improvement efforts based on operationaltrials. These may or may not be replicated, may ormay not follow the principles of experimental design,but they do provide specific data on a specificquestion of direct interest to that facility. Differentfacilities may be asking the same question using adifferent design and coming up with differentconclusions. How do we combine the data from avariety of trials into some useful information? Theterm meta-analysis is relatively new to me, so I was
surprised to learn that this was first performed in1904, although analytical techniques became moresophisticated in the 1970’s . The current co-1
operative collection of lodgepole pine cone cropdata in BC across orchard sites is a good exampleof what we should be doing more of. I find itironic that the practitioners who are closest to theproblems and who require the most assistancewith statistical “methodology” are the ones whooften do not have access to this expertise. I believethat there is a lot of valuable data out there atoperational facilities that never gets converted toinformation or knowledge.
Last, but not least (and maybe most important) isthe information management that occurs withextension. The conversion of research toapplication is an important and to me clearly anunderappreciated part of our business today.Extension specialists were a common element inthe past for many of our programs. I think we needto be going back to a model of having individualsdedicated to extension before we can moveforward. Does any of this resonate with anyoneelse? The News Bulletin is also a place to voiceyour opinion on the topics we raise, besides ourcontributors – Is anyone out there? In addition toall your opinions, the next News Bulletin willhave “Seed Dormancy” as its theme. Have a greatsummer!
Dave KoloteloChairperson
EDITOR’S NOTES
We are constantly being bombarded byinformation and we continually generateinformation at work. It is important and usuallynecessary to create information but it is onlyuseful to us and others if the data are storedproperly and can be efficiently retrieved andmanipulated to serve our needs now and/or in thefuture. With the common use of computertechnology storage, retrieval, and manipulation ofdata are relatively easy. A number of softwarepackages exist that the user can set up to do whatneeds to be done or consultants hired to createcustom applications. There is an excellent varietyof articles in this issue outlining how and whyinformation is stored and the means by how it ismanaged.
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meta-analysis)
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A number of us are intimately involved withorganizing the IUFRO Tree Seed Symposium beingheld in Fredericton July 18–21 as well as theCanadian Tree Improvement Association meeting andassociated Tree Seed Workshop taking place inCharlottetown July 24–27. I know a number of youare planning to attend one or both of these events. Ilook forward to seeing you.
If you are unable to attend, I hope you have a greatsummer and I will talk to you again in December.
Erratum: Please note in the last News Bulletin, acorrection should be made to the author’s name of thefirst two papers under ‘References’ on page 14 – ‘Èermák ‘ should be ‘ �ermák ‘.
Dale SimpsonEditor
TREE SEED WORKING GROUP
ChairpersonDave Kolotelo
BC Ministry of Forests and RangeTree Seed Centre
18793 - 32 Avenuend
Surrey, BC V4P 1M5Tel.: (604) 541-1683 x 228
Fax.: (604) 541-1685 E-mail: [email protected]
EditorDale Simpson
Natural Resources CanadaCanadian Forest ServiceAtlantic Forestry Centre
P.O. Box 4000Fredericton, NB E3B 5P7
Tel.: (506) 452-3530Fax.: (506) 452-3525
E-mail: [email protected]
Comments, suggestions, and contributions for theNews Bulletin are welcomed by the Chairperson andEditor.
DATA MANAGEMENT USING MICROSOFT EXCEL
Western Forest Products has been using MicrosoftExcel to manage orchard data as well as field research
data of all kinds. This software has many tools fordata management, summarization, and analyses.Frequently used tools include the look-up and ‘if’functions, pivot tables, random numbergeneration, sort, and subtotals. Basic data analysistools are also available, including single and twofactor analysis of variance, t-tests, and others.
Orchard layouts can be developed using therandom number generator tool. This can be doneby listing all replicates of the ramets to beincluded in the orchard in the first column, or ifdesigning a clonal row orchard list each of theclonal identification numbers once for each clonalrow. In the next column the random numberfunction is deployed and copied down to all listedramets. Convert these random number calculationsto fixed numbers (copy and then paste special –values). Sort the two columns by random number,and then assign the orchard position by row in thenext column, and by tree in row in the fourthcolumn. If adjacency is a concern, check byentering a subtraction calculation in the nextcolumn(s). Using the ‘if’ function, onlydifferences that are equal to zero can be specified.Various sort and subtraction calculations may bedesired depending on species and designadjacency concerns. Remember to adjust theoutcomes to fixed numbers prior to re-sorting, asresults will change, based on the sorting. Manualadjustments to the layout can address adjacencyconcerns.
The look-up function is useful to link clonalattributes to multiple listings of ramets in anorchard. With a list file of the ramets in anorchard and a list file of the parent trees and theirattributes, one can use the look-up function to addthe specific attributes of each clone to the orchardlisting of ramets. This is frequently used in thepreparation of seedlot parental contributionestimates and summary data.
Reproductive bud surveys, phenological surveys,ramet health surveys, insect surveys, and any otherorchard surveys or inventories are recorded in datafiles and summarized using the pivot tablefunction. Pivot tables allow one to summarize databy multiple classifications and the layout of thesummary table is flexible. Using the row andcolumn positions of an orchard list file, an orchardmap may be generated using the pivot tablefunction. Maps can be customized to include arestricted subset of the ramets or clones in theorchard by selecting based on listed attributes inthe data file. For example, if a person hadsurveyed an orchard for the incidence of spidermites and intended to treat only trees where theincidence rating score for a ramet was greater thanone, this could be selected, mapped, and providedto the pesticide applicator.
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These tools are useful for the manager who is notcomfortable with using a black box to generate datasummaries but wants to understand and confirm thatthe methodology deployed is as defined. MicrosoftExcel macros are used by many data managers.Additionally, this software may be used inconjunction with Microsoft Access for improved datapresentation.
Annette van NiejenhuisWestern Forest Products Inc.Saanich Forestry CentreE-mail: [email protected]
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AT NEW BRUNSWICK-DNR TREE IMPROVEMNT
The Tree improvement program at NB-DNR will becelebrating its 30 year in 2006. Over the years,th
information management methods have changeddramatically with the use of computers. There aremany areas of information that we track so I willbreak it down.
Breeding Information
In 1989, a program was developed in-house to collectall cross-pollination information and enable us totrack a cross from its inception to its eventualestablishment in field tests. The data entry screenallows you to enter seedlot numbers and generate anumber of reports that allow you to check the statusof the crosses.
These databases are also used in MS Access wherecustom reports can be generated that combinebagging information for the current year andbagging information by sub-line can beautomatically generated, saving duplication ofdata-entry. Screens have also been designed thatcheck against a master inventory list so that abogus number cannot be entered. There is also anAccess database of all stored pollen that can bequeried for reports that will sort by sub-line andspecies so we can fine-tune our breeding effortsbefore going to the field.
Orchard Mapping
Another program allows you to enter orchardmaps by row/column and you can generate mapsfor various activities by highlighting particular
4/7clones for cone collection, GA injections orrogueing.
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Grafting
MS Access is used to create a database containing allgrafting details. There are forms to allow easy entryof cull information as the grafts flush. A final reportcan be produced with the total number of grafts byclone and species to be used for spring out-plantingin the seed orchards and clone banks.
ARCMAP/GPS Technology
We started using this software in 2005 to generatemaps of orchards, building locations, drain-tilelocations, test areas, etc. We are currently trackingred spruce plus tree selections with a GPS andproducing a layer for plus-tree origins in wild stands.
Data Collectors
We are currently using DAP’s and a Palm Pilot tomeasure both field and nursery tests. Themeasurement screens include historical data so thatthe operator will be able to check whether or nothe/she is in the right plot. If trees are dead or missingpreviously, they should remain so. Also, a tree shouldnot be shorter than its previous measurement. It iscritical that the same tree is measured in successiveyears or the data will not be valid.
The advantage of using computers is that errors in thedata will be minimized. A number of checks can beset up on the data entry screens. Once the data areentered, it is easily transferred or manipulated.
Michele FullartonN.B. Dept. Natural ResourcesTree Improvement CentreKingsclear Tree Nursery3732 Rte. 2 Hwy.Island View, NB E3E 1G3E-mail: [email protected]
PROVINCIAL-LEVEL INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATIONAL TREE
IMPROVEMENT AND SEED SUPPLY
British Columbia is large and ecologically diverse,with over 20 indigenous tree species undermanagement across a wide variety of climaticvariants. Annual planting averages about 230million trees per year, with 2006 sowing requestsreaching 275 million. Provincial objectives set bythe multi-stakeholder Forest Genetics Council ofBC (FGC) call for 75% of planting to be derivedfrom genetically selected sources (seed orchardsor superior provenance - not genetically modified)by 2013 (about 49% in 2005), and for the averagelevel of improvement (described as genetic worthfor stem volume per hectare (GWg)) to reach 20%by 2020. Merely stating these objectives implies aseries of coordinated processes and informationsystems capable of developing and tracking therequired data. Such systems exist and include thefollowing: 1) standard protocols for estimatingbreeding values for selected parent trees, 2)standard protocols for estimating parentalcontributions and the genetic worth of orchardcrops, 3) a common provincial seed database thatcovers all owners, 4) tracking of seedling ordersand seed use for all users, and 5) data systems thatlink seedlot number with a range of informationon the seedlot, including genetic worth.
A number of highly developed informationsystems aid operations, while maintaining andallowing access to data. These include SPAR(Seed Planning and Registration system) andCONSEP (Cone and Seed Processing System).Larger companies also maintain their own systemsfor tracking seed use.
At the provincial level, there is a need tosynthesize and present information that will aidwith: 1) monitoring progress to provincialobjectives as set by the FGC, 2) setting programspending priorities among species and seed zones,3) facilitating discussion and interaction amongthose involved in all aspects of gene resourcemanagement and in operational silviculture, 4)planning for orchard developments, 5) identifying
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gene conservation issues and needs, and 6)operational seed acquisition. In support of theseneeds, the FGC and it's advisory committees lead thedevelopment of "Species Plans" as part of the annualbusiness planning process. The remainder of thisarticle will describe the purpose, information sources,and information presented in Species Plans.
A FGC-led analysis of provincial priorities is basedon Seed Planning Units (SPU). A SPU is a uniquecombination of species, seed zone, and elevationband. Each SPU forms the basis for a tree breedingand seed orchard program. Seed from an orchard isplanted only within a specific SPU (e.g., westernlarch in the Nelson seed zone between 700 and 1200m). An analysis of provincial priorities for treeimprovement investment previously considered over80 SPUs, of which 50 SPUs are deemedeconomically significant enough to warrant somelevel of investment in tree breeding, seed orchards,and/or genecology research (genecology researchoften encompasses areas outside the 50 prioritySPUs).
A species plan is developed for each of the 50 prioritySPUs. Each species plan contains seven sections: 1)SPU description, program priority category, and abrief strategy statement, 2) a summary of progenytesting information, with a 20-year projection ofparents in test at various pedigree levels (open-pollinated, clonal, F1, F2, etc.), 3) 20-year seedproduction forecast for each orchard targeting theSPU, 4) 20-year GW forecast for seed flowing fromeach orchard targeting the SPU, and 5) geneconservation status and statistics, 6) orchard sizeneeds and a listing of current orchard status in termsof the number of ramets planned and established, and7) a summary of total seed use in the SPU since 1995,as well as current seed in storage by GW class.
Information for species plans is derived from avariety of sources: 1) tree breeding programs led bythe Ministry of Forests and Range (MoFR), 2)orchard managers from private and MoFR orchards,3) the Centre for Forest Gene Conservation at theUniversity of BC, 4) all provincial seedling requests(SPAR), and 5) all seed in storage at the ProvincialTree Seed Centre (from CONSEP).
Information for each SPU is synthesized andpresented in a two-page format known as a SpeciesPlan. The Species Plan format is consistent from yearto year and among the 50 SPUs tracked through theFGC planning process. The following two pagesshow a species plan for lodgepole pine in the BulkleyValley seed zone between 700 and 1200 m elevation.Species plans are published annually as an appendixto the annual Business Plan of the Forest GeneticsCouncil of BC.
What have we learned? Presentation of informationin a consistent and reliable format will lead toincreased use of the information. In addition,when those involved in gene resourcemanagement, including orchard managers, treebreeders, and seed users, have an easily accessedinformation source, discussion is facilitated andeach component of the program becomes morefamiliar with other components. Ultimately theoperational stream of activities improves withbetter overall program delivery. Maintaining anddeveloping the information, however, requirescooperation and consistent effort by many peopleto ensure its veracity and to simply get it doneevery year.
Planning and communication are keys to programsuccess and monitoring progress is key tocontinued improvement. Thanks to the effort ofmany people in BC, we have been able to developthe information management and presentationsystems that allow detailed business planning,program delivery, and monitoring.
Jack WoodsProgram ManagerForest Genetics Council of BC3370 Drinkwater RoadDuncan, BC V9L 5Z2Email: [email protected]
ORCHARD DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Vernon Seed Orchard Company recentlyembarked on the creation of an orchard datacollection system. The system will help seedorchard technical staff to upload and downloadfield data in a more timely and error-free manner.Seed orchard staff require accurate data collectionin order to license seedlot information.
How does it work? There are three maincomponents of this system:
1) A hand held bar code reader scans the tagand enters the type of survey. The operatorsimply scans the bar code, enters the amountor particular survey figure he/she is takingand moves on to the next tree. The tag willhave tree location, clone number, orchardnumber, bar code, and key id number on it.
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2) A Brady tag printer can print roughly 1500tags per hour. The key performance of theprinter is downloading the orchard to beprinted directly from the computer file to theprinter. When compared to our oldinscribing method of 50 tags per hour, thisnew system creates huge cost and laboursavings to the company and decreases theonerous task of previous tag makingmethods.
3) The Microsoft Access program allows forthe information taken from the field to beautomatically downloaded into a database.
We have now created a system that allows us toprint maps, do reports such as clone summary andcone history, do individual clone selection andmapping, deleting and adding clones. In addition,this system records a host of other vital data linkedto orchard management data collection.
The following people have contributed to thissystem’s development: • Tim Lee and Dan Gaudet articulated the
system requirements and parameters,• Len Ingram of Len Ingram InfoSystems built
the system, using Access,• Tia Heeley provided Access support, and • Chris Walsh provided computer knowledge
and support.
Dan GaudetVernon Seed Orchard CompanyVernon, BC V1H 1G2E-mail: [email protected]
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT !!!
What thoughts come to mind when you think ofInformation Management? Each of us hasdifferent expressions for what informationmanagement is.
We could be thinking about navigating the“Information Highway”, Newsletters, QuarterlyJournals subscribed to, Reference Literature,project records we keep for our needs and theninformation to share with others along the way, orMembership Groups we’re a part of. It just keepson growing and then how do we keep it alltogether so we don’t get buried or confused in thisfast paced society.
It was once stated that “It is desirable, atintervals to reduce life to it’s simplest of termsif we are to remain healthy minded individualsin the midst of a society that is rapidly goingMAD” (Pete McConville, 1880-1959).
Information Management transcends manycategories. You might think of it only in terms ofReports and Reference materials. Maybe you thinkabout it in terms of people you interact withfrequently or infrequently or how you share yourknowledge, your individual gifts or skills withothers.
So lets think about the people, the people youmeet along the way.
What about the people we meet and know? Howdo they influence us in the management ofinformation? Do they play mentorship roles? Arethey people you gravitate to, based on a need orpurpose, people you know about or people youwant to know more personally not just gather dataabout.
People come into your life for a reason, a seasonor a lifetime. When you know which one it is, youwill know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it isusually to meet a need you have expressed. Theyhave come to assist you through a difficulty, toprovide you with guidance and support, to aid youphysically, emotionally or spiritually. They mayseem like a godsend and they are. They are therefor the reason you need them to be. Then, withoutany wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenienttime, this person will say or do something to bringthe relationship to an end. Sometimes they die.Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they actup and force you to take a stand. What we mustrealize is that our need has been met, our desirefulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sentup has been answered and now it is time to moveon.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,because your turn has come to share, grow orlearn. They bring you an experience of peace ormake you laugh. They may teach you somethingyou have never done. They usually give you anunbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real.But only for a season!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetimelessons, things you must build upon in order tohave a solid emotional foundation. Your job is toaccept the lesson, love the person, and put whatyou have learned to use in all other relationships
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and areas of your life. It is said that love is blindbut friendship is clairvoyant.
Always give thanks for the part that people haveplayed in your life, whether they were a reason, aseason or a lifetime.
So lets now give some thought to the Paper Sideof things.
Reports and reference materials on the other handcan end up as a bulking mass. Over time they canoccupy more and more space and end upcollecting dust because the material becomes out-dated or is not used. Is this true? First askyourself, How old is old? Do we replace ourrecord/reference information because it’s nottrendy anymore or do we just keep adding to it?,thereby compounding our paper or cybercollections creating a categorical maze.
If you decide to do ‘an out with the old and inwith the new’ how are you going to decide that thenew is reliable and accurate? What judgements orprecautions do you exercise when proceedingalong this avenue? “Trendiness” or “Hype” cancloud an issue in something that has been rootedand proven for many years. Something that comesto mind at this point in thinking about what I justwrote, is the Da Vinci Code, which presently iscreating a hype and flurry as the movie is justreleased. Reliability and accuracy are creatingglobal discussion forums.
In all that we do we need to know what is reliableand know what is not. Don’t disregard the olderresearch materials, ensure you give them a fullevaluation before moving on. Personally we arefinding that some very basic techniques andprotocols in seed cleaning and handling haveeither been brushed aside or forgotten about forwhatever reason. Each lab season serves othersand assists in helping to resolve many practicalissues.
In summary to all of this, try to attend one or twospecific topical meetings, talk to people,personally discuss and share thoughts/ideas.Remove the apprehensions and barriers tocommunication between people. We’re all busybut maybe we need to think more about why we’reso busy. Is it the kind of busyness? or are therejust too many things out there that we think weneed to be involved with or concerned about?Focus on what’s important and always keep agood balance to life. We all need stability of thebody, mind and spirit. It leads to more humaneliving, it’s richer and simpler, and it is enlightenedby joy and freedom.
Have a great summer from all of us at Nature’sCommon Elements.
Wendy and Kim CreasyNature’s Common ElementsPO Box 29003Barrie, ON L4N 7W7E-mail: [email protected]
MANAGING GENE RESOURCE INFORMATION IN BRITISH
COLUMBIA
In British Columbia, gene resource informationmanagement plays a significant role in meetingthe province’s stewardship mandate for forest treegenetic resources. Gene resource informationmanagement projects support the development ofgene resource management (GRM) registries, generesource information management systems(including spatial data sets), land-based GRM andseed planning decision support tools, strategicplanning and analysis, forest genetic modelling(including timber supply analyses), andeffectiveness monitoring.
A provincial resource strategy for forest treegenetic resources is currently being developed tomeet seed use requirements and genetic resourcestewardship objectives identified under the newForest Practices and Range Act (FRPA), strategicplanning and seed mitigation needs in response tothe Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic, and to addressemerging issues such as climate change. Aneffectiveness evaluation report is also underway tobenchmark genetic diversity levels pre-FRPAimplementation. Summary information iscaptured through the reporting of regenerationsystems (natural and artificial), genetic source, andthe tracking of seed deployed throughreforestation activities (planting) along withassociated genetic quality attributes.
Gene resource information management programsare sponsored through the Ministry of Forests andRange (MoFR) and the Forest Genetics Council ofBritish Columbia. Funding is shared between theMoFR (Tree Improvement Branch, Forests ForTomorrow, and Forest Resource EvaluationProgram) and the Forest Investment Account.
Please read the following article for moreinformation about SeedMap.
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Seed deployment (Silviculture Openings withPlanting); SeedMap screen capture
Leslie McAuleyBC Ministry of Forest and RangeTree Improvement BranchP.O. Box 9518, Stn Prov GovtVictoria, BCV8W 1N1E-mail: [email protected]
GENE RESOURCE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN BRITISH
COLUMBIA
Information management technology hasevolved in leaps and bounds over the pasttwenty years. The British Columbia Ministry ofForests and Range (MoFR) has been developingand enhancing its tree seed informationmanagement systems as technology has evolved.MoFR currently has three applications that sharedata and work together to provide clients withcurrent tree seed information and a myriad ofinformation to enable clients to establish freegrowing stands on crown or private land. Theseapplications are Seed Planning and Registrysystem (SPAR), the Cone and Seed Processingsystem (CONSEP), and a web-based mappingtool, SeedMap.
Seed Planning and Registry system (SPAR)
Background
Twenty years ago, British Columbia had a TreeSeed Registry system that was housed on amainframe computer. Access was limited to asmall number of staff at the Tree Seed Centrewho entered data and produced reams of paperreports on seedlot information to distribute toclients. The information on test results and seedquantities would be out of date soon after thereports were printed.
In 1991, the BC Ministry of Forests SilvicultureBranch embarked on a major project to developthe Seed Planning and Registry system (SPAR).This original SPAR system resided on theGovernment IBM VM network and was codedin CSP (an IBM mainframe language). SPARwas built to provide ministry and non-ministryclients with on-line access to current seedlotinformation and an on-line facility for entry ofseedling requests. Current information could beviewed on-line or printed in a variety of reports.Ministry of Forests staff, forest licensees, seeddealers, seed orchards, and nurseries accessedSPAR via mainframe terminal emulationsoftware such as Rumba or FTTerm. However,user access software, printing on mainframe-connected printers, and cumbersome proceduresfor downloading reports caused regularproblems for some users.
In 1998, the Tree Improvement Branch wasformed and gained responsibility for the TreeSeed Centre, the MoFR seed orchard program,and SPAR.
By 2001, internet information technology hadevolved to the point where the next logical stepfor SPAR was to convert to a proven web-basedframework. In August 2002, SPAR was releasedas a web-based application, using technologiessuch as Oracle, Java, IIS, SQL, and CrystalReports. A complex security frameworkprovides access to BC MoFR staff via theirgovernment ID and to external clients via theirBC electronic ID (BCeID) with one of severallevels of security access.
SPAR Functions
The basic functions in SPAR have been in placesince the original system was implemented in1992. Enhancements to SPAR have beenongoing since it was released as a web-basedapplication in 2002.
The seedlot data available in SPAR includes:
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• Collection and extraction information suchas dates and agencies involved.
• The genetic class, which indicates if aseedlot source is a seed orchard, naturalstand or superior provenance stand.
• The seed orchard and parent trees thatcontributed to a seedlot, if applicable. Thebreeding values of the parent trees determinethe genetic worth of a seedlot.
• The geographic location, including latitude,longitude, elevation range, seed planningzone, and biogeoclimatic zone of thecollection site for natural stand collections.
• The area of use where a seedlot can betransferred, which includes seed planningzones and elevation range for seed orchardcollections and additionally BEC zone,latitude range, and longitude range fornatural stand collections.
• Results of tests performed at the Tree SeedCentre on a seedlot over time, includingmoisture, purity, germination capacity, peakvalue, seeds per gram, fungal assays, etc.
• Original balance and ownership details, as aseedlot can have multiple owners.
• Details of seed withdrawals for seedlingrequests and other transactions. The balanceof a seedlot changes as requests are madeagainst the seedlot.
Seedlot registration on SPAR includes:• A new Application for Seedlot Registration
function became available in September2005. Seed orchards and natural stand conecollectors now enter all the informationrequired by the Forest Range and PracticesAct (FRPA) Chief Forester’s Standards forSeed Use using this function. The screenlayout differs for Class A (seed orchardcollections) and Class B (natural standcollections) seedlots. Required orchard datainclude cone and pollen counts for all theparent trees. SPAR then calculates effectivepopulation size (Ne) and Genetic Worth(GW) for a seedlot.
• Parent tree data are entered in SPAR withtest results determined by the MoFRResearch Branch Forest Genetics group. TheBreeding Values (BV) are used to calculatethe GW of the seedlot.
The request functions in SPAR include:• Seedling requests, where a client enters
information that will initiate withdrawal ofseed from storage, seed preparation andshipment to a nursery, sowing at the nursery,a n d p ro d u c t io n o f s e e d l in g s fo rreforestation. The information required in aseedling request includes: planting sitegeographic parameters, forest licence andtenure information, seedling quantity
required, nursery, seedling stocktype, andstock age information. These parameters arerun through complex queries to determinesuitability of seedlots based on the FRPAChief Forester’s Standards for Seed Use,availability of seedlots based on ownership,and seedlot quantity required to fill the orderbased on sowing guidelines.
• Cone and seed processing requests.• Direct withdrawal of seed for purposes other
than producing seedlings for establishing afree growing stand.
• Seed sale requests, where ownership of allor a portion of a seedlot it transferredbetween agencies.
Nursery specific functions include:• Latest sowing date table where nurseries
enter their sowing dates for specific species,container type, planting year/seasoncombinations. These sowing dates thentrigger ‘recommended action dates’ for theTree Seed Centre to withdraw the seed fromstorage, stratify, and prepare for shipment tothe nursery.
• Nursery gram adjustment function wherenurseries can list several seedling requestson one screen and reduce the grams of seedrequired to sow the request.
Reports in SPAR are created by entry ofparameters on a report submission form. Mostreports are created as Adobe Acrobat pdf files.Other reports create data extracts in MS Excelformat. SPAR reports include:• Seedlot listing or search reports with one
line of information per seedlot, seedlot detailreport with options for all information foreach seedlot, seedlot ownership by agencyreport, seedlot usage report, and seedorchard reports.
• Parent tree reports, listing the parent treesproduced by breeding programs.
• Seedling Request listing or search reportswith one line of information per seedlingrequest, seedling request confirmationreport, and seedling request status report.
• Nursery reports with seedling requestinformation pertinent mainly to a nursery,such as sowing guidelines and sowing dates.
• Inventory reports that summarize quantity ofseed available for specific areas.
• Seed use and genetic gain reports thatsummarize quantities of improved or naturalstand seed used in seedling requests. Thesereports are important for incorporatinggenetic gain in timber supply analyses.
• Data extracts, that provide seedlot, parenttree or seedling request data in a spreadsheetformat that can be sorted or manipulated bythe user.
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The Tree Seed Centre and Tree ImprovementB ranch headquarters staff has severaladministrative and approval tasks in SPAR. • Table maintenance including test grams, test
frequency, seed price, sowing rule factors,transfer limits, etc.
• Approval and completion of seedlotregistration when all the requirements of theChief Forester’s Standards for Seed Usehave been met and testing completed.
• Approval of parent tree registration andBVs.
• Monitoring and approval of seedlingrequests where privately owned surplus seedh a s b e e n s e le c te d . T h i s re q u i re sauthorization by email from the seedlotowner.
SPAR Business Cycle
There are normally specific times of the yearwhen there is heightened activity for the SPARfunctions listed above. Seedlot registrationdepends on species-specific timing of conecollections. For example, most seed orchardcollections occur between August and October.Most seedling requests are entered in the periodfrom September to December. Seed withdrawal,preparation and shipments to nurseries forsowing happens between December and June,depending on the seedling request stock age andstock type.
During the slower period of the cycle from Maythrough August each year, SPAR enhancementsare developed and released. Maintenance of theapplication and database is ongoing all year asrequired. In 2006 there are some majorinfrastructure and security changes occurringduring the slower period. Enhancements includea new online Vegetative Lot registration processand enhancements to existing reports.
SeedMap
SeedMap is a web-based mapping tool thatprovides clients with direct online access tomaps and reports for gene resource managementplanning.
Until the 1990s, paper maps were used todisplay information on seed planning zones(SPZ), seedlot sources, etc. GeographicInformation Systems (GIS) development thenallowed for the creation of digital map files thatcould be created and viewed with GIS software.Tree Improvement Branch then moved into theworld of in ternet-based G IS m appingtechnology with the development of SeedMap.
Data terminology distinguishes between‘attribute data’ (e.g., collection information andseedlot test data stored in SPAR) and ‘spatialdata’ (e.g., digital mapping of a seed planningzone polygon). Attribute data originate and arestored in an Oracle database from applicationssuch as SPAR. Spatial data are produced usingGIS applications and are centrally stored in theLand and Resource Data Warehouse (LRDW).
SeedMap is built on an Internet MappingFramework (IMF) that allows users to viewspatial data from the LRDW in a web browser.This makes gene resource management spatialdata available to anyone, without requiring GISsoftware on their workstations. In SeedMap auser can select one or many layers to view at onetime. Layers are equivalent to transparentoverlays on a paper map.
SeedMap includes the following digital maplayers:• Genetic resources including GRM seed
planning zones, natural stand seed planningzones, seed planning units, and seedlotsources (natural stand).
• Silviculture openings, activity treatmentunits regeneration strategies.
• Biogeoclimatic zones and subzones.• Vegetation cover.• Forest health – pest infestations since 1999.• Bbase map data (land and water features,
elevation, BC geographic system grid, NTSgrid).
• Administrative boundaries (timber supplyareas, tree farm licences, forest districts,watershed boundaries, parks).
Map tools available in SeedMap include: zoomin to a larger scale, zoom out to a smaller scale,select a specific area, identification of theattributes of a feature, drill-down identificationof multiple attributes, text markup, pointmarkup, polygon markup, pinpoint location,measure distance, measure area, save session,and print to pdf.
Using the layers and tools described above,SeedMap can be used for tasks such as:• Viewing map layers to determine the seed
p lan n in g z o n e s a n d d ig i t a l B E Czone/subzone for a planting site latitude andlongitude or UTM.
• Viewing natural stand seedlot sources.• Seedlot deployment history.• Creating custom pdf maps with seed
planning zones overlaid on BEC zonestimber supply areas, or other features.
A link to look-up maps in ready-to-print pdfformat for the following themes is also availablefrom SeedMap:
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• Natural Stand SPZs.• Gene Resource Management SPZs.• Gene Resource Management SPUs.
Together, SPAR and SeedMap provide the toolsfor a range of silviculture and forestmanagement activities, including:• Registration of seedlots and vegetative lots.• Seed needs analysis and planning.• Seedling request entry to meet reforestation
obligations. • Compliance & Enforcement audits of free-
to-grow declarations, seedlot transfer anduse.
• Incorporation of genetic gain in TimberSupply Analyses.
• Reporting on genetic gain and seed use forseveral monitoring and evaluation programs,includ ing the B C FR PA R esourceEvaluation Program, Criteria & Indicatorsfor the Canadian Council of Forest Ministersand State of the Forests.
Susan ZedelBC Ministry of Forests and RangeTree Improvement BranchP.O. Box 9518, Stn Prov GovtVictoria, BC V8W 1N1Email: [email protected]
CONE AND SEED PROCESSING SYSTEM (CONSEP)
CONSEP is the data management system usedby BC’s MoFR Tree Seed Centre. CONSEP andSPAR function together to operate as a “just intime” inventory, processing, invoicing, anddecision management system for cones and seed.Seedlot Registration and Seedlot ActionRequests are entered via SPAR and the data andinformation related to activities such asscheduling, processing, testing, preparation, andshipping are managed by CONSEP. CONSEP isorganized into two main components, an OnlineApplication for the entry and reporting of Dataand a Batch component for the transfer of data toand from SPAR.
History
In the early 1990s, while SPAR was beingdeveloped as an IBM mainframe application, theTree Seed Centre staff were managing datausing a number of separate applications such as
Tree Seed Register, Lab Control System,Sowing Request Action, and Import/Export Datato TSR/SPAR. A project was initiated tointegrate all of the separate Tree Seed Centresystems and provide a better linkage to thecorporate database (SPAR). This projectincluded data modelling, business processmodelling, documenting the business rules, anddeveloping the tables, data entry screens, andreports – CONSEP is the end result. Since itsinitial development the principles of ContinuousImprovement have been applied and CONSEP isupdated and maintained as needed. Maintenancetasks are performed by both in-house staff andexternal contractors.
Technology Platform
Before CONSEP, the Tree Seed Centrea p p l i c a t i o n s w e r e d e v e l o p e d u s i n gDBASE/Clipper and basic LAN technology.CONSEP version 1.0 was developed as aMicrosoft Access 1.1 application. This firstversion was functional but had its bumps andwarts. CONSEP was soon retooled to useMicrosoft Access 2.0 as the front-endapplication with an Oracle backend database.The current 2006 version of CONSEP still usesa MS Office Access/Oracle platform. As aMicrosoft Office Application, most CONSEPscreens and reports allow the user to copy/pastedetails to MS Excel or MS Word, this is a usefulfeature for ad-hoc sorting and reporting.
CONSEP Modules
CONSEP Online data:• Seedlot Details – data reporting and links to
Seedlot Storage, Testing, Processing, andOwnership.
• Cone and Seed Processing Requests –reporting and data entry screens for Coneand Seed Processing activities.
• Withdrawal Requests – reporting and dataentry screens for activities related to SeedWithdrawal Requests, mainly SowingRequests.
• Shipping Waybills – reporting and dataentry for seed distribution activities at theTree Seed Centre.
• Seed Sale and Transfer – reporting and dataentry related to Seedlot Ownership transfer.
• Seedlot Testing – reporting, data entry,com plex calculations and tolerancerequirements, and management of activitiesfor Seedlot Testing such as germination,moisture, purity, and seed weight.
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• Extension Services – reporting and dataentry for activities such as publicationsrequests and Tree Seed Centre Tours.
• Client Data – reporting and data entry forTree Seed Centre clients.
• Administration and Table Maintenance –data entry screens for maintaining activityand workplan tables.
• Invoicing and Forecasting – invoicereporting and financial forecast reporting.
• Ad-hoc reporting for technical/operationalrequirements such as seed supply anddemand analysis.
CONSEP Batch Data Transfer
CONSEP and SPAR both include batch datatransfer modules that facilitate a nightly 2-waydata exchange between the two applications.Features of these Batch Modules include:• Scheduling batch jobs as daily, weekly,
monthly, and adhoc.• Pulling data to CONSEP from SPAR, the
modules take the higher level seedlot andrequest data to generate and schedule theappropriate workplan and activitiesrequired to complete the requested actionsuch seed withdrawal, stratification, andshipping.
• Pushing data from CONSEP to SPAR, themodules summarize the detailed seedlotand request data into the desired formatsuch as key activity completion dates,seedlot test result data, and original seedlotbalance.
• Batch processing of seedlot and requestdata such as generating germination retests,request status updates, and request activityinvoicing.
• Batch reporting of seedlot and requestactivities such as seedlot registration andnew/updated Seedling requests.
The following graphic illustrates the relationshipbetween the number of activities recorded onCONSEP and the SPAR requests that generatethose activities. 2003 request season data areshown.
Business Concepts
Workflow in CONSEP is based on theoperational business concepts used at the TreeSeed Centre and includes the following:• Workplan – requests are assigned a
workplan that includes all the activitiesneeded to complete the request. Workplansare assigned based on request type, species,nursery, and test type. For example, tocomplete a Seedling Request, the followingactivities are in the workplan: withdrawalfrom storage, seed stratification or pellet,ship to nursery. A Cone Processing Requestinclude activities such as cone receipt, kilnloading, cone kilning, tumbling, screening,blending, moisture, purity, seed weight,germination testing, original seed balance(weight).
• Inhouse Inventory – request activities thatcan be grouped together with a commonspecies schedule, and destination nurseryare assigned to an inhouse inventory. Thisis a physical and logical grouping thatsimplifies the management of the thousandsof activities.
• Germination Trays – Seedlot GerminationTests that have a common start scheduleand stratification regime are groupedtogether and tracked via germination trays.
• Germination Count Estimate – predictionmodel used to capture future workload inthe Tree Seed Centre lab.
• Seedlot Retest Schedule – generate SeedlotRetest requests based on current test age,species, seedlot inventory, and seedlot usehistory.
Future thoughts and possible improvements ofCONSEP include integrating RFID (RadioFrequency Identification) technology and otherplant floor integration such as the kiln processcontroller.
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Summary
CONSEP is the data management tool used atthe BC MoFR Tree Seed Centre to provide andcapture:• Chain of custody data for cones and seed,• Reduction of employee effort and human
error,• Management of large information datasets,• Moving from information to knowledge,• Change management for processes and
data,• Seed processing and delivery with a “just in
time” model,• Process control and resource levelling, and• Inventory management for cones and seed.
Michael PostmaBC Ministry of Forests and RangeTree Seed Centre1879 - 32 AvenueSurrey, BCV4P 1M5Email: [email protected],
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT OFALBERTA’S REFORESTATION SEED
The Alberta Tree Improvement and Seed Centre(ATISC) is responsible for the registration,storage, and distribution of forest tree seed to beused for public land reforestation. ATISCmanages the records for about 1800 registeredseedlots and stores over 42 000 kg of seed.Eighteen species are represented in storage butthe bulk of the provincial inventory is comprisedof white spruce, lodgepole pine, black spruce,and jack pine seed.
All reforestation seed activities are documentedwith forms which are maintained for allregistered seedlots, active or depleted, andinclude origin and collection information,processing and cleaning data, seed test data andresults, and seed deployment information.Duplicate paper records are also maintained onall active and depleted seedlots and containorigin and collection information, seed testresults, withdrawal request information, andcurrent inventory balances. These duplicaterecords are kept in a different building location.
The Seed Information Management System(SIMS) database was developed to manageoperational seed information in a comprehensive
manner and became operational in the early1990s. The Microsoft Access database is internalto ATISC and was recently updated andexpanded to include seedlot information nowrequired by the new Standards for TreeImprovement in Alberta implemented in 2003.
In SIMS, seedlot administrative informationincludes seedlot owner(s), registration category,and collection type (wild or improved). Seedlotorigin is documented with species, elevation,seed zone, four latitude and longitudecoordinates of the most north, south, east, andwest perimeter points of the collection area, anda legal land description of the centre of thecollection area using the Alberta TownshipSystem. Collection and processing informationincludes collection method and dates, number ofparent trees, cone volume, processing facility,date of processing, and amount of seed receivedfor storage. The system calculates the seed yield(g/hL) based on the hectolitres of conescollected/processed and kilograms of seedcleaned. Raw data are entered and results arecalculated for moisture content, germination,and purity tests. One thousand seed weightresults are entered directly into SIMS but seedtesting facilities are required to provide the datato ATISC for review. Cold storage bay and shelflocations of all seedlots are also tracked inSIMS. Seed transactions are documented withtransaction date, amount of seed, and purpose ofwithdrawal. If the withdrawal purpose isseedling production then the nursery and thenumber of seedlings to be grown are entered.SIMS automatically credits or debits a seedlot’sinventory with the amount being added orwithdrawn.
Reports most frequently requested are easilygenerated through a SIMS report function andinclude client inventories, inventories with seedtest data, individual seedlot registrations,company or seedlot transaction histories, seedlotcold storage bay and shelf locations, and annualseed use summaries.
Donna PalamarekAlberta Tree Improvement & Seed CentreAlberta Sustainable Resource DevelopmentPO Box 750Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0E-mail: [email protected]
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ONTARIO TREE SEED PLANT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
EXPERIENCES
Some History
The Ontario Tree Seed Plant has a long historyof meticulous record keeping. In the early daysseveral staff were devoted to maintaining “theledgers” with particular focus on yield, viability,and purity data. Cone collection details and seedshipping records were also kept. We arefortunate to have occupied the same locationsince 1923 which has helped preserve records.Staff continuity has played a significant role.The Seed Plant has a history of staff remainingin their positions for at least 20 and often over30 years with a deep rooted culture of goodrecord keeping. We simply don’t throw anythingout!
As the paper records grew to a nearlyunmanageable proportion a decision was madeto move to microfilm technology which wasleading edge at the time. We now have fairlycomplete records on microfilm for the periodfrom 1923 until 1995.
In the early ‘90’s everyone realized that somesort of electronic data management tool was theway of the future. A number of smallspreadsheets and databases were tried,fortunately the paper based system was neverabandoned.
By 1995 a few key data management productswere emerging that appeared to have the powerand longevity to be appropriate to our program.As a government organization there wereguidelines about what products could be usedfor programs which would become “corporateapplication”.
After much discussion and considerationMicrosoft Access was chosen and a localconsultant was hired to produce what wouldbecome known as “Tree Seed Database” orTSD.
TSD Now
TSD has become the backbone of all operationswithin the Seed Plant. From the time conesarrive, through processing, testing and storage,all operational, scientific and administrativeinformation regarding a seedlot is entered andavailable in TSD.
All workstations are networked to have access toTSD, which is actually located on a common,central drive. Technicians have access to theprogram in their work areas and are able to enterinformation about a seedlot as it changesthrough processing, testing, and storage.Administrative staff can generate reports on thestatus of seedlots, enter requisitions for seedorders, and generate invoices.
Technical information such as source, yield,total viability, germinative energy, and purity isall available through TSD.
The Future
We now have over 10 years of experience withTSD and have become very dependant on it.During that time the TSD program has seensome minor upgrades and adjustments but hasserved us well. The greatest difficulties havebeen during major systems upgrades. Newer,faster equipment does not always result in betteroperation of an existing program and database.Upgrades to Microsoft Access have also beenproblematic, however the original consultantauthor of TSD has supported the programthrough these upgrades. Having survived bothhardware and software upgrades TSD has beenquite stable for a few years now. As technologyadvances, it is imperative to budget for theadditional costs of program and databaseconversion to ensure continuity of the records.
Looking ahead, we are exploring how to bestintegrate our pre-1996 records into digitalformat. The microfilm continues to serve us wellbut with increasing interest in our historicalrecords from scientists and other agencies thereis need to fully integrate the records.
Whether records are paper, microfilm, or digitaltheir long-term accessibility, storability, anddurability are all factors which must beconsidered as part of any data managementprogram. The decisions can be difficult andcostly but the data we are entrusted with areirreplaceable.
Al FoleyMinistry of Natural ResourcesOntario Tree Seed PlantPO Box 71Angus, ON L0M 1B0E-mail: [email protected]
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DATA MANAGEMENT AT THE NATIONAL TREE SEED CENTRE
The National Tree Seed Centre (NTSC) wasestablished in 1967. Management of datathrough database applications was initiated inthe early 1980s when the records were entered inINGRIS which was a commonly used databaseat the time. INGRIS was run from a SUN stationwhich users accessed via a local area network(LAN). One major disadvantage with INGRISwas that it required a trained individual tomanage the database. A set of queries andreports were developed and if any modificationsor additional queries or reports were needed, thedatabase manager was the only person whocould do it. In 1996 the NTSC was relocated tothe Atlantic Forestry Centre and a decision wasmade to move the database from INGRIS to MSAccess. The transfer of data was accomplishedby converting all of the tables to text files,importing them into MS Access, and formattingthem to suit the appropriate fields. MS Accesswas able to do this with very few problems.
The NTSC database contains records for almost30 000 seedlots from over 450 species. Queriesare easy to create (thanks to the Wizard feature)and allow the operator to select criteria inseveral fields and instantly view all relevantrecords. MS Access also has an easy-to-useHELP function that will guide you through astep by step scenario for solving challengingproblems.
Each NTSC seedlot is assigned a unique numberwhich also serves as one of the primary keys inthe database. Information recorded on eachseedlot consists of: date of collection, single treeor bulk collection, provenance, province,country, latitude, longitude, elevation, quantityof seed, and information on various tests such asmoisture content, 1000-seed weight, andgermination or viability.
Client information and seedlots sent are alsokept in the database. The data entry form usedfor Client Information contains a toggle buttonthat allows seed quantities to be updated(removes the quantity shipped from what isstored for the seedlot). A separate toggle buttonwill print a report for the client of the seedlotsbeing sent, along with all pertinent informationon the seedlot including the most recent testinformation.
MS Access is compatible with MS Word andMS Excel. Information from a query can be sentto MS Excel to take advantage of thespreadsheet capabilities to further analyse thedata or to send a data file to a colleague or
client. Reports can be sent to MS Word forpublication or editing This past winter, the database tables weretransferred to ORACLE to allow for internetaccess. The tables reside in Oracle but theplatform on the PC is still MS Access. Onemajor advantage of this for clients is that thestatus and information about each seedlot willalways be current. An additional feature willallow seedlot locations to be plotted on anoverlay of a species range map. This willprovide the user with a visual display of thedistribution of seedlots throughout a species'range in Canada.
Bernard DaigleNatural Resources CanadaCanadian Forest ServiceAtlantic Forestry CentreP.O. Box 4000Fredericton, NB E3B 5P7E-mail: [email protected]
ORCHARD INFORMATION SYSTEM IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Orchard Information System (OIS) wasdeveloped under contract for the BC Ministry ofForests and Range to handle seed orchard dataand mapping. In its first incarnation (ca. 1985) itran in PC-Focus. The software was installed atall Ministry orchard sites and also supplied tomost private seed orchards. Training sessionswere held and the Ministry provided ongoingsupport. Functions included maintenance of dataon orchard parents and individual orchard treesand maintenance of survey and treatment data.The system provided for data collection byhand-held data loggers. Various reports wereavailable, including summary of tree survey databy clone. Most useful was the mapping function,where orchard maps could be produced, basedon selection criteria querying tree, survey, ortreatment data.
In the mid-1990’s the Ministry contracted withthe same developer to move the OIS to aWindows-based platform, FoxPro for Windows.Several enhancements were made at this timewhile the basic database architecture remainedthe same. The Ministry continued to support theprivate orchard sites in their use of the systembut this support ended some time around 2001
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when a shortage of resources compelled theMinistry to concentrate on core functions only.
The OIS is still being used at all Ministryorchard sites and some private sites. Most neworchard operators are using Microsoft Excel fortheir mapping and data handling needs. Excel iscapable of filling all orchard data managementneeds but requires a reasonably advanced levelof Excel literacy for effective use. A few privateseed orchards have developed their owninformation systems, incorporating bar-codelabel printers and readers.
At Kalamalka we continue to use the OIS as thebasis for our data management. However, we’veadded many enhancements to its functionality,most notably in the mapping output. Map filesare imported into Excel where they aresuperimposed on templates and scaled toproduce very effective maps which highlighttree locations based on user-specified selectioncriteria. We think that the mapping is the mostuseful function of any orchard data system. Forinstance, from a ripeness survey we will have alist of clones that are ready to be picked. It’s asimple matter to produce a map which identifiesthe locations for all ramets of those clones thathave a minimum number of cones. The mapallows the pickers to move through the orchardin the most efficient way possible. Otherimprovements to the basic OIS include routinesto allow data updating from Excel files and theuse of a better data logger program whichpermits scrolling through a virtual map of anorchard on the data logger when recordingsurvey values.
Although we remain quite happy with the OIS, itis mostly the enhancements we’ve added overthe years that are still making it useful. Foranyone shopping for an orchard data system Iwould recommend trying Excel, or perhapsinvestigating the availability of the systemsrecently developed by private orchards.
Chris WalshSeed Orchard ManagerKalamalka Seed OrchardsBC Ministry of Forests and Range3401 Reservoir RoadVernon, BC V1B 2C7E-mail: [email protected]
THE PRT SEED CENTRE
The PRT Seed Centre is located at PRT PrinceAlbert Nursery situated near Prince Albert,Saskatchewan. PRT (Pacific RegenerationTechnologies) consists of a network of nurserieslocated throughout Canada and the United Statesproviding quality nursery products and servicesfor reforestation. Collectively, these nurseriesproduce in excess of 220 million forest treeseedlings per year. PRT offers a wide range ofseed services, starting with seed orchardproduction at PRT Armstrong and conecollection provided by PRT Frontier.
The Seed Centre at Prince Albert is a modern,full service seed processing facility with servicesincluding seed extraction, seed testing,upgrading, and storage. The Seed Centre staff isfully trained in all aspects of seed processing.The Seed Centre provides seed services toPRT’s customers and is also the centre forPRT’s internal seed processing and testingneeds.
The seed plant was built in 1980 while thenursery was a provincial government runbareroot conifer nursery. After privatization in1997, PRT assumed control of the nursery andthe seed plant and, with the construction ofnearly 300 000 square feet of greenhouse space,converted the nursery into a container growingfacility.
Bags of cones delivered to the Seed Centre areplaced in a fully ventilated cone shed. Conesthat arrive at the Seed Centre “green”(immature) such as white spruce are placed onracks that allow for post-harvest curing.
The seed extraction facility features twin, side-by-side cone kilns. Each kiln contains twoscreened, rotating drums. The drums are filled tohalf capacity with cones and then kilned at theappropriate temperature and length of timeaccording to the protocol for a particular species.Half filling the drums allows space for theopening cones to expand and to properly releasetheir seed when tumbled. The drums rotate for 1minute every half hour. Most species’ cones arekilned for 24 hours at temperatures ranging from45E to 65EC. The winged seed falls from thecones and is directed to a vibrating conveyersituated below the kiln drums that directs theseed into holding bins. The gathered seed is thende-winged and cleaned using specializedequipment. Depending on the amount of debriswithin the cone bags when received and theamount of pitch on the cones, the seed may needto be cleaned more than once to assure that theseedlot is at least 99% pure. Various methods of
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seed cleaning are used including screening, airseparation, and water separation. When the seedhas been fully cleaned it is either dried tobetween 5 and 9% moisture content and placedin freezer storage or soaked and stratified (ifneeded) in preparation for seeding. A smallsample of the seedlot is withdrawn at this timefor seed testing purposes.
The most common species extracted at the SeedCentre are jack pine, lodgepole pine, white pine,red pine, white spruce, black spruce, Douglas-fir, and various Abies species. Black spruce is anespecially challenging species to extract due toits’ tendency to remain tightly closed and toclose back up once the cones have cooled. Blackspruce requires multiple kilning periods. Thecones are soaked in water between these kilnperiods to allow the cone scales to flex openmore easily and more effectively release theirseed. For these reasons, black spruce is morecostly to extract than other species. White pineand Abies species are also challenging due to thetremendous amount of pitch that can accompanythese cones.
Of extreme importance in regard to seedextraction (and all seed processing work) is athorough quality control program as well asexceptional organization and precise recordkeeping. All seed extraction and processingequipment is thoroughly cleaned between conebatches to prevent cross-contamination ofseedlots or species.
Seed testing is performed on individual seedlotsand consists of germination, number of seeds pergram, purity, and moisture content. Accurate, upto date seed tests are important for determiningthe amount of seed required by a nursery tosuccessfully produce the seedling numbersrequired for an order. The seed lab performsseed testing on newly extracted seedlots as wellas older seedlots. Seed tests are normally doneon seedlots where no information is available orwhere the information is outdated. A newgermination test is normally done every threeyears for older seedlots in storage at the SeedCentre. Seed testing is done in accordance withthe International Seed Testing Association(ISTA 1999) protocols. Again, strict adherenceto cleanliness and sanitation is an extremelyimportant part of seed testing. All seed testingequipm ent is san itized between tests .Germination tests are run in ConViron growthchambers. Seed upgrading is also done in theseed lab. In seed upgrading, the overallgermination potential of a seedlot is improvedby systematically removing empty or non-viableseed from the seedlot. This is normally doneusing air or water separation techniques.
Conifer seed that has a moisture content ofbetween 5 and 9% can be placed in long termstorage at -18EC. PRT Prince Albert has twoseed storage facilities which are fully alarmed toprotect our customer’s valuable seed.
The bulk of the Seed Centre’s extraction work isdone for Saskatchewan and Ontario customers,but it also does extraction work for BritishColumbia companies (with permission from theMinistry of Forests and Range Chief Forester)and is certified by the Alberta Tree Improvementand Seed Centre for seed extraction for Albertacustomers.
For more information concerning seedprocessing services offered by PRT, pleasecontact Grant Harrison or your local PRTCustomer Support Representative. The regionalrepresentatives can be located on PRT’s web siteat www.prtgroup.com.
Grant HarrisonManagerPRT Prince AlbertBox 1901, Hwy 2 NorthPrince Albert, SK S6V 6J9E-mail: [email protected]
NATIONAL TREE SEED CENTRE
Single-tree black ash (Fraxinus nigra) seedcollections were made in September/October2005 at three locations in northern NewBrunswick, one location in the Gaspé region ofQuébec, and a partial collection along theSaguenay River in Québec. These collectionssupplemented those made in 2004 as part of aproject to conserve ash germplasm before it isdestroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer and toallow for the evaluation of genetic variationwithin black ash. Seed quality is determined byviability testing because germination testsrequire about 12 months of warm and coldtreatments in order for the embryo to completeelongation and dormancy to be alleviated. Totest for viability, the seed is separated from thesamara and soaked in water for 120 hours at3EC. Embryos are carefully removed and placedon VersaPak™; 3 replications of 25 embryoseach. Any dead or decayed embryos are notedand are included in the tally of the 75-seedsample from each seedlot. The germinationboxes are placed in a germinator for 14 days setat a constant temperature of 25EC with 8 hours
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light per 24 hours. After 14 days the embryosare assessed. A viable embryo is one which haseither remained as it was when excised or hasdeveloped chlorophyll in the cotyledons and/orthe hypocotyl or radicle has started to elongate.The degree of embryo development variesamong seedlots and is an indication of thedegree of dormancy. Results from viability testson 82 seedlots showed the average viability was68% and ranged from 12 to 96%. This largerange indicates tremendous variability in seedquality among seedlots. Viability percentages inthe 80s and 90s are incredible especially sincethe seed cannot be processed to remove dead,damaged, empty or partially filled seed.
Germination testing was completed on 340tamarack (Larix laricina) seedlots. Most of thisseed was collected in the late 1970's and early1980's for a range-wide provenance trialcoordinated by the former Petawawa NationalForestry Institute. Some of this seed had beentested in the mid 1980's. Germination averaged40% and ranged from 0 to 98%. Generally,seedlots that had high germination in the 1980'sstill had high germination 20 years later. Allseed was stored at -20EC.
An undergraduate forestry student at theUniversity of New Brunswick completed athesis on white spruce (Picea glauca) seedstorage. Darren Hayes (2005) evaluatedgermination and moisture content of seed fromseveral provenances and combined these datawith those obtained from a single provenanceseveral years ago. Seed was collected in 1974 tobe used in a range-wide provenance coordinatedby the former Petawawa National ForestryInstitute. In 1978, samples of seed were removedfrom many of the individual tree collections andplaced in storage at 4EC and -20EC. There were36 seedlots from 5 provenances which hadmoisture content and germination data from late1974 or early 1975. The original moisturecontent and germination was 4.5% and 94.5%,respectively. After about 28 years in storage at4EC, average seed moisture content was 7.8%and germination was 24.7%. The same seedlotsstored at -20EC averaged 6.0% moisture contentand 94.1% germination. Moisture contentsgreater than 8.5% had a noticeable negativeimpact on germination of seed stored at 4EC. Itis not obvious how the seed stored at 4EC gainedmoisture but nonetheless the combination ofmoisture and temperature were detrimental toseed survival in contrast to storage at -20ECwhere germination remained unchanged.
Hayes, D. 2005. Effect of storage temperatureand moisture content on germination of
Picea glauca seeds. Unpubl. BScF thesis,Univ. New Brunswick. 24 p + App.
Dale Simpson and Bernard DaigleNatural Resources CanadaCanadian Forest ServiceAtlantic Forestry CentreP.O. Box 4000Fredericton, NB E3B 5P7E-mail: [email protected]
INTERIOR SPRUCE CHEMICAL TREATMENT TRIAL
An investigation into the use of a variety ofchemical seed treatments was conducted todetermine if improvements could be made to thegermination characteristics of interior spruce(Picea glauca, P. engelmannii, and hybrids).Five different chemical treatments and a controlwere applied to samples of 20 seedlots ofinterior spruce. The 20 seedlots were comprisedof ten operational seedlots, five half-sib familylots and five operational sowing requests thathad been stratified, dried back to storagemoisture content (approximately 8%) and stored in a freezer (-18°C) for between 6 and9 months. Treatments were conducted in four‘Rounds’ of five seedlots to enable one person toperform all counts on peak days (i.e., the tenoperational seedlots were divided into tworounds of five seedlots). The seed treatments arepresented below.
T1 – Control – The seed was soaked for 24hours and placed into cold stratification for 21days.T2 – Seed Flow Lubricant – The seed wassoaked for 24 hours and surface moistureremoved from the seed coat. The seed was thenplaced in a small ziplock bag and 1 magicscoop of seedflow lubricant (0.135 g) added2
and the bag agitated for 30 seconds. The seedwas then stratified for 21 days.T3 – Early HarvestÒ TST - The seed wassoaked for 24 hours and surface moistureremoved from the seed coat. The seed was thenplaced in a small ziplock bag and add 1 magicscoop of Early Harvest TST (0.100 g) added and1
the bag agitated for 30 seconds .The seed wasthen stratified for 21 days.
A magic scoop is the code word for a2
McDonalds’ coffee stirrer spoon volume
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T4 – Early HarvestÒ PGR - The seed wassoaked for 24 hours in a 500 ppm solution ofEarly Harvest PGR. No rinsing performed. Theseed was then stratified for 21 days.T5 – GibbexÔ - The seed was soaked for 24hours in a 500 ppm solution of Gibbex. Norinsing performed. The seed was then stratifiedfor 21 days.T6 – Hydrogen Peroxide - The seed was soakedfor 24 hours in a 3% hydrogen peroxidesolution. No rinsing performed. The seed wasthen stratified for 21 days.
Germination testing was conducted using fourreplicates of 100 seeds. Tests were conductedusing a germination dish containing one piece of22-ply Kimpak, 50 ml of water and one piece offilter paper upon which the seeds were placed.Testing was conducted for 21 days under the30:20 temperature regime specified by ISTA(ISTA 1999). Seed was considered germinatedwhen the radicle was 4X the length of the seedcoat. Counts were performed on Monday,W edn esd ay, and F rid ay a llow in g fo rdetermination of the germination capacity (GC)as well as the germination rate. Germinationcapacity is defined as the percentage of seedsthat germinated normally during the 21-day testperiod. Peak value (PV) is the variable used todescribe germination rate. It is the maximumnumber obtained by dividing the cumulativegermination at day x by day x (Czabator 1962).
Analysis and Results
Although unconventional, I will discuss thestatistical results prior to discussing the rawdata. The data were first analyzed with allRounds combined as a split-plot design (the‘Round’ effect restricts the randomization ofseedlots). The Round and Treatment wereconsidered fixed effects and seedlot a randomeffect (nested in round). Although the Roundterm was considered non-significant (P>F =0.97), the Round*Treatment interaction termwas significant and one should not drawconclusions about a main effect if anyinteraction with it is also significant. Thereforethis analysis, which I haven’t provided forbrevity, indicates that the effect of seedtreatment on both GC and PV is dependent onthe round, or seedlots, used. Examination ofresiduals (actual – predicted) showed nodeviations from normality or unequaldistribution of variance.
To further investigate the data, analyses wereperformed separately by round. The model ofthe subdivided analysis was a simple factorialexperiment crossing seed treatment and seedlot.
For all four rounds and for both GC and PV theinteraction term was again statisticallysignificant indicating the effect of the treatmentwas dependent on the seedlot it was applied to.Examination of residuals (actual – predicted)showed no deviations from normality or unequaldistribution of variance. The results of GC andPV for each round are displayed in Table 1illustrating that treatments T2 and T3 averagedabove the control for both variables and theremaining three treatments fell below thecontrol.
The germination curves for the six treatmentsaveraged over all seedlots are presented in Fig.1. The curves for treatments 2 and 3 are nearlyidentical and illustrate that by day 9 thesetreatments have an 18% advantage in GC overthe control.
Figure 1. The average germination curves forthe six seed treatments.
Discussion
The statistical analysis indicated that the effectof the treatment was dependent on the seedlot itwas applied to. In a purely statistical sense onecannot conclude that treatments had a consistenteffect across all seedlots. Are there still somereasonable conclusions that can still be drawnfrom this data set? I’m convinced that there are.
Two of the treatments (T2 and T3) consistentlyperformed better than the control for both GCand PV. Treatment 2 produced the highest GCand PV for 11/20 seedlots examined in thisstudy. Treatment 2 is an interesting surprise, aswe did not think it would have any effect ongermination characteristics. The Seed FlowLubricant (powdered graphite) is being used atsome BC nurseries to facilitate mechanical
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Table 1. The average and round response in germination capacity (GC) and peak value (PV) to the sixseed treatments.
Treatment
Round/Variable T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
R1 / GC 68 70 71 42 62 46R1 / PV 4.7 5.5 5.6 2.5 4.2 3.1R2 / GC 61 68 67 29 63 41R2 / PV 4.6 6.1 6.6 1.8 4.4 2.6R3 / GC 64 75 75 38 67 37R3 / PV 4.5 6.4 6.4 2.1 4.5 2.3R4 / GC 70 74 70 34 48 63R4 / PV 4.4 5.3 5.2 1.7 3.0 4.0
Overall GC 66 72 71 36 60 47Overall PV 4.6 5.8 6.0 2.0 4.0 3.0
sowing. We wanted to confirm that it had nodetrimental effect on germination characteristics,but were surprised by the consistentimprovement in germination characteristicsexhibited. The Early HarvestÒ TST (Talc SeedTreatment) also outperformed the control andproduced the best GC in 7/20 seedlots and thebest PV in 9/20 seedlots. This talc mixturecontains small quantities of cytokinin,indolebutyric acid and gibberellic acid.
Results were even more consistent at the poorend of the scale. Treatment 4 was the worsttreatment for GC in 12/20 seedlots and producedthe slowest germination (PV) in 15/20 of theseedlots. This solution also contained cytokinin,indolebutyric acid, and gibberellic acid but inslightly higher percentages by weight than thetalc seed treatment. The hydrogen peroxidetreatment also did poorly, as it was the worsttreatment in 7/20 seedlots for GC and 5/20seedlots for PV. This treatment was perhapsextreme as hydrogen peroxide was substitutedfor water in seed hydration. Hydrogen peroxideis still considered a good treatment for seedsanitation following seed imbibition. The finaltreatment (T5) was inferior to the control andproduced the worst GC and PV for one seedlot.This solution contained gibberellic acid as theactive ingredient.
While the statistical results may be inconclusivethis trial has identified two treatments (T2 andT3) that should be evaluated further. I suggestthat the s ign if ican t T rea tment*Seedlotinteraction term is caused by rank changes in themiddle of the results profile, but the best andworst treatments are fairly consistent acrossseedlots. The two best treatments appear toimprove both the germination capacity andgermination rate of interior spruce. With the
desire to be more efficient with seed use anincrease of even 6% in germination capacityequates to almost a 10% increase relative to themean. Increased germination capacity results ina need for less seed. Increased germination rateindicates that the window for pests attackingsucculent germinants will be narrower, theenergy required to complete germination will beless and a grower will have a more uniform cropfrom the outset. All of these attributes are worthpursuing and we will be looking at the effect ofthe Seed Flow Lubricant and the Early HarvestÒTalc seed treatment with other species todetermine if these benefits are universal.Supplier contacts for the two ‘superior’treatments are given below:
Seed Flow Lubricant, Distributed by: CASECorporation, 700 State St., Racine, WI 53404USA
Early Harvest TST, Mark Crawford, GriffinL.L.C., 2509 Rocky Ford Rd., Valdosta, GA31601 USA
References
Czabator, F.J. 1962. Germination value: anindex combining speed and completeness ofpine seed germination. For. Sci. 8:386–396.
International Seed Testing Association. 1999.International Rules for Seed Testing. SeedSci. Technol. 27: suppl. 333 p.
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Dave KoloteloBC Ministry of Forests and RangeTree Seed Centre18793 - 32 Avenuend
Surrey, BC V4P 1M5E-mail: [email protected]
HIGH-RESOLUTION MRI IN CONIFER SEEDS
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a superiornon-invasive diagnostic tool widely used inclinical medicine, with more than 60 millionMRI tests performed each year worldwide (http://nobelprize.org/medicine/laureates/2003/press.html ). The important characteristic of MRI,whether applied to produce images of human oranimal organs, or images of plant tissues, is theresolution it can provide, which for mostimagers is specified per pixel, similar to digitalphotography. The spatial resolution of astandard medical MR imager is about 1x1 mm2
per pixel, which is adequate for most clinicalapplications. Consider using the same medicalMRI machine for smaller objects, like tree seeds.If a pine seed is about 5 mm long, the resultingMR image would consist of only 5 pixels perseed, hardly sufficient for any practical use.
For these reasons, specialized high-resolutionMRI systems have now been developed, capableof 100 to 1000 times higher resolution than thetypical “whole body” medical MRI systems.Such highly improved resolution allows thestudy of samples of interest in great detail and ina nondestructive manner. Thus, the method isoften called MRI microscopy, or ì-MRI. Oneunfortunate “trade-off” of the high-resolutionMRI systems is limitations on the size of thesample, which normally cannot exceed 25 mmdiameter, but luckily this is not an issue for mosttree seeds. MRI microscopy is used primarily inmaterial science, but has gained in popularity inplant physiology (Chudek and Hunter 1997;Ishida et al. 2000; Köckenberger 2001). MRIprovides a wealth of information on the internalanatomy of plants in vivo; similar studies havejust begun in seeds (Terskikh et al. 2005; Manzet al. 2005; see references therein).
An additional limitation is that there are only afew high-resolution MRI machines availableworldwide. One of the best-known to plantscientists is located here in Canada, inSaskatoon, in the Plant Biotechnology Instituteof National Research Council, PBI NRC
( h t t p : / / p b i - i b p . n r c -cnrc.gc.ca/en/research/nmr.htm ). For those whoare familiar with the subject, this MRI system isbased on the 360 MHz Bruker Avance WBNMR spectrometer, equipped with a Brukermicroimaging unit. The system is well-maintained and routinely produces a resolutionof 20x20 ìm per pixel, or even better when2
longer acquisition times are used, depending onthe nature of the seed material. At PBI, MRI ismostly used to image seeds of crop plants, suchas canola or barley, as well as to study wholeplants or plant tissues. Recently their MRI hasbeen used to study whole intact cones of severalconifer species a t different stages ofdevelopment.
In many respects, MRI of plant seeds providesinformation similar to that derived from X-rayradiography (Kolotelo et al. 2001), although theorigin of the contrast in the two techniques isdifferent. X-ray radiography generally providesimages of hard tissues, while MR imagesoriginate from soft tissues and liquid-likecomponents. For example, the seed coats of dryseeds, solid fats of some seeds, and the proteinand carbohydrate storage reserves are notdetected by MRI. In medicine, the twotechniques, X-ray and MRI, are often usedtogether to complement each other.
In our NSERC (Natural Sciences andEngineering Research Council) strategic grant“Novel approaches for improvement of coniferseeds quality and germination”, awarded jointlyto SFU (Simon Fraser University) and PBI, weare testing the feasibility of using MRItechniques to address problems related to seeddormancy and seed deterioration in coniferspecies during storage. Our long-term goal is todevelop MRI-based techniques that may help topredict the germination and growth potential ofconifer seeds.
A typical high-resolution MRI image of a dryPonderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seed (seedlot# 32000) is shown in Fig. 1. In dry conifer seedsMRI images originate from liquid storage oils.Different oil content in different seed tissuesprovides excellent image contrast, so that theinternal anatomy of seeds can be studied indetail. The oil concentration in this MRI imageis color-encoded according to a color-barprovided. Areas with the highest oil content arewhite, while areas containing no oils are black.In Fig. 1, the shrunken (dry) embryo in thee m b r y o c a v i t y s u r r o u n d e d b y t h emegagametophyte is readily discerned. Note thefine anatomical details of the embryo and themegagametophyte.
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Figure 1. MRI of a dry Ponderosa pine seed(resolution 20x20 ìm ).2
Unlike X-ray radiography, the MRI operator isfree to choose any orientation of the plane ofview, taking virtual “slices” through the seed toimage its detailed anatomy (see axial imagesthrough the cotyledons and the hypocotyl in Fig.1). Three-dimensional MRI reconstruction isalso possible (Terskikh et al. 2005). MRI can beapplied to rapid screening of conifer seeds,providing information on insect or mechanicaldamage, poor seed fill or embryo abortion, andother developmental problems (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Polyem bryony in Ponderosa p ineseeds (MRI).
As has been mentioned, in dry conifer seeds theonly liquid component detectable by MRI arethe storage oils. During imbibition, however,seeds absorb considerable amounts of water;thus water uptake and distribution can also bemonitored with MRI. In imbibed seeds it is
possible to simultaneously record two separateMRI images: one of oil distribution and theother of water distribution (Figure 3). As MRIimages can be considered maps of intensity orconcentration, it is straightforward to obtainnumerical values for water and oil content indifferent seed tissues in vivo, i.e., withoutdestroying the seed or altering it in any way.There is presently no other technique capable ofperforming such measurements in vivo. We areusing this approach to study imbibition kineticsin conifer seeds as related to seed viability (formore details see Terskikh et al. 2005) and mostrecently have used this method to monitor the invivo changes in water and oil distribution ingerminating seeds, i.e., consumption of storageoils in young seedlings during post-germinationreserve breakdown.
Figure 3. M R I im ages for o il and waterrecorded simultaneously in the sameimbibed Ponderosa pine seed.
Similarities between X-ray and MRI areillustrated in Figure 4 for western white pine(Pinus monticola) seeds (seedlot # 08006).Twelve dry seeds were assembled on a plasticplate with double-sided adhesive tape. The X-ray image was taken at the Tree Seed Centre(Surrey, BC) and the MRI image of the sameseed assembly was taken at PBI. In both images,empty seeds are readily seen. Close inspectionof both images reveals many other interestingcomplementary anatomical features. Note thatthe seed coats in dry seeds are visible only in theX-ray image and not in the MRI (hard vs. softtissues).
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Figure 4. X-ray (left) and MRI (right) for thesame set of western white pine seeds.
In a similar fashion, seeds from five seedlots ofwestern redcedar (Thuja plicata ) wereassembled on a plastic plate, and X-ray and MRIimages were taken (Figure 5, bottom to top:seedlot # 27153 – germination 86%; # 09035 –24%; # 08484 – 0%; # 20202 – 0%; # 04790 –0%). Even though visual inspection or X-rayimages show no significant differences in thesefive seedlots, the germination tests revealed verydifferent viability. The germination datacorrelate well with the MRI results: non-viableseedlots show very weak or no MRI signals(Figure 5). Reduced MRI signals in poorlyperforming seedlots are due to lack of storageoils, the major nutrient reserve in conifer seedsthat supports early post-germinative seedlinggrowth. This could be due to developmentalproblems or environmental stress during seed fillor it may be related to deterioration during seedstorage. Based on these and other NMRspectroscopic results, we have demonstrated thatthe deterioration of western redcedar seeds instorage is accompanied by, and most likelycaused by, the oxidation of storage oils and seedproteins (Terskikh et al. unpublished). This lastexample shows certain advantages of MRI overX-ray analysis; however, the two techniques canbe used to supplement each other in assessingthe internal anatomy of seeds and in predictingviability of seeds non-invasively and non-destructively.
We presently have an extended collection ofhigh-resolution MR images of seeds of manydifferent conifer species, including westernwhite pine, Ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine,loblolly pine, stone pine, white spruce, westernhemlock, Pacific silver fir, yellow-cedar, andwestern redcedar. This collection is destined togrow with our experience and continuinginterest in the subject.
We encourage you to think about possibleapplications of MRI in your practice, whether it
is fundamental seed science or applied seedtechnology. You may address your questionsand suggestions to Allison Kermode of SFU(conifer seed dormancy and quality), or to SueAbrams or Brock Chatson of NRC-PBI (MRItechnology). The modern NMR/MRI facility atPBI is available to third-party clients on a fee-for-service basis or for collaborative researchprojects.
Figure 5. X-ray (left) and MRI (right) for fivedifferent western redcedar seedlots(germination capacity is shown foreach seedlot).
This work is funded by a NSERC StrategicGrant awarded to Allison Kermode (SFU), SueAbrams (PBI), and Andrew Ross (PBI). Wewould like to acknowledge continuing supportof our project by the BC Ministry of Forests andRange Tree Seed Center), and particularly fromDave Kolotelo. We further wish to thank themfor their help in obtaining seeds and performingX-ray analyses.
References
Chudek, J.A.; Hunter, G. 1997. Magneticresonance imaging of plants. Prog. NMRSpectrosc. 31:43–62.
Ishida, N.; Koizumi, M.; Kano, H. 2000. TheNMR microscope: a unique and promisingtool for p lan t science. Ann. Bot.86:259–278.
Köckenberger, W. 2001. Nuclear magneticr e s o n a n c e m i c r o - i m a g i n g i n t h einvestigation of plant cell metabolism. J.Exp. Bot. 52:641–652.
Kolotelo, D.; Van Steenis, E.; Peterson, M.;Bennett, R.; Trotter, D.; Dennis, J. 2001.Seed handling guidebook. BC Min. For.And Range, Surrey, BC. 106 p.
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Manz, B.; Muller, K.; Kucera, B.; Volke, F.;Leubner-Metzger, G. 2005. Water uptakeand distribution in germinating tobaccoseeds investigated in vivo by nuclearmagnetic resonance imaging. Plant Physiol.138:1538–1551.
Terskikh, V.V.; Feurtado, J.A.; Ren, C.;Abrams, S.R.; Kermode, A.R. 2005. Wateruptake and oil distribution during imbibitionof seeds of western white pine (Pinusmonticola Dougl. ex D. Don) monitored invivo using magnetic resonance imaging.Planta. 221:17–27.
Further Reading
Terskikh, V.V.; Feurtado, J.A.; Borchardt, S.;Giblin, M.; Abrams, S.R.; Kermode, A.R.2005. In vivo C NMR metabolite profiling:13
Potential for understanding and assessingconifer seed quality. J. Exp. Bot.56:2253–2265.
Victor Terskikh and Allison KermodeDepartment of Biological SciencesSimon Fraser University8888 University DriveBurnaby, BC, V5A 1S6E-mail: [email protected]
Sue AbramsPlant Biotechnology InstituteNational Research Council Canada110 Gymnasium PlaceSaskatoon, SK, S7N 0W9E-mail: [email protected]
NEW INTERIOR CONE AND SEED PEST MANAGEMENT BIOLOGIST
On 23 May 2006, Jim Corrigan took over therd
reins of the BC Ministry of Forests & Range's"Interior Seed & Cone Pest ManagementBiologist" position based out of the KalamalkaForestry Centre in Vernon. Jim comes to usfollowing a successful and interesting career inteaching and applied environmental biology inand around Ontario. He holds a BSc inAgriculture from the University of Guelph, aBEd in Biology & Environmental Science fromthe University of Western Ontario, and a MSc inEntomology from Rutgers University. He hasover 25 years of experience in pest management,
teaching, and extension work. His combinedunderstanding of research, operational pestmanagement (including relevant legislativeissues), and the real value of extension educationand training led us to offer the Pest ManagementBiologist position to him.
Most recently, Jim led the highly successfulOntario program to control the invasivewetlands plant Purple Loosestrife. This program(considered to be one of the best examples ofsuccessful classical biological control) was acomplex blend of operational pest managementactivities built upon existing research knowledgeand incorporating a large extension, training,and public education component.
Jim can be contacted at the Kalamalka SeedOrchards site by phone (250 549-5696) or E-mail [email protected] .
Robb BennettSeed Pest Management OfficerBC Ministry of Forests & Range7380 Puckle RoadSaanichton BC V8M 1W4E-mail: [email protected]
DIGITAL SEED ATLAS
The new Digital Seed Atlas of the Netherlandswill appear in May 2006. It consists of digitalphotographs, made with the help of amicroscope, of the seeds and fruits of over 1800native plants, adventive plants, and naturalizedcultivated plants.
The atlas will consist of a book and a website.The book will be in full colour and hardbound,in A4 size. Each page has 9 colour photographsof seeds and fruits, with a total of c. 3800 colourphotographs. The introduction is in both Englishand Dutch, and at the back of the book areindexes of the Dutch and the scientific names ofthe plants.
Purchase of the atlas gives you the right toaccess the website, which will be managed bythe Library of the University of Groningen.Private individuals will have access to thewebsite by means of a user name and password,institutions through IP address authentication sothat all staff will automatically have access tothe website without further identification.
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For more detailed information – e.g., a fullcolour pdf file in English with an example of thepage lay-out, examples of photographs on alarger resolution, and an order form – I refer youto the website of the Groningen ArchaeologicalStudies (GAS) at http://www.gas.ub.rug.nl
If you have any further questions, please feelfree to contact the undersigned (subject: DigitalSeed Atlas or DSA), who is one of the authorsof the atlas.
Renée M. BekkerCommunity and Conservation Ecology GroupUniversity of GroningenKerklaan 30P.O.Box 149750 AA HarenThe NetherlandsEmail: [email protected]
UPCOMING MEETINGS
AOSA/SCST/AOSCA Joint Annual MeetingJune 3–8, 2006 Indianapolis, INwww.indianacrop.org/2006isc.htm
ISTA Annual MeetingJune 26–29, 2006 Zurich, Switzerlandwww.seedtest.org
IUFRO Seed Physiology and TechnologyJuly 18–21, 2006 Fredericton, [email protected]
30 Canadian Tree Improvement Associationth
July 24–29, 2006 Charlottetown, PEIhttp://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestry/ctia/
ISTA Forest Tree and Shrub Seed SeminarSep 12–15, 2006 Verona, Italywww.seedtest.org
Forest Nursery Association of BC AnnualMeetingSep 18–20, 2006 Penticton, BC [email protected]
28 ISTA Congressth
May 5-11, 2007 Iguassu Falls, Brazilwww.seedtest.org
Seed Ecology IISep 9–13, 2007 Perth, Western Australiawww.seedecology2007.com.au
Carrefour de la recherche forestièreSep 19–20, 2007 Québec City, QChttp://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/carrefour/
IUFRO Larix SymposiumSep 16–21, 2007 Québec City, QChttp://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/carrefour/larix.asp
Canadian Poplar CouncilSep 16–21, 2007 Québec City, QChttp://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/carrefour/populus.asp
SELECTED REFERENCES
An especially diverse set of selected referencesfor your enjoyment, courtesy of Dave.
Research and Extension
Baskerville, G.L. 1994. Gaelic poetry for deafseagulls – encore. For. Chron. 70(5):562–564.
DeYoe, D.; Hollstedt, C. 2004. A knowledgeexchange system: putting innovation towork. B C J. Ecosystems M anage.4(1):1–10.
Moller, A.P.; Jennions, M.D. 2001. Testing andadjusting for publication bias. Trends Ecol.Evol. 16: 580–586.
Nilsson, G.; Luckert, M.K.; Armstrong, G.W.;Hauer, G.K.; Messmer, M.J. 2004.Approaches to setting forestry researchpriorities: considering the benefits ofreducing uncertainty. For. Chron. 80(3):384–390.
Vessey, J.K. 1997. The conversion of celluloseto electrons: the future of scientific journalsfrom a scientist’s perspective. Can. J. PlantSci. 77: 1–9.
Seed Testing
Geneve, R.L.; Kester, S.T. 2001. Evaluation ofseedling size following germination usingcomputer-aided analysis of digital imagesfrom a flat-bed scanner. H or tsc i .36(6):1117–1120.
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McDonald, M.B.; Evans, A.F.; Bennett, M.A.2001. Using scanners to improve seed andseedling evaluations. Seed Sci. Technol.29: 683–689.
Nanson, A. 2001. The new OECD scheme forcertification of forest reproductivematerials. Silvae Genet. 50: 5–6.
Peace, A.J.; Gosling, P.G. 1992. The computersystem of the British Official Tree SeedTesting Station. Seed Sci. Technol. 20:359–366.
Statistics
Hahn, G.J. 2002. Deming and the proactivestatistician. Am. Stat. 56(4): 290–298.
Sowey, E.R. 2003. The getting of wisdom:educating statisticians to enhance theirclients’ numeracy. Am. Stat. 57(2):89–93.
Utts, J. 2003. What educated citizens shouldknow about statistics and probability.Am. Stat. 57(2): 74–79.
Warren, W.G. 1986. On the presentation ofstatistical analysis: reason or ritual.Can. J. For. Res. 16:1185–1191.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Aldrete, A.; Mexal, J.G. 2005. Sowing depth,media, and seed size interact to influenceemergence of three pine species. Tree Plant.Notes 51(1): 27–31.
Annapurna, D.; Rathore, T.S.; Somashekhar, P.2005. Impact of clones in a clonal seedorchard on the variation of seed traits,germination and seedling growth inSantalum album L. Silvae Genet. 54(4-5):153–159.
Carman, J.G.; Reese, G.; Fuller, R.J.; Ghermany,T.; Timmis, R. 2005. Nutrient and hormonelevels in Douglas-fir corrosion cavities,megagametophytes, and embryos duringembryony. Can. J . For. Res. 35:2447–2456.
Codesido, V.; Merlo, E.; Fernandez-Lopez, J.2005. Variation in reproductive phenologyin a Pinus radiata D. Don seed orchard innorthern Spain. Silvae Genet. 54(4-5):246–256.
Daws, M.I.; Cleland, H.; Chmielarz, P.; Gorian,F.; Leprince, O.; Mullins, C.E.; Thanos,C.A.; Vandvik, V.; Pritchard, H.W. 2006.Variable desiccation tolerance in Acerpseudoplatanus seeds in relation todevelopmental conditions: a case ofphenotypic recalcitrance? Funct. Plant Biol.33(1): 59–66.
De Atrip, N.; O’Reilly, C. 2005. Effect ofmoisture content during prechilling on thegermination response of alder and birchseeds. Seed Sci. Technol. 33: 363–373.
Edwards, D.G.W. 2005. Breaking dormancy intree seeds with special reference to firs(Abies species) - the 1.4x solution. Pages18–23. In Proc. ISTA For. Tree Shrub SeedComm. Workshop. Prague, Pruhonice,Czech Republic, 20–22 Oct 2003.
Edwards, D.G.W. 2005. Kinetics of waterabsorption in fir seeds and someimplications for tetrazolium tests andexcising embryos. Pages 24–29. In Proc.ISTA For. Tree Shrub Seed Comm.Workshop. 20–22 Oct 2003, Prague,Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
Fernando,D.D.; Lazzaro,M.D.; Owens,J.N.2005. Growth and development of coniferpollen tubes. Sexual Plant Reproduction18(4): 149–162.
Gosling, P.G. 2005. How to obtain more fromISTA 'double' germination tests. Pages40–47. In Proc. ISTA For. Tree Shrub SeedComm. Workshop. 20–22 Oct 2003,Prague, Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
Gosling, P.G. 2005. What is the relationshipbetween a 'germination' test and a 'viability'test? Pages 48–50. In Proc. ISTA For. TreeShrub Seed Comm. Workshop. 20–22 Oct2003, Prague, Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
Johnson, G.R.; Sorensen, F.C.; St-Clair, J.B.;Cronn, R.C. 2005. Pacific northwest foresttree seed zones: a template for nativeplants? Native Plants J. 5(2): 131–140.
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Krakowski, J.; El-Kassaby, Y.A. 2005. Lodgepolepine and white spruce germination: effects ofstratification and simulated aging. SilvaeGenet. 54(3):138–144.
Kucera, B.; Cohn, M.A.; Leubner-Metzger, G.2005. Plant hormone interactions duringseed dormancy release and germination.Seed Sci. Res. 15(4): 281–307.
Lambers, J.H.R.; Clark, J.S. 2005. The benefitsof seed banking for red maple (Acerrubrum): maximizing seedling recruitment.Can. J. For. Res. 35(4): 806–813.
Mutke, S.; Gordo, J.; Gil, L. 2005. Cone yieldcharacterization of a stone pine (Pinuspinea L.) clone bank. Silvae Genet. 54(4-5): 189– 197.
Mutke, S.; Gordo, J.; Gil, L. 2005. Variability ofMediterranean Stone pine cone production:yield loss as response to climate change.Agric. For. Meteorol. 132(3-4): 263–272.
O'Leary, S.J.B.; von Aderkas, P. 2006.Postpollination drop production in hybridlarch is not related to the diurnal pattern ofxylem water potential. Trees 20(1): 61–66.
Prescher, F.; Prescher, E. 2005. Testing foresttree seed in Sweden. Pages 72–75. In Proc.ISTA For. Tree Shrub Seed Comm.Workshop. 20–22 Oct 2003, Prague,Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
Prochazkova, Z. 2005. Tree seed testing in theCzech Republic. Pages 76–83. In Proc.ISTA For. Tree Shrub Seed Comm.Workshop. 20–22 Oct 2003, Prague,Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
Prochazkova, Z. 2005. Comparing of viabilityand germination of stored and freshEuropean beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds.Pages 84–89. In Proc. ISTA For. TreeShrub Seed Comm. Workshop. 20–22 Oct2003, Prague, Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
Prochazkova, Z.; Gosling, P.G.; Sutherland, J.R.(Eds) 2005. Proceedings of the ISTA ForestT ree and Shrub Seed C om m itteeWorkshop. 20–22 Oct 2003, Prague,Pruhonice, Czech Rep.
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