Genetic parameters and efficiency of early selection for half rotation-aged growth and form traits in Pinus taeda in China

Genetic parameters for height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), stem straightness (STR), and under crown clear bole height (CH) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were estimated for 255 families (209 open pollinated (OP) and 46 controlled pollinated (CP) families) using a family model and an individual tree model at age 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, and 15 years. Heritability estimates for growth traits of individual trees at age 11 years were the highest (0.17-0.78), and those at age 15 years were the lowest (0.05-0.74). Heritability estimates for DBH, STR, and CH were lower than those for H. Genetic correlations between H and DBH were generally strongly positive, attained a maximum values at age 2 to 3, and declined slightly thereafter. The genetic correlations between CH at age 11 and both H and DBH at different ages were moderate. Age-age genetic correlations for growth traits were moderate to high (0.56-0.91) at age 5 for half-rotation age (15 years), indicating the opportunity exists for early selection. Indirect selection from the age 5 to 11 years for H and DBH could be expected to produce gains of over 50% and 35% respectively, for these two ages, relative to direct selection at age 15. Efficiencies of early selection for H and DBH indicated that growth at maturity could be improved by early selection.