A computer-aided test layout for open-pollinated breeding populations of insect-pollinated tree species

In the genetic improvement of an insect-pollinated tree species using open-pollinated progeny, there are opportunities and restrictions which need to be taken into account in the design of progeny tests so that these tests rank families meaningfully, allow selection of individual trees, and at the same time minimise chances of inbreeding. This article describes an efficient progeny test design for achieving each of these objectives. Through its use, the best families and the best individuals within families can be selected. Selection can be made to provide seed for the next generation's breeding population, and to provide improved seed for commercial plantings; scion material can be collected from the very best trees for grafting and planting in clonal seed orchards. A computer program called «NO INCEST» has been developed to assign families to plots in each block of the progeny test. Families are assigned to rows at random, subject to the constraint that plots of the same family in adjacent blocks are not located within the «effective pollination range» of the species