An early assessment of Irish oak provenance trials and their implications for improved seed production.

Abstract

In order to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative performance of a range of Irish oak provenances a series of provenance trials was established at four sites (Camolin, Durrow, Belturbet and Donadea) in 1988. An assessment was made of all four trials during the dormant seasons of 200l/02 and 2003/04. Variables assessed were species, flushing characteristics, survival, height, girth, straightness, apical dominance and forking height. Results showed consistent variation in performance between provenances across the four trials. The geographic distribution of good and poor provenances was discontinuous across the country, and in spite of their poor phenotypic appearance, some stands that had the best trees removed still contained genes for good growth and stem form. Recommendations are made regarding the status of the various oak provenances in relation to the continued development of a seed resource for Irish forestry.