Influence of seed provenance on the propagation of Picea abies (L.) Karst

Abstract: Picea abies (L.) Karst. is the most common species cultivated in Italy for sale as Christmas trees. The aim of this study was to identify the best seed provenance to improve plant production. Three Italian provenances - Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, Pezzel e Fochino, and Val di Fiemme - were examined. A part of seeds were sown on benches in a greenhouse after cold stratification, and another part was used for induction of somatic embryogenesis. In the first experiment, two different amounts of organic matter (manure), as components of growing media, were evaluated, while in the second one different levels and combinations of growth regulators in the medium were tested. The seed provenance and composition of the growing medium influenced seed germination and seedling growth. The best performance on both growing media was achieved by the Val di Fiemme provenance, and in general seedling emergence and growth were the most favourable in the growing medium with a lower organic matter amount. Also, the in vitro cultures evidenced differences in the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis among the provenances.