Forest Genetics and Breeding Workshop Information
Instructors:
John Russell, Cedar Breeder, john.russell@gov.bc.ca
Michael Stoehr, Coastal Douglas-fir Breeder, Michael.stoehr@gov.bc.ca
Alvin Yanchuk, Provincial Forest Geneticist, alvin.yanchuk@gov.bc.ca
Location: Cowichan Lake Research Station and surrounding area
Date: May 7th to 11th, 2012
Course Requirements: Introductory course in statistics with emphasis on experimental design, anova and regression analysis familiarity with a statistical package that can handle simple mixed linear models, (i. e. analysis of fixed and random effects) (SAS, ASReml, SPSS, R); familiarity with spreadsheet software for input data (e.g. Excel) would be an asset. Student should bring their own computers with stats package loaded.
Course Outline:
Monday AM: Travel to Cowichan Lake Research Station
Monday PM: Introduction (lecture): Aspects of Forest Genetics: Population and quantitative genetics, genecology, seed transfer, practical breeding, testing and selection (tree improvement) , molecular genetics, traits of importance
Tuesday AM: Genecology and provenance (lecture); adaptation and seed transfer.
Tuesday PM: Seed transfer lab: collecting data and analysis (to be continued in the evening)
Wednesday AM: Tree Breeding (lecture): test establishment, analysis, selection procedures, deployment, resistance breeding
Wednesday PM: Tour of Station with hands-on grafting, pollination and progeny test data gathering: progeny test data analysis (to be continued in the evening)
Thursday AM: Gene conservation, molecular tools, climate change and assisted migration (lecture)
Thursday PM: Complete lab assignments and group presentation of results
Friday AM: Seed orchard practices and tour of Saanich Seed Orchard (lecture and field tour)
Friday PM: Return to Victoria
Logistics: Accommodation (dorms and individual rooms) is available at a nominal fee. Three meals a day and coffee breaks are also supplied (vegetarian and gluten-free meals will be available upon request). Travel to Cowichan from Victoria and back can be arranged. Wired internet (no wifi) is available at the conference centre, where the course is being held (http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/forgen/cclrs_cc.htm).