Results of Czech-American cooperation in interspecific fir hybridization in 2008 and 2009

This Czech-American research collaboration is investigating interspecific hybridization among various fir species produced via control pollination. Its aim is the development of newly bred material for specific needs of Christmas tree production. The specific target of the breeding is increased growth rate, development of resistance to diseases, insect pests, and limiting environmental conditions (e.g. drought). Experimentation follows a traditional hybridization program of the Czech department focusing on the genus Abies and a long-term breeding program of the American department aimed at Christmas tree production. For hybridization, mainly Mediterranean fir species are used together with American species (especially Abies fraseri) and other species (e.g. Abies koreana). Generally overcoming 5% of viable seeds in the sample can be considered a success. Only few of our hybrid combinations have complied with this condition so far. In 2008 the hybrid combination CZ1 × NC73 brought 16% of viable seeds. In 2009 the most successful hybrid combination CZ1 × FF81 brought 6% of viable seeds. These crossing experiments will initially be followed by Phytophthora cinnamomi resistance screening trials.