A Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) progeny trial was established in 1990,
in the southwestern part of Sweden. The offspring was from 30 plus trees.
The trial is located on abandoned agricultural land and has a single tree
block design with a variation in spacing. The trial has been damaged
by voles. At a tree age of ten years, growth, damages and branch properties
were estimated.
An analysis of variance on height, diameter and stem volume shows significant
difference between spacing and progenies as well as interactions between
these factors. As indicated by a better annual height increment and fewer
and thinner branches at each whorl the densest spacing has the highest
potential to produce quality logs.
There were also differences between progenies in growth and quality
traits. Some progenies combined good growth and branch characters with
low mortality, straight stems and few damages. Other progenies had superior
volume production.