What are seed orchards?
Seed orchards are specialized plantations designed to produce high-quality seeds for forestry and agricultural purposes. They are typically composed of carefully selected trees with superior genetic traits, such as disease resistance, fast growth, and desirable physical characteristics. Seed orchards are essential because they provide a reliable source of genetically improved seeds, which help increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability in forestry operations.
In the context of Oregon's Christmas tree industry, seed orchards play a crucial role in maintaining the high quality of popular species like Douglas-fir, Noble and Nordmann fir. They are also vital for advancing research, supporting conservation efforts, and adapting tree species to changing environmental conditions.
The North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) Christmas tree seed orchards mission is to advance and preserve trees with characteristics vital for quality Christmas trees, including vibrant color, symmetrical form, rapid growth, disease resistance, and superior needle retention. These orchards are indispensable to both the economic prosperity of the industry and the Pacific Northwest's enduring reputation for producing exceptional Christmas trees.
The NWREC seed orchards are vital to the Christmas tree industry for several reasons:
- Ensuring Quality: They provide a consistent supply of high-quality seeds, resulting in trees that meet the exacting standards of consumers worldwide.
- Genetic Preservation: They safeguard the genetic traits identified through decades of progeny trials, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the industry.
- Supporting Innovation: These orchards enable ongoing research to improve tree traits and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
- Industry Sustainability: The orchards serve as a critical resource for the long-term health and productivity of the Christmas tree industry. They provide both quality seed and serve as a vital source of scion cuttings to establish new orchards and ensure the preservation of superior traits.
NWREC Christmas tree Seed Orchards are comprised of five individual orchards of the following species.
Noble Fir (Abies procera)
Noble fir are native to the PNW, specifically in the coastal mountains and Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington. The selections in this orchard originate from the Coast Range of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Noble fir remains a favorite Christmas tree species in Oregon and across the United States due to its striking blue-green color, symmetrical shape, strong branches, and excellent needle retention.
- Size: .75 acre
- Spacing: 8' x 16' (204 trees).
- Grafting Method: 100% grafted; top 15% of progeny tested with forward and backward selections.
- Establishment: Bench grafted in 2013 with planting that spring; field grafting continued in subsequent years.
- Additional Information: Trees are designated for removal along the 8 ft. spacing after the first seed crop or as needed for spacing adjustments.
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Douglas-fir is a cornerstone of Oregon’s Christmas tree industry, accounting for a large portion of the state's tree exports. This species is widely cultivated for its versatility and appeal to customers seeking a traditional tree. The coastal variety featured in the NWREC orchard grows naturally between British Columbia and Northern California. This orchard includes selections from Oregon and areas around Puget Sound into British Columbia.
- Size: 1.1 acre
- Spacing: 16' x 16' (186 trees).
- Grafting Method: 90% grafted (top 14 families from 2008 progeny tests); 10% seedlings sourced from Vancouver Island.
- Establishment: Bench grafted in 2016 on universal rootstock; field planting occurred the same year.
- Additional Information: Includes several prized grower selections, displaying the best traits for Christmas tree production.
Turkish Fir (Abies bornmuelleriana)
Turkish fir, native to the mountainous regions of northern Turkey, is a relatively recent introduction to the Pacific Northwest. It is valued for its excellent needle retention as well as its resistance to diseases and insect infestations. Oregon growers regard Turkish fir as a valuable addition to diversify their tree offerings. Outstanding trees from several progeny trials and growers selections are included in this orchard.
- Size: .9 acre
- Spacing: 8' x 16' (304 trees).
- Grafting Method: Approximately 20% bench grafted; the remaining were field grafted.
- Establishment: Planted 2013, grafting continued through 2018.
- Additional Information: All trees tested for post-harvest needle retention at WSU Puyallup, ensuring their suitability for the Christmas tree market.
Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana)
Nordmann fir is native to the Black Sea region stretching from Russia, through Georgia and into Turkey. The trees growing in this orchard originate from the Republic of Georgia. Nordmann fir has gained a reputation in the Christmas tree industry for its glossy, dark-green needles and excellent needle retention, Similar in appearance and character to the Turkish fir, the Nordmann fir is widely planted throughout the Pacific Northwest.
- Size: .3 acre
- Spacing: 8' x 16' (92 trees).
- Grafting Method: Bench and field grafted; includes progeny-tested selections, phenotypes, and grower selections.
- Establishment: Planting began in early 2015; grafting in subsequent years.
- Additional Information: All trees tested for post-harvest needle retention at WSU Puyallup to ensure high quality and market appeal.
Trojan fir (Abies equi-trojani)
Trojan fir grows naturally in western Turkey near the Aegean Sea. This species is adapted to a moderately dry Mediterranean climate and is quite new to the Christmas tree industry. In early testing, it appears to grow and develop more rapidly than Nordmann or Turkish fir. This is the first orchard of Trojan fir established in the United States.
- Size: .15 acre
- Spacing: 16' x 16' (38 trees).
- Grafting Method: Bench grafted; selections made from CofirGE 1 progeny trial.
- Establishment: Bench grafted in 2018-2019; field planting occurred in spring 2019.
- Additional Information: The orchards reflect Oregon’s effort to diversify species in response to consumer preferences.