Budding as a Silvicultural Technique

THOUGH budding and grafting have been long used by horticulturists a a means of reproducing genetically complex or sterile clones superior for their fruit or ornamental value, little consideration has been given to these techniques by foresters as a means of improving the unit value of forest stands. Forest geneticists in Denmark and Sweden have, however, sensed the practical value of these techniques in the establishment of heir "seed plantations" or "seed orchards" in which groups of superior, progeny-tested mother trees are propagated by budding or grafting in isolated locations for the production of high quality seed (2,3,4,5,6,7,9). Larsen and Magius. (8) in Denmark and, doubtless, others have suggested that the technique of budding might provide a practical means of directly introducing genetically superior forms of trees into the forest. Although American foresters are characteristically reluctant to consider seriously such intensive schemes it seems likely that such a method may have some practical application i the hardwood forests and woodlots of the eastern states. By the utilization of wild seedlings as they occur in situ for rootstocks, the budding of fast-growing and otherwise desirable forms on them would prove vastly more economical of time and labor than, for instance, planting, In addition, successful budding requires no especial skill, the only tool and supplies required being a jacknile and pieces of rubber band or other material for use in binding the incision in the bark after insertion of the