The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Balsam fir trees are the most popular choice for Christmas trees in Atlantic Canada and a major export, though postharvest needle abscission challenges the industry’s viability. The objective of this study was to determine if any morphological characteristics may be linked with needle abscission resistance (NAR) in balsam fir. A total of 17 different parameters were measured in branches of clones that belonged to three needle abscission resistant classifications. Of these parameters, significant (P < 0.05) differences were found between branch diameter, initial mass, needle density, break strength, and needle retention duration. It was found that high NAR genotypes had a 9.1% smaller diameter, 25.0% lower initial mass, 33.2% lower needle break strength, 32.4% lower needle density, and 91% longer needle retention than low NAR clones. Of these factors, needle density was the best predictor for needle retention duration (R² = 38%). Identification of these parameters is an important first step to understanding physiological and genetic relationships and provides useful information for breeders in selecting Christmas trees with high NAR.