# Evaluating Douglas Fir’s Provenances in Romania Through Multi-Trait Selection

## TL;DR

This study identifies the best Douglas fir tree origins in Romania based on growth and stability traits to support sustainable forest management.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the use of MGIDI and MTSI indices for multi-trait selection in Douglas fir provenance evaluation.

## Key findings

- Douglas fir provenances from the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Canada showed high performance in growth and stability.
- Significant genotype–environment interactions were observed, with superior growth in the Aleșd site in western Romania.
- Selection differentials of 2.8% to 10.9% indicate potential for genetic improvement in key traits.

## Abstract

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is a valuable timber species native to western North America that was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The objective of this study was to select the most valuable and stable Douglas fir provenances in Romania by combining growth and quality traits, using two indices recently used in forest tree species: the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). The study was conducted across three common garden experiments in Romania, established in 1977, evaluating 61 provenances from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Romania. The analyzed traits were diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), and pruned height (PH). Significant genotype–environment interactions were observed, with the Douglas fir showing superior growth performance in one of the testing sites in western Romania (Aleșd). The MGIDI and MTSI identified high-performing provenances from diverse geographic origins, including the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Canada. Selection differentials ranged from 2.8% to 10.9% for individual traits, highlighting the potential for genetic improvement. The selected provenances represent valuable genetic resources of Douglas fir that are adapted to environmental conditions in the Carpathian region, contributing to the development of climate-adaptive breeding strategies and sustainable forest management.