A mathematical method is developed for assigning clones utilization factors (= relative numbers of copies) given an upper bound on the utilization factor of each clone. The mean genetic value is maximized under a diversity constraint. The optimal utilization for a clone is linearly related to the genetic value of the clone when this value is not too low and the upper bound is inactive. It is argued that this method is a useful tool for genetic thinning of seed orchards. The method is extended to the situation when the clones can be organized into groups of similar clones. For each group an optimal linear ultilization can be found; in the simplest case the slopes are the same for all the groups. The method is applied to a Norway spruce seed orchard with 36 clones for which predicted breeding values are available.
165.3 (Allgemeines über Vererbung, Genetik und Züchtung, Variation [Praktische Anwendung siehe 232.13 und 232.311.3]) 232.311.3 (Samenplantagen, Pfropfplantagen usw. einschl. Methoden zur Förderung der Samenerzeugung) 174.7 (Coniferae [Siehe Anhang D])
