Variation Among Full-Sib Progenies of Red Maple in Growth, Autumn Leaf Color, and Leafhopper Injury

Controlled pollinations made between selected parents of red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and seedling progenies were planted in a randomized block design along with trees of the cultivars ‘October Glory,’ ‘Autumn Flame,’ and ‘Red Sunset’. Tree height, autumn color, and leafhopper (Empoasca fabae (Harris)) injury were evaluated over an eight-year period. Differences among progenies and cultivars in leafhopper injury and in the time and quality of peak autumn leaf color were statistically significant for all years. These traits were significantly influenced by the female and/or male parent used to create the progeny. The timing of peak color was also influenced by a significant interaction between male and female parents. Growth rate and color intensity of the same progenies were generally consistent across years, whereas correlation for leafhopper damage was weak between years. Clonal selections from the best progenies have been made and are being evaluated for possible release to the nursery industry.