Abies koreana Wilson, a Korean endemic species, is facing challenges in a clonal seed orchard established for the conservation of genetic resources and the production of superior seeds. The orchard has poor flowering and fruiting, which hampers the production of viable seeds. Cone analysis, a technique used to evaluate seed orchards, was conducted on 71 clones for three years (2021-2023) to assess seed potential and recommend better management practices. In 2021, 20 clones produced cones, with an average of 15 cones per clone, while 13 clones averaged 11 cones in 2022, and 25 clones produced an average of 27 cones in 2023. The year 2022 had the longest, widest, and heaviest cones. However, there were no significant differences in cone morphology among years. The number of infertile scales were highest in 2022 and it also had the most aborted ovules. In contrast, the year 2023 had fewer aborted ovules and infertile scales. Significant difference in pest-damaged seeds was noted between years, and there was a positive correlation between cone morphology and seed potential. The findings offer valuable information for improving seed orchard management and conserving genetic resources through better tree breeding and sexual propagation practices.

Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
    1. Seed orchard of A. koreana
    2. Analysis of cone and seed trait
    3. Statistical analysis
Results
    1. Annual cone production
    2. Cone characteristics
    3. Seed characteristics
    4. Correlation between cone and seed characteristics
Discussion
    1. Evaluation of seed potential in the seed orchard
    2. Correlation analysis of cone and seed characteristics
    3. Seed damage in 2023
Acknowledgements
References

• Si Eun Choi(Undergraduate Student, Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 88026, Korea)
• Sun Cheon Hong(Graduate Students, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul 88026, Korea)
• Jung Eun Lee(Graduate Students, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul 88026, Korea)
• Kyu Suk Kang(Professor, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea) Corresponding author