Review Reports - Current Advances in Seed Orchard Layouts: Two Case Studies in Conifers

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors discuss a topical issue in their manuscript which is well structured. The manuscript follows a logical approach and concentrates on the essential. However, there are two aspects which should be discussed or added in the conclusions. (1) It should be mentioned that pollen contamination is also an important factor in seed orchards influencing genetic diversity. (2) Beside the number of clones a synchronous flowering is significant.

The keyword seed orchard(s) is already part of the title. Therefore it should be substituted probably by Computer Organized Orchard Layout (COOL) and optimum neighborhood algorithm design (ONA).

In the author Contribution the word “And” usually do not start with a capital letter.

Author Response

Point 1

There are two aspects which should be discussed or added in the conclusions. (1) It should be mentioned that pollen contamination is also an important factor in seed orchards influencing genetic diversity. (2) Beside the number of clones a synchronous flowering is significant.

Response to point 1

These two important aspects have been added to the results and discussion section. Possible solutions to these problems are also discussed and relevant literature is cited.

Point 2

The keyword seed orchard(s) is already part of the title. Therefore it should be substituted probably by Computer Organized Orchard Layout (COOL) and optimum neighborhood algorithm design (ONA).

Response to point 2

Keywords were changed as the reviewer suggested (to better correspond to the paper content). The names of both used designes are listed now there.

Point 3

In the author Contribution the word “And” usually do not start with a capital letter.

Response to point 3

This section was corrected and a general revision of the English language and style was also done as can be seen in the new manuscript version.

Reviewer 2 Report

This manuscript reports the seed orchard lay out that maximize the panmixia, especially in advanced generation seed orchards. They compared and discussed the two options of ONA and MI in terms of the minimizing of inbreeding and the problem solving of mortality (empty positions) in clonal seed orchards.

Their results would be very informative and practical to orchard managers, and Forests journal readers. So, I would suggest for publishing after minor revision.

I suggest to consider the revision as follows,

1. Title : Current advances in seed orchard layouts: two case studies in conifer clonal seed orchards

2. line 50 : pest control etc. -> pest control, etc.

3. line 93 : the optimum neighborhood algorithm -> the ONA

4. line 129 : σ²min -> σ²_min (subscript)

5. line135 : (R2SCR) -> might be better to use a superscript of 2 as R²SCR (give it first at line 58)

6. line158: 5. Conclusions -> 4. Conclusions

This article would be very practical and applicable in advanced generation seed orchards where a few genotype will be planted proportionally with the genetic values.