Substantial Realized Gains from Mass Selection of Fusiform Rust-Free Trees in Highly Infected Stands of Slash Pine

Author： Hodge G. R. Schmidt R. A. White T. L.

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0148-4419

Source： Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, Vol.14, Iss.3, 1990-08, pp. : 143-146

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Abstract

Three independent slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) populations were formed through mass selection of fusiform rust-free individuals in stands with over 90% infection. Realized gain estimates were developed by comparing offspring from 592 selections to unimproved material in 46 progeny tests, and indicate substantial genetic gain in resistance. Across all tests of the three populations, unimproved material incurred nearly the entire possible range of infection from 0 to 100%. When both parents were rust-free selections, progeny rust infection was only two-thirds of the rust infection incurred by unimproved material at all levels of rust hazard. Realized heritability is high (h h_r² ≡ 0.35), and increased resistance is evident in nearly all environments. This indicates that substantial genetic gain can be made by mass selection of healthy trees in highly infected stands. South. J. Appl. For. 14(3):143-146.