Screening pinus radiata families and clones for disease and pest insect resistance

Abstract

A brief account is presented of current knowledge of the genetics of resistance of Pinus radiata to Phytophthora cinnamomi, P cryptogea, Dothistroma septospora, Cyclaneusma minus, Pineus pini, Sirex noctilio and Amylostereum areolatum. Techniques to assess field resistance to each of these pathogens or pest insects are now available. Implications of selection and breeding for resistance to pathogens and pests for clonal forestry include a reduction in genetic diversity and a possible loss of sources of potential resistance to significant exotic pathogens and pest insects. There is a need for research in the optimum number of clones for multi-clonal mixtures and the pattern in which these clo..