Geographic and Genetic Variability of Height Growth in Young Abies cephalonica Loud.

1991

S. 279-295

5 Abb., 11 Tab., 25 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200041325

Geographic variability of height growth in Abies cephalonica Loud. was studied in 10 provenances grown at 3 different experimental sites in southern France. Provenances could be separated into 3 different groups: first, the slow growing "Eastern Greece" group; second, the intermediate "Continental Greece" group and third, the fast growing "Peloponnesos" group. The Taygetos mountains provenance presented strong initial height growth and post-plantation mortality comparable to those of the Continental Greece group, but could be linked with the Peloponnesos group through annual increments and its geographical situation. Genetic and adaptative factors could be responsible for these differences. Within the Peloponnesos group, Menalon and Parnon provenances had the lowest site and year interactions. Along with the Pindos provenances studied in another experimental design, they seemed to be the best adapted provenances for reforestation projects in the Quercus pubescens zone in Mediterranean France. Genetic variability of height growth was estimated using family and progeny data from 3 provenances grown at 1 site. Individual heritability values were between 0.20 and 0.25 for mean total height at age 11 yr and between 0.08 and 0.11 for cumulative annual increments from ages 7 to 11 yr. If significant juvenile-adult correlations can be found, these estimates indicate the possibility of early selection in Abies cephalonica based on height growth characteristics.