2023/11/28 by Bouffier, Laurent, Pastuszka, Patrick
#Changement climatique #Climatic change #Genetic material #Maritime pine #Pin maritime #Productivity #Productivité #Selection #Sélection #Variability #Variabilité #Variété
paper · doi:10.17180/3n7k-xv90
Plant material for reforestation or afforestation is of first importance to ensure adaptation of stands to local environmental conditions and to reach goals of wood productivity and quality. Generally the first step focuses on an exploration of between species diversity; then a breeding programme is set up to produce improved genetic material. Maritime pine was chosen for afforestation in the Landes forest (south west of France) during the XIXth century. Later on, a breeding programme was established during the 60’ies based on the local provenance. Development of improved material made it possible to increase stand productivity and quality. Genetic gains of current varieties reach more than 30% for growth and stem straightness. Exploration of diversity between and within species becomes again a key issue in the new context of Landes forest where sustainable intensification is required. Maritime pine will stay the main species in the Landes forest. Nevertheless, strategies are under development to implement new genetic diversity in the breeding programme for adapting futures varieties to environmental and economic changes.