Pinus pseudostrobus PROVENANCE VARIATION TESTED IN TWO SITES IN MICHOACÁN, MÉXICO

Abstract

To estimate the genetic variation among provenances for growth traits, survival, frost damage, and the level of genotype x environment interaction, nine provenances of Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl. and two of P. pseudostrobus var. apulcensis Mart. were tested at two forested sites with different elevation (2200 and 2800 m) within the native indian community at Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro, Michoacán, México. Significant differences were found among provenances (P< 0.05) for growth in seedling height at 15, 20 and 24 months of age, basal diameter and crown width at 24 months of age and bud phenology at 27 months of age. Significant differences were also found between sites for height growth at 15 months of age, basal diameter, crown width and survival at 24 months, bud phenology at 16 and 27 months of age and frost damage at 15 months of age (after the first winter). P. pseudostrobus provenances had a growth significantly higher than Pinus pseudostrobus var. apulcencis, which support their taxonomic separation. One local P. pseudostrobus provenance (Cerro de Tumbiscatillo) had the best growth in seedling height,
about twice the growth of P. pseudostrobus var. apulcensis provenances. Genotype x environment interaction was detected for the seedling basal diameter.