Cone to Seedling-Variation between Pinus pinaster Provenances from Contrasting Altitudes

摘要

Variation in cone, germination, and seedling traits among maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) seed sources can potentially impact regeneration, seedling establishment, and performance at later stages. We analyzed the variation and inheritance patterns in cone morphology, 100-seed weight, and germination characteristics in two regional provenances from contrasting altitudes: Braganca (800 m) and Leiria (55 m), Portugal. We also examined their postgermination growth potential, in controlled conditions, and compared the germination success and ontogeny, under nursery conditions, to that of a seed orchard genetically originating from Leiria. The two provenances showed significantly different responses in most traits. High-altitude Braganca, possibly under a selection pressure related to minimum temperatures, was more competitive in germination and early growth than coastal Leiria, and the seed orchard displayed the highest germination success in the nursery. Cone and germination traits were genetically correlated and exhibited high levels of provenance and family variation, with high broad-sense heritabilities at the family level. The different strategies displayed by these reproductive materials can be explored when allocating genetic resources at a regional level for management or conservation purposes