This project determined the underlying factors affecting the interaction between genetics and climate and site factors for radiata pine at different plantation sites across Australia and New Zealand.
As a result, the study defined new plantation ‘site types’ where tree genetics influence economic gains. The first two ‘site types’ are based on minimum temperature, representing Warm and Cool site types. The next split is into Cool-Wet and Cool-Dry ‘site types’ based on variation in rainfall.
This reduction in the number of breeding regions in Australia could significantly simplify management of the national breeding programme.
The study also considered the impacts of climate change to the year 2050 on existing radiata pine trials. The study discusses how to determine where to establish future field trials that will be representative of future climates.
Project number: PNC246-1112
