Stability of resistance to western gall rust and needle cast in lodgepole pine provenances

Abstract

Stability of 76 interior lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ssp. latifolia Engelm.) provenances in resistance to western gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii (J.P. More) Y. Hiratsuka) and needle cast (Lophodermella concolor (Dearn.) Darker) was investigated from 19 and 23 sites in the British Columbia interior, respectively. Provenances, sites, and provenance by site interaction had significant effects on severity level of infection of both diseases. Susceptible provenances contributed mainly to the interaction. The resistant provenances to both diseases were very stable and essentially homeostatic across sites (regression coefficient approaching 0). Resistant provenances were concentrated in the jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) - lodgepole pine hybrid zone and adjacent areas, and provenances from the low-elevation interior wetbelt were also very resistant to needle cast. Geographic patterns of provenance variation revealed that the closer a lodgepole pine provenance is to the limit of jack pine distribution, the higher and more stable is its resistance to western gall rust and needle cast. The current multiple-site evaluation supports for the hypothesis that jack pine introgression influences pest defence in lodgepole pine and suggests genetic selection can be effective.