GEOGRAPHIC-VARIATION AND STRESS-ADAPTATION OF PINUS-HALEPENSIS - PINUS-BRUTIA COMPLEX IN MEDITERRANEAN CONDITIONS - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS OF A PROVENANCE TEST IN FRANCE

Results of a 2-site provenance trial planted in south-eastern France (Vitrolles and Ceyreste) as part of an international network involving pine provenances of the Pinus halepensis - Pinus brutia complex are presented. Observations were made 11 and 13 years after plantation. Traits studied are frost and drought resistance, height growth and resistance to the processionary moth (Thaumetopea pithyocampa). For results from the Aleppo pine, the Vitrolles site, which is typical for this species, confirms that the local provenances, as well as those from Spain and north-eastern Greece show good site adaptation. Pinus brutia is not well adapted to either site due to its altitude, but a choice of provenances can be proposed for afforestation in the more elevated pubescent oak range, relative to their resistance to frost and drought, as well as their behaviour in natural stands. As the 2 species, ie Pinus brutia and Pinus halepensis hybridize easily, the future improvement programme may involve a hybrid breeding population; however. the protection and conservation of the local French Aleppo pine resources should also be considered.