Introduction and Cultivation of Pinus caribaea in China Ⅰ. Introduction and Genetic Improvement

Pinus caribaea var. caribaea from Cuba was introduced to southern China in 1963 with P. caribaea var. hondurensis from Guatemala and var. bahamensis following in 1973. However,it was not until 1983 that combined variety/provenance testing was established on several sites with a range of provenance. The combined provenance/progeny trials were also established with the three varieties in 1990 using seeds representing the whole distribution range. A breeding seedling orchard of var. caribaea has been established using a multiple population breeding strategy. The strategy is conceived to combine the functions of genetic testing,selection breeding and seed production. At the same time it both permits gene conservation and provides long term flexibility for advanced generation breeding.