DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT In view of the importance of blue pine (Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jachson) growing the several countries in southern Asia and its utilization in breeding programmes against stem rust (Cronartium rabicola J.C. Fisch ex Rabenh.) and dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium minutissimum Hook. F.), a detailed study on several provenances of the species alongwith the data on soil and geoclimatic variables has been collected during the past several years. Seedlings were also grown in a greenhouse to compare the level of association of genetic variation with those observed in the natural stands. An ecotypic level of differentiation has been confirmed with several recommendations to improve plantations of the species in northern Pakistan and other countries.