A Pinus radiata progeny trial was established in 2003 on three low fertility sites in Galicia to study the relevance of genotype×fertilization interaction. At each site, twenty seven open pollinated families derived from plus trees selected in mature plantations in Galicia (NW Spain) were planted under 9 fertilization treatments following a split-plot design. One year after planting, P and Mg fertilization significantly increased height growth whereas N did not affect or even significantly reduced height growth. Fertilization×site interaction was not significant indicating parallel responses to fertilization in the three sites. Fertilization × genotype interaction was significant in only one site, suggesting some genetic variation in the nutrient use efficiency among the studied genotypes. However, the lack of a significant interaction in the other two sites, and the lack of consistence among the genotypic stability in relation to fertilization across sites, hinder the possibility of breeding in relation to the nutrient efficiency of the genotypes. Indications for further research are given.

This study was supported by the INIA project RTA2-109.

Peer reviewed