Genetic variation and inheritance of susceptibility to Neonectria neomacrospora and Christmas tree traits in a progeny test of Nordmann fir

Pronounced additive genetic variation and high narrow-sense heritability for lesion length caused by Neonectria neomacrospora were found in a Nordmann fir progeny test. Significant inbreeding depression was detected traits important Christmas tree production. Recurrent selection multiple would be successful quality traits. The fungal pathogen N. causes severe damage trees Denmark. Family disease susceptibility the species has not been investigated before. This is first combined analysis of to fir. Evaluate five Five measured on 2413 Artificial inoculation conducted detached twigs full-sib progenies with isolate assess resistance/susceptibility. Observed partitioned into environmental understand heritable control observed Narrow-sense 0.63. differences between selfings outcrossed all improvement could breeding process. Resistance other characteristics can improved through recurrent selection.