Phenotypic Differences Between Natural and Selected Populations of Picea Abies. I. Frost Hardiness

The frost hardiness of non-juvenile Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] populations growing in northern Sweden (63°54' N) was monitored during 1996-1997. The investigated progenies originated from 12 natural populations and six seed orchards located between 58° N and 68° N in Sweden. Frost hardiness of needles was assessed by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence and electrolyte leakage after freezing. The loss of frost hardiness in 1-yr-old needles during spring occurred slightly earlier in populations originating north of 63°30' N than in those originating further south. Dehardening was slightly delayed in selected populations compared with natural populations of similar origin. The level of frost hardiness during autumn was higher in populations originating north of 63°30' N than in those originating south of this latitude, but there were no clear differences in frost hardiness between selected and natural populations of similar origin. The results are discussed in relation to climatic factors and inherent growth rhythms.     

Phenotypic changes in progenies of northern clones of Picea abies (L.) Karst. grown in a southern seed orchard

Results are presented from three different field trials comparing controlled crossed materials of Norway spruce from the southern seed orchard at Lyngdal (58° N) with open‐pollinated progenies from the same mother trees standing in the northern natural forest (63–66° N). The seed orchard progenies flushed consistently later in the spring, terminated leader shoot growth later in the summer, had higher frequencies of lammas shoots, were delayed in lignification during autumn, and were 15% taller at age seven years from seed. The difference between the orchard‐ and the natural stand material appeared to be permanent from age four to age seven. It is suspected that the non‐native environment in the seed orchard could affect the genotypic performance of the seed orchard progenies.     

Growth Cessation and Autumn-frost Hardiness in One-year-old Picea abies Progenies from Seed Orchards and Natural Stands

One-year-old seedlings of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] from seed orchards and natural stands were compared with respect to growth cessation and autumn-frost hardiness. The correlation among traits related to growth, growth cessation and frost hardiness on the same plants in two sets of environmental conditions was assessed. Total height, the degrees of shoot lignification and frost hardiness, and the timing of height growth cessation and budset were recorded at two nurseries in central and northern Sweden. Nine seed-orchard seed-lots were compared with seed from 26 natural stands originating from 56° N to 66° N in Sweden. Latitude explained 55-87% of the statistical variation among stands in the analysed traits at the central nursery and 49-84% at the northern nursery. On average, the seed-orchard progeny performed similarly to progeny from natural stands located 1-2° south of the origin of the seed-orchard clones. Reference material representing a geographical gradient was found to be a valuable aid when interpreting the results of growth cessation and frost-hardiness evaluations.     

Marker trait association for autumn cold acclimation and growth rhythm in pinus sylvestris

The main objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in the genetic control of growth rhythm and autumn cold acclimation in Pinus sylvestris L. Eighteen full‐sib families of P. sylvestris with parental origins between latitudes 62 and 67° N in Sweden were assessed for autumn cold acclimation (frost injury measured from artificial freeze testing) and growth rhythm during the first two growing seasons. One family north × south with 108 individuals was used for the construction of one linkage map for the male and one for the female parent using 286 markers from random amplification of polymorphic DNA. Marker trait associations (QTLs) for shoot elongation, growth cessation and cold acclimation were found on both maps. Some QTLs were verified in two additional north × south families. Proportions of the additive genetic variance explained by the markers (R ²/_G) indicated that genetic factors of large effect were involved in all investigated traits. Single or multiple markers accounted for between 16 and 47% of the additive variance in annual shoot elongation, between 42 and 79% of the additive variance in growth termination, and between 7 and 31% of the additive variation in autumn cold acclimation. The study confirms that there are major QTL regions on different linkage groups controlling a large part of the variation for growth rhythm and autumn cold acclimation in P. sylvestris.     

Growth and phenology variation in progeny of Scots pine seed orchards and commercial seed stands

Tree improvement in Poland has been most advanced for Scots pine, but existing seed orchards have not been progeny-tested yet. We examined variation in growth traits—tree height at ages 4 and 8 years, and diameter at age 13 years—in the common garden experiment testing open-pollinated progenies of 31 seed orchards and 5 commercial seed stands (referred to as populations) at 5 locations. We also examined bud burst phenology at two to five sites at three growing seasons. At one experimental site during the 5th growing season, we measured shoot growth rhythm on all populations. Similar measurements of shoot growth were done on a subset of populations during the 6th growing season together with the analysis of needle growth and foliar chemistry. We found significant variation among populations in growth traits, but also significant population × site (G × E) interactions. We used the regression approach and ecovalence analysis to examine populations’ performance stability. Most populations had average responsiveness to environment, and a set of least-responsive poor-growing populations contributed the most to the G × E interaction. Variation in bud burst phenology was associated with geographical distribution of tested progenies. The early bud-bursting populations originated from the north-eastern to north-central Poland, and a group of late bud-bursting populations originated mainly from the south-eastern region. Correlations between bud burst and growth traits were weak to medium and varied by site, but early bud-bursting populations tended to show stronger growth on height and diameter. We found significant differences among populations in final leader length, shoot elongation time and relative growth rate (RGR). However, RGR and shoot elongation time explained less than 30% of variation in leader length and were weakly correlated with tree height. Populations varied in needle length, specific leaf area and foliar nitrogen concentration, but time trends in these traits did not vary among populations or predefined groups of populations. Therefore, the analysis of growth rhythm or needle traits did not help resolve variation in tree growth to support selection decisions. Contrary to our expectation, progeny of seed orchards did not perform significantly better than that of commercial seed stands. This finding, however, should not be extrapolated beyond our set of populations. Nonetheless, the local seed sources were not always the best. From a selection standpoint, our results help culling the worst populations rather than selecting the best ones. Therefore, testing individual family progeny and genetic roguing of existing seed orchards is highly recommended.     

Phenology Differs among Norway Spruce Populations in Relation to Local Variation in Altitude of Maternal Stands in the Beskidy Mountains

An investigation of phenological and growth traits was conducted in a lowland plantation, comprised of 23 Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seed stands from the Istebna region in the Beskidy Mountains of Poland. Significant differences were found among population in growth initiation, growth termination and the length of shoot elongation period. The two latter traits were highly correlated and were attributed to the altitude of the maternal stand. The tested populations were grouped based on phenology. Progeny of lower-alttitude stands ceased growth later, had a longer duration of shoot growth and greater current leader length compared to progeny of higher-altitude stands. Individual populations, however, did not differ in current-year growth and total tree height, implying higher within-population variation in growth traits than in phenology. The similar growth capacity of all tested populations suggests considerable gene flow between maternal stands, although differences in phenology imply the adaptation of progenies to the altitudinal environment of seed origin. These results suggest that within tested populations, selection is possible based on phenology alone, without considerable reduction of early height growth; final decisions, however, should be based on the environmental conditions of the planting site.     

Genetic and environmental control of seasonal carbohydrate dynamics in trees of diverse Pinus sylvestris populations

We explored environmental and genetic factors affecting seasonal dynamics of starch and soluble nonstructural carbohydrates in needle and twig cohorts and roots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees of six populations originating between 49 degrees and 60 degrees N, and grown under common garden conditions in western Poland. Trees of each population were sampled once or twice per month over a 3-year period from age 15 to 17 years. Based on similarity in starch concentration patterns in needles, two distinct groups of populations were identified; one comprised northern populations from Sweden and Russia (59-60 degrees N), and another comprised central European populations from Latvia, Poland, Germany and France (49-56 degrees N). Needle starch concentrations of northern populations started to decline in late spring and reached minimum values earlier than those of central populations. For all populations, starch accumulation in spring started when minimum air temperature permanently exceeded 0 degrees C. Starch accumulation peaked before bud break and was highest in 1-year-old needles, averaging 9-13% of dry mass. Soluble carbohydrate concentrations were lowest in spring and summer and highest in autumn and winter. There were no differences among populations in seasonal pattern of soluble carbohydrate concentrations. Averaged across all populations, needle soluble carbohydrate concentrations increased from about 4% of needle dry mass in developing current-year needles, to about 9% in 1- and 2-year-old needles. Root carbohydrate concentration exhibited a bimodal pattern with peaks in spring and autumn. Northern populations had higher concentrations of fine-root starch in spring and autumn than central populations. Late-summer carbohydrate accumulation in roots started only after depletion of starch in needles and woody shoots. We conclude that Scots pine carbohydrate dynamics depend partially on inherited properties that are probably related to phenology of root and shoot growth.     

Side-effects of Formulations of Permethrin and Fenvalerate Insecticides on Frost Resistance and Field Performance of Picea Abies Seedlings

Side - effects of the permethrin formulations Gori 920 and Gori 920 L, the fenvalerate formulation Sumicidin 10 FW and the emulsifier of the Gori formulations were studied in seedlings of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.]. Whole plant treatment with the Gori formulations in early autumn resulted in a 5-10°C poorer frost tolerance (TDI) later in the autumn. Moreover, this treatment increased mortality by 30% within 2 yrs of testing in field trials. In contrast, a basal part treatment with the Gori formulations and whole plant treatment with Sumicidin 10 FW containing 10% fenvalerate had no negative effects during 2 yrs of field testing. Late autumn treatment with Gori 920 and Gori 920 L, followed by cold storage for 6 months, revealed poorer frost tolerance (3-4°C) in the spring than that in the control. These treatments also reduced leader shoot growth in the first year and increased the frequency of seedlings lacking a dominant leader after 2 yrs by 20-40%. The detrimental agent in Gori 920 L was found to be the emulsifier, ethoxylated nonylphenol, alone and in combination with the dispersal agent, linseed oil. The linseed oil had no significant additional negative effect on frost resistance and growth after the cold storage during the winter. The investigation demonstrates the necessity of testing for possible side - effects before practical use of any commercial pesticide formulation.     

Differences between provenances of pinus contort a var. latifolia in resistance to attack by gremmeniella abietina

A provenance trial of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) planted in 1969 at Matrand, Eidskog, Norway was apparently attacked by Gremmeniella abietina in 1984/85. In late autumn the damage was recorded separately on the lower and upper halves of the trees. The material ranged in latitude from 40.25°N to 56.28°N, and in altitude from 2 850 to 450 m a.s.l., highest in interior western United States and lowest in western Canada. The most heavily attacked sources were those from southern latitudes and from high elevations. The attack frequency changed gradually from south to north. In order to avoid attack by G. abietina, only well‐adapted provenances should be used.     

Growth and survival of seedlings of various picea species under northern climatic conditions

The main purpose of these studies was to investigate the adaptation of young seedlings of various seed lots of Picea abies (L.) Karst., P. glauca (Moench) Voss, P. x lutzii Little and P. sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. to northern climatic conditions. Effects of temperature and photoperiod on elongation growth and growth cessation were studied under controlled conditions in a phytotron. In addition, growth and survival of the seedlings outdoors at 69°39’ N lat. were followed for two years. Seed lots of /’. abies originated from northern Norway (66° N lat.), those of the other species were from Alaska (between 57°.and 66° N lat.). The critical photoperiod for budset was 19–20 h for seed lots of P. abies. In general, the critical photoperiod for budset increased with increasing latitude of the seed source, but the results indicated a significantly shorter cirtical photoperiod for seed lots from about 60° N lat., <120 m a.s.l. of P. sitchensis (between 12 and 16 h) than for comparable seed lots of P x lutzii (17–18 h) or P. glauca (18 h). The time course of budset under natural light conditions, both in the phytotron and outdoors, generally followed the pattern predicted from the critical photoperiod. However, in P. glauca the budset occurred earlier than in P. abies although the latter had a longer critical photoperiod. Due to the short critical photoperiod and consequently delayed growth cessation and hardening, all seed lots of P. sitchensis (from 58° to 60° N lat.) were severely damaged during winter. Some damage was also observed in P. x lutzii and in P. abies. The optimum temperature for elongation growth was higher for P. sitchensis than for the other species. In the phytotron experiments, seedlings of P. sitchensis grew best at temperatures between 12 and 21°C, but at 9°C the best growth was obtained in some seed lots of P. abies. After two growth seasons outdoors, all seed lots of P. abies were taller than any seed lot of the other species. Also P. glauca seed lots and one seed lot of P. x lutzii showed good growth, and their growth rhythm seemed to be well adapted to the northern conditions.     

Impact of Fertility Variation on Gene Diversity and Drift in two Clonal Seed Orchards of Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.)

Two 25 year old teak clonal seed orchards comprising 15 (CSO-I) and 20 clones (CSO-II), respectively, selected mostly from moist forests of Western Ghats (latitude 10° N) in southern India, were evaluated for fertility, offspring diversity, and genetic drift. The orchards differed in fertility of clones as well as flower and fruit production per ramet. Fertility was highly skewed in CSO-II, where one clone (originating from higher latitude −17° N, in Eastern Ghats of peninsular India) produced 55% of the fruits and 68% of the flowers in the orchard, in contrast to a similar contribution from four most fertile clones in CSO-I. Fertility variation, measured as `sibling coefficient' (1.7 in CSO-I and 8.3 in CSO-II), was high in CSO-II resulting in high coancestry and low effective population size (3 times lower than CSO-I) in the seed crop. In CSO-I, 58% of the clones contributed effectively to seed production compared to only 12% effective contribution resulting in eight times higher genetic drift in CSO-II. Placing limits on how much seed can be collected per clone might be useful in restricting over representation of highly reproductive clones thereby increasing genetic diversity in the seed crop.     

Genetic variation in the natural pollen cloud of pinus sylvestris: a study based on progeny testing

Seeds from open pollination of individual female stroboli on different days in June 1990 in a coastal clone archive of Pinus sylvestris (L.) in northern Sweden (latitude 63°39’ N) were used for a short‐term progeny experiment to study differences over time in the genetic composition of the background pollen. Analysis of progeny growth and cold acclimatization in artificial whole‐plant freezing tests suggested no genetic differences in the fertilizing pollen between pollination days. A clinal variation with the latitude of pollen origin was observed for reference progenies from fertilization with pollen of known geographical origin. Comparisons between open‐pollinated progenies and reference progenies indicate that the pollen cloud originated from approximately 1° latitude (based on height growth) or 1.5° latitude (based on freezing injury) north of the pollination site.     

木荷苗木性状的种源变异和地理模式

利用来自7省区36个木荷种源在浙江淳安和福建建瓯两试验点的苗期测定材料,研究其苗木生长、根系特征和叶片形态等12个性状的种源差异及其地理变异模式。方差分析结果显示,除主根长、侧根长和叶片颜色在种源间无显著差异外,其它性状的种源效应都达到显著或极显著水平。种源苗木性状与产地地理气候因子的相关分析发现,苗高、叶片特征(叶片数、叶片宽、叶片厚)及秋末嫩叶颜色等呈典型的纬向变异模式,产地温度则是造成这种纬向变异模式的主要环境作用因子。与北部种源比较,南部种源生长快,叶片数量多,但叶片较薄较窄,其秋末嫩叶颜色变化对寒冷信号反应敏感。影响木荷种子性状表型差异的主导因素是产地的年降水量。以苗高为标准,分别在两地点初选出优良种源10个,它们多来自25°N左右的木荷自然分布区。     

Growth, shoot phenology and physiology of diverse seed sources of black spruce: II. 23-year-old field trees

Four sources of 23-year-old black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) from a provenance test at the Petawawa National Forestry Institute (46 degrees N, 77 degrees 30' W) were assessed for height growth, shoot phenology and seasonal gas exchange. The provenances were designated 7000 (Yukon, 63 degrees 34' N, 135 degrees 55' W), 6979 (Alberta 52 degrees 22' N, 115 degrees 15' W), 6908 (Ontario, 48 degrees 59' N, 80 degrees 38' W) and 6901 (Ontario, 45 degrees 10' N, 77 degrees 10' W). Trees of southern provenances (6901 and 6908) were considerably taller, and broke bud and ceased growth later than trees of northern provenances (6979 and 7000). In early spring, trees of northern provenances had higher net photosynthetic rates (P(n)) than trees of southern provenances (6908 and 6901). During midsummer, trees of Provenance 7000 generally had the highest P(n) as a result of low rates of shoot dark respiration (R(d)). Trees of northern provenances displayed an earlier autumn decline in P(n) than trees of southern provenances. Provenance differences in growth, shoot phenology and physiology agreed well with results from a greenhouse study of seedlings from the same provenances. We conclude that the poor growth performance of trees of northern provenances in Ontario was associated with: (1) a short period of shoot growth, (2) a high rate of dry matter partitioning to roots, (3) low rates of late-season P(n) in response to decreasing photoperiod, and possibly, (4) a high rate of root R(d).     

红松不同分布亚区优树群体结实与生长性状分析

对露水河红松无性系种子园中不同分布亚区优树群体的结实和生长性状进行调查与分析,结果表明：在相同立地条件下,结实株率、种子平均产量以南亚区优树群体最高,其次为北亚区,中亚区最低;单株平均结实数、球果平均长度与宽度、单果平均重量、千粒重以南亚区优树最高,其次为中亚区,北亚区最低,与纬度呈现反比状态,而与温度和湿度呈正比。南亚区优树群体的平均树高生长量最大,为10.2 m,分别高出北亚区、中亚区及对照的29.11%、59.38%、92.82%。胸径平均生长量各分布亚区的优树群体之间差异不显著,但均分别高出对照24.87%、21.64%、18.41%。     

Ecophysiological and genetic variation in seedling traits and in first-year field performance of eight <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia senegal</Emphasis> provenances in the Blue Nile,Sudan

The genetic variation in seed weight, seed number per kg and seedling traits was compared among eight Acacia senegal provenances originating from the clay plain (east) and sand plains (west) of the gum belt in Sudan. The main objective of this study was to identify germplasm sources of A. senegal that have a good seed germination capacity and seedling traits suitable for reforestation in the clay-soil part of the dryland gum belt in the Blue Nile region in Sudan. A specific objective was to tentatively explore the adaptive strategy of A. senegal populations. Seventeen-week-old seedlings were planted in the field at spacing of 3 m × 3 m, giving 100 trees per plot and replication; within a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental site was in the clay plain region. Seed variables showed significant differences. Clay plain provenances showed considerable variation in seed weight and seed number. They had the smallest seed weight but the highest seed number, while the sand (western) provenances had the largest seed weight but lowest seed number. Seedling branch number, root length, root to shoot ratio and shoot dry weight differed significantly among the provenances 12 weeks after germination. Clay provenances had the highest branch number and shoot dry weight but the shortest roots and lowest root to shoot ratio. This was interpreted as showing better adaptation to the site in these local provenances in comparison to those originating from the western sandy soil regions. High positive correlations were observed between seedling variables, such as root nodule and branch numbers; this could be used for early selection. The variation was greater between provenance groups than within them, suggesting that especially selection among groups would yield genetic gain.     

巨龙竹资源分布特点及其开花结实现象

巨龙竹Dendrocalamus sinicus Chia et J. L. Sun是云南特有的重要经济竹种之一,为了保护和开发巨龙竹资源,本文调查了18个典型的巨龙竹种群,并对近6年来巨龙竹开花结实现象进行了分析。研究结果显示巨龙竹分布区域十分狭窄,以滇西南的沧源、西盟和孟连3个县为中心,集中分布于22°09' 23°30 'N,98°56' 99°37' E,海拔1 000~1 500 m之间的低中山区。同时,巨龙竹秆型依照分布区由南向北表现出明显的弯曲型——弯曲型与通直型混生(混生型)——通直型的变化趋势。种群平均胸径与分布区海拔之间呈现极显著的正相关关系。巨龙竹野外多见零星开花,以通直型为主,但结实少见且结实率低,约为0.34%~0.64%,这可能主要是由于个体零星开花以及小花雌雄异熟等原因造成的结果。土蜂Apis cerana Fabricius的访问可能是巨龙竹有性繁殖中传粉的重要补充方式。     

Ecology of some fungi associated with an ageing stand of birches (Betula pendula and B. pubescens)

When stydying the growth of different provenances of Betula pendula and B. pubescens it was noted that fruitbody production by many sheathing (ecto-)mycorrhizal fungi followed distinctive patterns in time and place.When saplings of B. pendula and B. pubescens, from seed collected from ranges of locations in western Europe, were grown on a brown earth at latitude 55° 52′ N, autumnal yellowing and defoliation occurred sooner on saplings originating from northern locations (Scandinavia, 60°–66°N) than on those from the south (United Kingdom and Germany, 50°–55°N); the latter group of trees, particularly of B. pubescens, tended to be taller than the former.In the first 6 years after planting Betula spp., more than 90% of the fruitbodies (toadstools, earth-fans of Thelephora terrestris and elf-cups of Peziza badia), usually appearing in the autumn, were of fungi known, or suspected, to form sheathing mycorrhizas with Betula spp. Mean numbers of fruitbodies increased from 0.4 to 28 and 170 per tree in the 2nd, 4th and 6th years respectively after planting. Numbers of fungal species producing fruitbodies progressively increased from one, Hebeloma crustulvniforme, in the 2nd year to 14 (B. pubescens) and 18 (B. pendula) in the 6th year when Hebeloma spp. accounted for 79% of fruitbodies; Laccaria ‘laccata’, 15%; Inocybe lanuginella, 5% and Lactarius pubescens, 1%. Of the 6th year Hebeloma total, H. crustuliniforme, H. fragilipes, H. mesophaeum and H. sacchariolens accounted for 32, 33, 13 and 11% repectively.Mean distances between fruitbodies and the stems of trees widened at c. 0.16 m year^?1 for Hebeloma crustuliniforme; for Laccaria ‘laccata’ they increased by 0.27 to 0.87 m year^?1 between the 4th and 5th years after planting but remained virtually unchanged in the 6th year. Distributions differed within and between concentric 10 cm annuli. In the 6th year appreciably more Hebeloma fruitbodies, except those of H. sacchariolens, were found in intermediate annuli than in annuli nearest and furthest from trees. In contrast those of Laccaria ‘laccata’ and Inocybe lanuginella developed at densities of 1500 m^?2 and 500 m^?2 in most annuli.Fruitbodies of Laccaria ‘laccata’ were significantly clustered in sectors of the differing annuli possibly reflecting associations with radially growing secondarily thickened roots, whereas those of I. lanuginella occurred at random.From 2 to 6 years after planting the mean annual production of toadstools and elf-cups averaged 55 and 0.1 per tree originating from latitude 50° N and 66° N respectively. Earth fans of Thelephora terrestris were likewise less commonly associated with trees of northern origin.B. pubescens, unlike many provenances of B. pendula, seemed to resist invasion by the leaf rust Melampsoridium betulinum. The northern provenances of B. pendula were significantly more seriously infected than southern provenances.     

Autumn Frost Damage on Young Picea sitchensis 1. Occurrence of Autumn Frosts in Scotland compared with Western North America

Dates of first autumn air frosts (in Stevenson screens) of –2.5°Cand 4.5°C were obtained for 42 meteorological stations innorthern Britain with runs of 18 to 116 years. Frequency distributionsof first frost dates were approximately normal. Altitude, distancefrom the sea, latitude and distance from the NWSE axis of Britaintogether accounted for 75% and 81% of the variation in datesof first –2.5°C and –4.5°C frosts, respectively,at the 42 stations. The variance in dates of first frosts decreasedfrom lowland coastal to upland inland sites. Multiple regressionswere used to produce maps of first frost dates in 20 x 20 kmgrid squares of Scotland. Dates of first 28°F (–2.2°C) and 24°F (–4.4°C)frosts were obtained for 20 sites in western North America,spanning the natural range of P. sitchensis. Mean dates wereearlier, and variances decreased, from south to north. Upland sites like Eskdalemuir and Kielder Castle experience–2.5°C and –4.5°C frosts earlier in theautumn than all coastal stations in western North America southof about latitude 58°N (between Cordova and Sitka), andabout 4 weeks earlier than at Masset on the Queen CharlotteIslands. Thus, P. sitchensis from Q.C.I. and further south mayoften experience autumn frosts in Scotland before the treeshave experienced the cool/short days that they require to inducefrost hardening.     

Annual and geographic variation in seed traits of Argentinean populations of southern beech Nothofagus nervosa (Phil.) Dim. et Mil.

Nothofagus nervosa (=N. alpina) is one of the most important native forest tree species of Argentina, with a very small natural distribution area, fast growth and a high wood quality. Its overexploitation in the past seriously affected some populations and made others disappear, making it necessary to implement conservation policies and breeding programs.In order to study the genetic and geographic variation of the species, seeds from a total of 29 populations from the entire natural distribution area in Argentina were harvested, 11 of them during four consecutive years. Annual and geographic covariation of seed production, seed weight and proportion of seeds damaged by insects were analyzed.Significant differences among populations and among years for all studied traits were found. Seed production was highly variable, both among populations and among years. `Partial mast years' seem to occur every two years, whereas the occurrence of `full mast years' has a lower frequency. A significant population × year interaction was found both for the proportion of damaged seeds and for the seed weight. The proportion of seeds damaged by insects was very important, reaching >80% of the total seed produced in some populations. The differences in the quantity of attacked seeds among years are discussed in relation to seed production, insect's life cycle and climatic factors. Seed weight was also variable among populations and years, despite the small natural distribution area of the species in Argentina. Best seed quality, according to lower proportion of damaged seeds and higher seed weight, was observed in the analyzed `full mast year'. This would also imply a better genetic representation of populations with seed samples harvested during these years. A lower proportion of damaged seeds as well as the heaviest seeds were also found among those seeds fallen during the first part of the seed-fall period.The found covariation is discussed in relation to patterns of genetic variation previously found in this species and to the implementation of genetic studies and conservation and breeding programs.