Genetic variation in a Hypsipyla-attacked clonal trial of Cedrela odorata under two pruning regimes

Abstract

Cedrela odorata is in many ways well suited to plantation silviculture. However, this potential has not been realized, largely due to the attack of the mahogany shoot borer, Hypsipyla grandella, which destroys growing shoots, retards growth and causes forking. The present paper reports on genetic variation in a shoot borer attacked clonal trial. We found significant provenance and clonal variation in several measures of final tree quality, all related to both form and growth. The results indicate the potential of genetic selection as an element of integrated management of mahogany shoot borers.