Genetic mapping of wood properties in Pinus elliottii var. elliottii x P. caribaea var. hondurensis hybrids

The ability to select clones of uniform wood properties to meet specific end use requirements is viewed as a key element for increasing profitability of exotic pine plantations in Queensland. A genetic mapping project has been initiated to investigate wood properties assessed in 11 year old F 1s. This will lead to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of wood traits and evaluation of the potential for marker-aided selection in the development of improved planting stock. Microsatellite and AFLP markers as well as wood properties will be mapped using a pseudotestcross strategy. This will allow co-segregation analysis between markers and those loci controlling wood traits which are heterozygous in the pure species parents and is most effective where parents are unselected for wood properties. By analysing half and full sib progeny sharing a common parent it is hoped QTL of good hybridising ability can be identified. Plantings over multiple sites will allow investigation of QTL stability across environments. The strategy and recent progress will be outlined