La gestion de la variabilite genetique dans le programme d'amelioration du pin maritime (Pinus pinaster Ait.)

The 'Landes de Gascogne' area in south west of France is covered mainly by a huge forest of planted maritime pine. The selective breeding program has achieved significant genetic gains in terms of both growth and stem straightness. A retrospective study shows that the chosen selection strategy allowed enough variability in selection criteria to continue the programme over several generations. However, altered social demands and future climate change require selection criteria and strategies to be adapted