Preservation of Genotypes 



Tlie speculation that the faster growing genotypes may be diminishing under beetle 

 pressure emphasizes the importance and urgency of preserving the best genotypes. 

 Because this consideration is purely theoretical, studies of genetic variability in 

 these beetle -infested stands are urgently needed to show the validity of the theory. 

 If this is a valid theory then some attempt should be made soon to preserve the better 

 genotypes. Great variation in tree growth does exist in lodgepole pine stands and a 

 program to search out and propagate best phenotypes could be undertaken even before 

 completion of the above studies. 



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