Effects of maternal environment on mortality and growth in young Pinus sylvestris in field trials

The same full-sib families of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were created by artificial pollination of genetically identical grafts at three localities in Sweden at approximately 56, 59 and 64 degrees N. Two field trials were established with one-year-old plants in different years at latitude 64 degrees N. Height and survival were monitored for 4-5 years following planting. Maternal environment had significant aftereffects on the height of progeny. In both field trials, plants with the maternal parent at 59 degrees N were tallest and plants with the maternal parent at 64 degrees N were shortest. The aftereffects of maternal environment were as large in six-year-old plants as in one-year-old plants. In one field trial, maternal environment had a significant effect on mortality six years after germination but not after three years. Mortality increased with decreasing latitude of the maternal location. We conclude that the aftereffects of maternal environment are too large and too permanent to be regarded as unimportant.