Genetic variation in susceptibility of Eucalyptus globulus coppice regrowth to shoot-feeding weevils (Myllorhinus spp.)

Abstract

Genetic variation in damage caused by shoot-boring weevils Myllorhinus dentiferus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and M. bicordata (Boisduval) to juvenile coppice regrowth in a Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus base population in north-western Tasmania is reported. The trial contained one-year-old coppice regrowth from trees grown from 554 open-pollinated seedlots collected from 13 races and 48 localities in the native stands throughout Tasmania and Victoria. Significant variation in susceptibility is reported between races, with the Mount Dromedary race appearing highly susceptible and the King Island race least susceptible to attack. No significant variation in damage was found between localities within races or families within localities.