Variation in frost tolerance within two provenances of Acacia mearnsii De Wild

Summary

Variation in frost tolerance between and within families from two provenances of Acacia mearnsii was assessed. These provenances were selected as altitudinal extremes for the species's natural distribution and each provenance was represented by 15 open-pollinated families. Pinna samples from six-month-old. winter-hardened, potted seedlings were assessed for frost tolerance using a laboratory technique based on electrolytic conductance. Variation in frost tolerance between and within families for both provenances was highly significant. This research indicates that there is opportunity for selection and breeding for increased frost tolerance both between and within families.