01603nas a2200169   4500008004100000022001400041245011400055210006900169300000700238490000700245520105300252100001801305700001901323700001701342700002001359856005401379       2014                        eng d  a1179-539500aFirst evidence of genetic-based tolerance to red needle cast caused by Phytophthora pluvialis in radiata pine0 aFirst evidence of geneticbased tolerance to red needle cast caus  a310 v443 a<p>BACKGROUND:Red needle cast (RNC) is a new needle disease of <em>Pinus radiata</em> D. Don (radiata pine) in New Zealand that is causing significant, but as-yet un-quantified, loss of growth and productivity. This foliar disease has recently been attributed to the infection of the needles by <em>Phytophthora pluvialis</em> Reeser, Sutton &amp; E Hansen. Genetic improvement is seen as a possible solution to mitigate the effects of this needle disease on forest productivity.FINDINGS:To quantify the ability of genetics to provide a solution, RNC was assessed on a single clones-within-families genetics trial using two methods: the percentage needle cast that was attributable to red needle cast symptoms; and the percentage needle cast where the causal agent was not clearly identifiable. Both needle cast assessment methods were found to be heritable (h2 0.21-0.31).CONCLUSIONS:Selecting for tolerance to RNC is likely to deliver healthier trees. More assessments across a number of sites and seasons are required to confirm this result.</p>1 aDungey, Heidi1 aWilliams, Nari1 aLow, Charlie1 aStovold, Graham  uhttp://www.nzjforestryscience.com/content/44/1/31