Abstract:

East Asia is very rich in the genetic resources of haploxylon pines consisting of 11 species and 2 varieties of Sect.Cembra Spach and other 2 species in Sect.Parrya Mayr. Of these taxa Pinus armandii, most widely distributed, and P.koraiensis, which naturally ranged in China, Korea Peninsula, Japan and Far East, are the most commercially important for wood production, logically, the most research has been carried out in genetic variation, tree improvement and gene conservation for these two species.P.fenzeliana and P.kwangtungensis, which are locally used in plantations, along with other 5-needle pines are mainly studied in taxonomy and ecophytogeography. P.bungeana and P.parviflora are not planted for commercial purpose but ornamental. Attempt is also made in this review paper to give an overview of tree improvement for the 5-needle pines.P.wangii, P.dabeshanensis and P.gerardiana still remain on the status of less known species. To develop a strategy for tree breeding and gene conservation, it is urged that more research should be undertaken in the patterns of genetic variation and advanced breeding programmes assisted with genetic markers.

Key words: East Asia, Haploxylon pines, Gene resources, Tree improvement, Gene conservation