Abstract: A method using genetic markers to determine whether a quantitative trait is a heritable oligogenic trait in a woody perennial plant. The method is useful in trees where a three-generation pedigree is not available. Exemplary quantitative traits include disease resistance and wood volume. Methods of selecting, propagating and breeding plants are also provided.

Abstract: A method using genetic markers to determine whether a quantitative trait is a heritable oligogenic trait in a woody perennial plant. The method is useful in trees where a three-generation pedigree is not available. Exemplary quantitative traits include wood volume. Methods of selecting, propagating and breeding plants are also provided. Methods of identifying genetic markers associated, in a family of trees, with a genetic locus conferring disease resistance to a pathogen are presented.

Abstract: A method of transforming conifers with a DNA construct comprising an expression cassette is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a plant tissue target, the plant tissue target comprised of conifer tissue, the cells of the conifer tissue including cell walls; and then (b) propelling the DNA construct at the plant tissue target at a velocity sufficient to pierce the cell walls and deposit the DNA construct within a cell of the tissue target to thereby provide a transformed plant tissue. Preferably, shoots are then induced to form on the transformed plant tissue. Preferred plants for carrying out the present invention are the members of the genus Pinus.

Abstract: A method of transforming pine is disclosed wherein pine cells are inoculated with a strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The strain contains a Ti plasmid which is capable of causing grown gall in the pine or a derivative of the Ti plasmid.