Theex situ conservation of temperate rainforest conifer tree species: A British-based programme
This programme provides a practical initiative promoting the conservation of rare and endangered conifer and associated temperate rainforest tree species, by providing a scientifically sound strategy to minimise further genetic erosion of an already fragmented wild tree resource. Using existing horticultural expertise and the tree-growing potential of the British climate, the programme provides for the development of permanent, scientifically structured, threatened conifer breeding populations, in a network of sites across the British Isles and elsewhere, as a long-term species rescue strategy. To these sites are attached important future research and public education programmes.
Genetics and breeding of Sitka spruce
Sitka spruce is a monoecious, wind-pollinated, cross-fertilising species showing wide genetic variation which suggests heterozygosity for many alleles and natural selection against self-fertilisation. Phenotypic selection for the important trait of vigour is ineffective, so testing progenies of selected individuals and clonal testing is an essential and time-consuming part of any improvement programme. Old trees can be vegetatively propagated by grafting and very young trees by rooted cuttings. The British tree improvement programme is based, in the short term, on the use of seed collected from superior plantation trees of desirable origins; in the mid term on seed derived from clonal orchards based on mixtures of clones previously tested for superiority in family tests; and in the longer term on highly superior seed or clones derived from a system of recurrent mating with family selection. Three populations are being developed. There is a small interspecific hybridisation programme.
BASIDIOCARPS ASSOCIATED WITH ERICOID MYCORRHIZAS
SUMMARY 
A species of basidiocarp has been seen in constant and specific association with mycorrhizal Ericaceae. These basidiocarps are shown to be serologically related to pelotons of the mycorrhizal fungus.