Selection of Planting Material: Example from the Landes Massif

This paper examines the choice of planting material for reforestation in the Landes forest of southwestern France. It reviews historical species selection, particularly the adoption of maritime pine in the 19th century and the establishment of a local breeding programme in the 1960s. The use of genetically improved varieties has increased stand productivity by over 30% in growth and trunk straightness. In the context of sustainable intensification and emerging environmental challenges—such as climate change, drought and pest risk—the article highlights renewed exploration of inter- and intra-specific genetic variability. It also outlines strategies to incorporate new genetic diversity into breeding programmes to adapt future varieties to evolving economic and environmental conditions.