Mary Anne Sword Sayer |
| Name: |
Mary Anne Sword Sayer |
| Title: |
Plant Physiologist |
| Unit: |
Restoring Longleaf Pine Ecosystems (4158)
|
| Phone: |
318-473-7275 |
| Fax: |
318-473-7273 - Location Fax |
| E-Mail: |
msword@fs.fed.us |
Location Information |
Mailing
Address: |
USDA-Forest Service
Alexandria Forestry Center
2500 Shreveport Highway
Pineville, LA 71360 |
Shipping
Address: |
Same
|
Location
Phone: |
318-473-7160 |
Research Information |
Education: |
| B.S., South Dakota State University, Biology, 1983; M.S., University of Minnesota, Forestry, 1986; Ph.D., University of Missouri, Forestry, 1991 |
Current Research: |
| Of primary interest is to understand seasonal and long-term ecophysiological relationships among above-ground (i.e., photosynthesis, canopy light) and root/soil attributes (i.e., plant available water, seasonal root carbohydrate relations) that regulate loblolly and longleaf pine production. Crown physiology, leaf area dynamics, root production and distribution, and tree growth are studied in response to stand environment and silvicultural practices to determine how environmental variables such as prolonged drought and management tools such as prescribed fire control soil resource availability, carbon fixation and allocation, and forest sustainability. |
Collaborative Research: |
| In cooperation with Louisiana Tech University and the LSU AgCenter, loblolly pine whole-tree physiological responses to water availability in this species. western range are being investigated. By simultaneous evaluation of crown physiology and growth, and carbon allocation to structural and absorbing roots, Pinus adaptations to water limitation will be better understood. Pinus. ability to adapt to resource stress is also one component of cooperative research with the Auburn University Forest Health Cooperative. Physiological conditions that predispose loblolly and longleaf pine to poor vigor and subsequent decline are being studied. Carbon limitations and nutrition imbalances that impair root system function are a key component of this cooperative investigation. Collaborative research with Louisiana Tech University and Kisatchie National Forest is also being done to investigate the role of seasonal physiological processes in sustaining Pinus productivity where repeated fire is a key management tool. This research is providing the physiological information needed to justify season-specific prescribed fire where warranted. |
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employees in the
Restoring Longleaf Pine Ecosystems (4158) Unit.
