Guidelines for Producing Longleaf Pine Seedlings in Containers
Abstract
Although longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) is a highly desirable species, resisting fire, insects, and disease, and producing high quality solid wood products, it now occupies only about 5 percent of its original range. Regeneration of the species either by natural or artificial methods or by planting of bareroot nursery stock has been difficult. Renewed interest in longleaf pine has resulted in evaluation of new approaches to seedling establishment. Studies have shown that container-grown seedlings survive better than bareroot stock on typical longleaf pine sites and the length of time seedlings stay in the grass stage is reduced. Thus, planting of container stock generally improves reforestation success. Survival of container seedlings is very good, the planting season can be extended and, therefore, restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem can be enhanced.