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Southern Pine Seed Sources

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate seed source is critical for successful southern pine plantations. Guidelines for selection of seed sources are presented for loblolly (Pinus taeda L.), slash (P. elliottii Engelm.), longleaf (P. palustris Mill.), Virginia (P. virginiana Mill.), shortleaf (P. echinata Mill.), and sand [P. clausa (Chapm. ex Engelm.) Vasey ex Sarg.] pines. Seed movement guidelines in this handbook are based on climatic similarities between the seed source origin and the planting site. Because yearly average minimum temperature is the most important climatic variable related to growth and survival, it has been used to define the rules of seed movement. This variable, which defines plant hardiness zones, has been used for many years by horticulturists to guide the transfer of plant materials. East-west movement to areas of similar climate is permissible, with the exception of loblolly pine.

Keywords

Fusiform rust, geographic variation, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, provenance tests, sand pine, seed movement, seed sources, shortleaf pine, slash pine, Virginia pine

Citation

Schmidtling, Ronald C. 2001. Southern Pine Seed Sources. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-44. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 25 p.
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/2797