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Patterns of Seed Productions in Table Mountain Pine

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The lack of regeneration in stands of Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens Lamb.) in the Southern Appalachian Mountains is of concern, particularly to federal land managers. Efforts to regenerate Table Mountain pine (TMP) stands with prescribed burning have been less successful than expected. Several factors that may play a key role in successful regeneration are currently being investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine if TMP seed viability and availability varied with tree age, cone age, and season. Seeds were collected in four seasons from 2- to 5-year-old cones of 5- to 76+-year-old trees. Results indicate that for trees 11 years and older, cones collected in the winter had the highest number of seeds and the higher percentage of viable seeds. Young trees, less than 10 years old, had many seed, but viability was poor. The results of this study can used to identify stands with an adequate number of viable seed.

Parent Publication

Citation

Gray, Ellen A.; Rennie, John C.; Waldrop, Thomas A.; Hanula, James L. 2002. Patterns of Seed Productions in Table Mountain Pine. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–48. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp 302-305
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/3138