Growing, selecting, and establishing 1-0 Quercus rubra and Q alba seedlings for rapid growth and early acorn production on forested lands in the southeastern United States.
Abstract
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L., NRO) and white oak (Q. alba L., WO) are among the most valuable oak species in the eastern Untied States and throughout the eastern provinces of Canada. They have a broad geographic distribution: yet no single regeneration mechanism can explain their presence in current stands. Both species are declining in numbers and importance on high quality mesic sites throughout their range. Many scientists feel NRO may become threatened or endangered on these sites unless new regeneration techniques are developed. The status of WO is not as critical because it can develop on poorer sites than NRO. Nevertheless, its competitive position on high quality sites is precarious.