Comparison of second generation open-pollinated, mass control-pollinated, and varietal pine planting stock through 6 years on a North Mississippi site
This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document here.Abstract
Landowners face a wide array of loblolly pine genetic material to choose from at the time of regeneration. In general, most opt to plant open-pollinated second-generation stock (second-Gen OP) as previously recommended by either consultants or industry personnel. The goal of this study is to evaluate a selected second-Gen OP family, a selected mass control-pollinated family (MCP), and varietal stock in terms of performance as well as form characteristics. This study was established on an old pasture site near Holly Springs, MS, in a nested randomized complete block design with six blocks, arranged by genetic stock and planted in. 100-tree block plots at a spacing of 12 by 9 feet. The study was measured annually through the first 4 years. At age 6, the MCP family was significantly outperforming the second-Gen OP family and the varietal stock for both diameter and volume. The MCP family exhibited overall better performance than the second-Gen OP family and the overall means of the varietal plots. However, the comparison between the MCP family and the top-performing varietals revealed that, while the selected varietals were taller, their diameter and volume were less than the MCP. What was striking was that some of the best-growing varietals also exhibit exceptional stem form and limb characteristics making them highly suitable for higher end products.