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Growth and performance of loblolly pine genetic planting stock through eight years

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Currently, the need in the pine market is to develop higher sawtimber quality trees. The pine biomass and pulpwood market supports the low end of the product chain. However, we must improve on the quality of the southern pine for construction lumber if the southern region is expected to capture the shortfall of the sawtimber market expected in the future. Various pine genetic types ranging from open-pollinated to varietal seedlings must be closely evaluated for quality characteristics as to determine the best genetic material for regeneration. In 2007, a test of mass control-pollinated (MCP) and 2nd-generation open-pollinated seedlings (OP) was planted on a retired pasture site in north Mississippi. Measurements were taken annually from age one to age six and then again at age eight. The performance and quality of the MCP and OP seedlings will be discussed as to the recommendations for landowners in north Mississippi. In addition, the varietal portion of the study, which is a mix of different varietals, will be compared to both the performance of the MCP and OP seedlings.

Parent Publication

Citation

Rousseau, Randall J.; Roberts, Scott D.; Herrin, Billy L. 2016. Growth and performance of loblolly pine genetic planting stock through eight years. In: Proceedings of the 18th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-212. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 614 p.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/50271