Longleaf pine genetics

August 21, 2022

In: Proceedings of the 2nd Longleaf Alliance Conference, November 17 – 19, 1998, Charleston, SC. Longleaf Alliance Report No.4, June 1999, pps. 24 – 26.

Only limited quantities of genetically improved longleaf pine are available. This is due to the small size and immaturity of longleaf pine tree improvement programs as well as the sporadic nature of good cone crops, a problem in the orchards just as it is in the forest. The most conservative approach to reforestation would be to use seed collected from healthy, vigorous local stands. There is little risk involved in using non-local seed, however, if certain guidelines are adhered to. The most important factor influencing growth and survival in longleaf pine is climate, specifically average yearly minimum temperature (Schmidtling 1997, Schmidtling and Sluder 1995). This parameter has been used, not coincidentally, to determine plant hardiness zones (USDA 1990).