Step 4 Choosing high quality longleaf pine seedlings

Part A; Choosing the Correct Seed Source (go back)

There is a great deal of interest in the genetics of longleaf pine and the success of "tree improvement" programs. Many people are interested in "improving" seed that reduces the tree's time spent in the grass stage and increases the tree's resistance to brown spot disease. Relatively speaking, unlike loblolly and slash pine, little work has been done in the arena of tree improvement in longleaf. As such, limited quantities of improved longleaf pine are currently available. However, in many ways, longleaf pine is already a "genetically improved" species; wind firm, drought and disease resistant, etc. whereas other species are not. Nonetheless, poor quality longleaf seeds are floating around out there and have resulted in undesirable stands.

From both a ecologic and conservative approach, planting trees from seed collected from healthy, vigorous local stands is ideal. However, if the following guidelines are met, there is little risk involved in using trees that have been grown from a non-local seed source. Reference the following map created by Ron Schmidtling (USDA Forest Service, Saucier, MS).

Rules of Thumb When Determining the Seed Source For Your Trees:

Rule #1 Seed may be collected within a zone for planting within that zone

Rule #2 Seed should not be moved from more than one zone distant

Rule #3 Seed from one zone warmer (moved north) will generally result in trees with increased growth compared with local sources

Rule #4 Seed collected from one zone cooler (moved south) will generally result in trees with decreased growth compared with local sources

Reference: Schmidtling, R.C., Longleaf pine genetics. In: Proceedings of the 2nd Longleaf Alliance Conference, November 17 - 19, 1998, Charleston, SC. Longleaf Alliance Report No.4, June 1999 pps. 24 - 26.