Utility of the Pilodyn in Selection for Mature Wood Specific Gravity in Loblolly Pine

Abstract

Three types of Pilodyn Wood Testers were evaluated for their efficiency as an indirect selection technique to improve mature wood specific gravity in loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ). In this investigation, wood properties influencing Pilodyn needle penetration were heritable (h² = 0.06 to 0.46) and had a strong genetic correlation to wood specific gravity for two of the three instruments tested. Indirect selection using the 18J Pilodyn with a 2.5 mm diameter needle was estimated to be 83.6 percent as efficient in improving wood specific gravity as direct selection for the trait itself. Use of the Pilodyn in selecting for mature wood specific gravity would result in savings in time and money for extracting and processing increment cores to determine wood specific gravity. Forest Sci. 29:696-701.