Evaluation of Ponderosa Pine Seed Sources for the Eastern Great Plains

Abstract

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) were planted in north central Kansas in 1968 as part of a program to identify suitable seed sources for the Eastern Great Plains. Fifteen-year survival and height were obtained and evaluated during 1983. Foliage color and retention data were obtained during 1986. Sources from north central Nebraska and southern South Dakota were best suited to the eastern Great Plains because of their superior height growth, foliage characteristics, and above average survival. The opportunity now exists to select seed from native stands to improve upon the poor performance often exhibited by plantings of ponderosa pine in the region.