Deployment of genetically improved loblolly and slash pines in the south

Abstract

Foresters in the southern United States are responsible for more than 75 percent of the nation's tree planting, and more than 95 percent of the seedling are genetically improved loblolly and slash pines. Planting the best open-pollinated families on the best sites can dramatically increase productivity. However, such practices reduce genetic diversity in a plantation. Although a survey of state and industrial plantation managers reveals no problems thus far, as more homogeneous plantations are established on more acres, both gains and potential risks must be quantified so that landowners can make informed decisions about deployment options.