Experimental seed orchard in south Texas: orchard clones produce multiple whorls
Seed orchards in subtropical climates have achieved yields several-fold above those obtained within the southern pine region of the US. Earlier flowering in warmer climates offers a time advantage of up to 30%. In 1976, a group of cooperating organizations selected the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas as the site for an experimental seed orchard. The primary criterion was a subtropical climate outside the natural range of loblolly and slash pine. The site chosen near McAllen, TX, is approximately 400 km from native southern pines. Five blocks of loblolly pine and one of slash pine were established, with each block containing clones from a single region. Clones were selected to provide a range of poor-to-good female flowering behavior. Scion material was provided by members of the North Carolina State University Tree Improvement Cooperative, the Florida Tree Improvement Cooperative, and the Western Gulf Forest Tree Improvement Program. This paper details this project.
- Research Organization:
- Champion International Corp., Huntsville, TX
- OSTI ID:
- 5749753
- Journal Information:
- J. For.; (United States), Vol. 84:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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