Loblolly Pine, 3.0 Gen

Description

Loblolly pine is a large tree, growing 90-120 feet in height, that has been used in tree improvement programs for decades to breed straight, fast-growing trees. Loblolly pine is somewhat tolerant of shade but performs best in full-sun conditions. Loblolly pine responds well to management, but fire should not be used in loblolly pine stands until the trees have developed resistance, typically by age 12-15 years. Loblolly pine is susceptible to southern pine beetle and fusiform rust, particularly when planted at high densities (1,210+ seedlings per acre, or 6’ x 6’ spacing). East Tennessee Nursery recommends a planting density of 545 seedlings per acre (8’ x 10’ spacing) for timber production. Sold as southern yellow pine at lumber yards, loblolly pine wood is used for pulpwood, lumber, plywood, poles, and pilings.

All pine species are treated with Permethrin insecticide.

What are the different loblolly pine generations?

Loblolly pine has undergone decades of genetic trials and testing to produce the best quality seedlings possible.

1.5 Generation: Test on 1.0 generation seedlings showed that some trees selected from the wild were better than others. Cuttings from those best of the 1.0 generation trees were grafted onto seedling root stock to establish better seed orchards. Seedlings produced from these new orchards are called 1.5 generation seedlings.

2.0 Generation: The best trees from the 1.0 generation were crossed to produce the 2.0 (or second) generation orchards. The 2.0 generation differs from the 1.5 generation in that intentional crosses were made rather than simply selecting the best individuals of the 1.0 generation to populate new orchards.

3.0 Generation: The trees in 3.0 (or third) generation were produced from crosses of the best trees from 2.0 generation orchards. The same principle applies to subsequent generations as well.