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Comparison of containerized progeny tests planted in spring and fall

Field observations have suggested that springplanted progeny tests may be slower to develop than fall tests. If this delayed development is not soon outgrown, two potential problems of spring-planted tests must be considered; 1) growth and yield estimates may be biased downward from expectations of fall tests, and 2) family rankings may not be consistent across the two planting times. In this study, both loblolly and slash tests were evaluated to determine if either of the two potential problems appeared. Results suggest that after five years, effects of spring planting have been generally overcome in slash pine. However, there is a trend for spring-planted loblolly pine to show less growth. Performance in both species was also shown to be highly dependent on planting site. Whether or not significant changes occur in family rankings is more difficult to quantify. This study suggests that family x planting time interaction is not a serious concern.


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Author(s): Craig R. McKinley

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1993

Section: Concurrent Session 7: Breeding and Progeny Testing