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Home → Publications → Tree Improvement and Genetics → Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference → 29th Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference (2007) → Genetic Diversity and Hybridization in Seed Sources of Shortleaf Pine and Loblolly Pine

Genetic Diversity and Hybridization in Seed Sources of Shortleaf Pine and Loblolly Pine

Current forest management favors loblolly pine, and many acres of shortleaf pine have been replaced with improved loblolly pine. The USDA Forest Service is one of a few organizations which regenerate shortleaf pine, usually relying on natural regeneration. As a result, naturally regenerated shortleaf pine stands are becoming surrounded by more and more loblolly pine. Raja et al. (1998) and Chen et al. (2004) reported a level of about 15% hybridization between these two species in west-central Arkansas. The long term effect of such a high hybridization level on species integrity is unknown. The samples collected in this study (from SSPSSS plantings) are from seeds collected in 1951 and 1952, when man’s influence due to management was minimal. Thus, this study estimates genetic variation found in natural populations of shortleaf pine and loblolly pine approximately 50 years ago, prior to intensive management. These data will later be used as reference level data for addressing questions concerning diversity and hybridization level changes between these pine species from the 1950s to the present.


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Author(s): Shaoyuan Xu, Charles G. Tauer, C. Dana Nelson

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 2007