Early Evaluation of Intra- and Inter-Provenance Hybrids of Loblolly Pine for Planting in Piedmont Regions of the Southern United States

Author： Alizoti Paraskevi G. Li Bailian McKeand Steven E.

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0015-749X

Source： Forest Science, Vol.52, Iss.5, 2006-10, pp. : 557-567

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Abstract

Two intra-provenance [Atlantic Coastal (C×C), Piedmont (P×P)] and two inter-provenance [Atlantic Coastal × Piedmont (C×P), Piedmont × Atlantic Coastal (P×C)] loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) populations, represented by 80 polycross families, were assessed for height, volume, and survival in five Piedmont regions at four years of age. The hybrid populations (C×P, P×C) were intermediate among the pure populations (C×C, P×P). Across and within regions the C×P hybrids were significantly taller and more productive in volume than the pure P×P, with performance comparable to that of C×C. The C×P hybrids exhibited stronger additive genetic control for both height and volume across and within regions, except for the two inland regions, where the P×C hybrids' genetic control for height was stronger. Stability of performance in height and volume varied among families within populations. These early results suggest that the C×P hybrids will perform better in milder Piedmont environments, while the P×C hybrids could be suitable for more inland and northern Piedmont sites. Long-term evaluation of population performance and adaptability is essential before implementing such a plan in the Piedmont.