A red pine provenance test in northwestern Ontario: 48-year results

Abstract

Survival, total height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured in the fall of 2005 in a 48-year-old red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) provenance trial growing in northwestern Ontario. There was significant variation in both height and diameter among the 23 provenances. Generally, westerly provenances performed well while those from the Maritime Provinces exhibited relatively poor growth. Considering that the plantation is at the northern biological range of red pine, survival was high, averaging 96% after 48 years. Provenances with the best growth rates exceeded a volume of 420 m3ha-1. Some provenances from Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as Fort Frances, Ontario exhibited superior growth and should be considered as seed sources for future planting programs in northwestern Ontario.Key words: red pine, provenance test, survival, diameter, height, volume, Northwestern Ontario