Cone and Seed Yields from Slash Pine Seed Orchards

Abstract

Abstract The Cooperative Forest Genetics Research Program (CFGRP) initiated a slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) seed orchard management recording system (SOMRS) in 1985 to quantify cone and seed yields of slash pine orchards in the cooperative program. First, historical data were obtained from CFGRP slash pine seed orchards. Secondly, starting in 1985, cultural treatments and production yield data have been collected annually from 56 slash pine seed orchards located throughout Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The vast majority of these orchards are intensively managed for seed production including the use of fertilizer, herbicide, and up to 10 applications of insecticide annually. From 1980 through 1990, the average seed yield from mature orchards (orchards greater than 14 yr old) was 25.1 bushels of cones, and 27.3 lb of seed/ac. For pounds per acre, orchards reach 50% and 90% of full production at ages 11 and 18 yr from grafting, respectively. The use of insecticides in slash pine seed orchards approximately doubles orchard yields. The CFGRP slash pine seed orchard management recording system (SOMRS) can aid orchard managers in determining factors that limit or promote seed production. South. J. Appl. For. 18(3):122-127.