Growth and Fusiform Rust Responses of Piedmont Loblolly Pine After Several Site Preparation and Regeneration Methods

Abstract

Abstract Cutover pine-hardwood sites in the Piedmont of central Georgia were prepared by prescribed burning or drum chopping and regenerated to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) by planting or direct-seeding. Site preparation had little effect on soil physical properties. After an average of 12 years, trees were larger in dbh and total height, the merchantable stand was greater, and distribution was more uniform on planted than on seeded areas. Regeneration from direct-seeding was enhanced more by intensive site preparation than was regeneration from planting. Neither fusiform rust incidence nor rust associated mortality was affected consistently by the intensity of site preparation, but both rust incidence and rust associated mortality were generally higher in the direct-seeded than in the planted plots. South. J. Appl. For. 14(1):18-24.