How Good is Sonderegger Pine?

Abstract

Abstract Thirteen traits were evaluated on 131 Sonderegger (Pinus x sondereggeri Chap.) and 69 loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees within two 20-year-old mixed pine plantations located in the South Carolina upper coastal plain. Of the traits measured, bark thickness was found to be slightly greater in Sonderegger pine and branch angle more acute in loblolly pine. No difference was found in height, d.b.h., or volume between the two species. However, considerable variation was observed within each species for most traits. Fusiform rust damage on Sonderegger boles did not differ in severity from that observed on loblolly pine. Highly vigorous trees of the hybrid showed no more susceptibility to fusiform rust than did less vigorous trees. On an index scoring basis, several trees of Sonderegger pine were found that might quality for a southern pine breeding program. From these results, we see no reason to discriminate against Sonderegger pine in thinnings and other stand management practices when it occurs with other pines on similar sites in the southeastern United States.