Variation in Longleaf Pine From Several Geographic Sources ¹

Abstract

Abstract Seed of Pinus palustris Mill. was collected from 14 widely separated areas in 1951 and 1955, and plantings of this seed were established near the same areas. After 10 years, well-defined patterns of variation were displayed in initiation of height growth, total height, volume, and infection by brown spot and fusiform rust. Trees from southern Florida performed poorly in all plantings. Gulf Coast trees from southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and western Florida grew faster than other trees in plantings 150 miles north and 250 and 300 miles east and west of the point of origin. Farther north and west, trees of more local origin performed as well as or better than those from the central Gulf Coast. Planters may find it desirable to move seed of central Gulf Coast origin slightly north, to take advantage of the increased growth rate. Forest Sci. 16:28-42.