Improving Field Performance of Southern Pine Seedlings by Treating with Fungicides before Storage

Abstract

Abstract Field survival of longleaf, shortleaf, slash, and loblolly pine seedlings that had benomyl incorporated into the packing medium was markedly improved over that of clay-slurry controls. The more difficult to store seedlings of longleaf and shortleaf pine had greater magnitudes of response than more easily stored loblolly and slash pines. The decrease in seedling survival with storage time is related to a rapid increase in pathogenic microorganisms in cold storage. Although Benlate® ¹ 50WP is now registered for this use, the most effective fungicide dosage rates for routine use with different southern pine species must still be determined. South. J. Appl. For. 12(4):281-285.