Cone Crop Development Records for Six Years in Shortleaf Pine

Abstract

Abstract Flowers, conelets, and cones were counted in May, July, and September over a 6-year period on 10 shortleaf pines ( Pinus echinata Mill.). Annual flower production varied widely, with the best year 8.3 times greater than the poorest year. Mortality of flowers, conelets, and cones occurred during all periods of observations, but the percentage reduction was greatest from May to September during the first year of development. Overall survival of flower to mature cones varied from 3 percent in 1964 to 65 percent in 1965. The average annual survival was 29 percent. Major factors causing strobili mortality were spring frosts, insects, and physiological abortion. Forest Sci. 18:31-33.