Loblolly and Slash Pine Seedlings

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
Loblolly pine is the leading commercial timber species in the southern United States. It is a medium to large tree 90-110 feet in height and 24 to 30 inches in diameter. The bole is long and cylindrical and the crown, though open, is denser than longleaf or slash pines. It can be found on a very wide variety of sites but make its best growth on those soils with deep surface layers having plenty of moisture but poor surface drainage, and fine textured subsoils. On favorable sites growth can be rapid. Loblolly is intolerant of shade, though not as much so as slash and longleaf pines. Loblolly is a major source of lumber and provides a large percentage of the wood pulp used for paper production in the South.

RR3 Loblolly:  This variety was available for the first time in 2004-05.  They are third-cycle seedlings combining rust resistance and fast growth.  These seedlings receive 36% of the infection of unimproved loblolly.  They will yield an estimated 21% more volume at rotation age.

Rust Resistant Loblolly:  These second-cycle seedlings are derived from trees selected for resistance to fusiform rust infection.  Fast growth is a secondary consideration.  These seedlings show 50% of the infection of unimproved seedlings.  Some growth improvement can be expected.

Livingstone Parish Loblolly:  Livingstone Parish, Louisiana is known to produce fast-growing, rust resistant planting stock suitable for planting in Georgia’s upper coastal plain.

Improved Loblolly:  These are first-cycle seedlings.  Piedmont loblolly will provide some growth improvement in the northern part of the state.  Coastal loblolly should be planted in South Georgia and will yield 10-12% more volume and significant rust resistance.

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)
Slash pine varies from 60-100 feet in height and averages about 2 feet in diameter. In virgin forests the species was found in depressions, around ponds, and on low sites with an abundance of moisture largely because of its relative sensitivity to fire. With the advent of fire control slash pine has invaded drier sites in combination with the more fire resistant longleaf pine. It quickly seeds disturbed sites and its rapid juvenile growth make it very aggressive on abandoned land. Slash pine is a valuable source of wood for the timber and pulp industries, and its copious gum production is valued in the naval stores industry.

Premium Slash Pine:  These seedlings are grown from 2-cycle seed orchard selections.  Fast growth and resistance to fusiform rust combine to provide 29% more volume than unimproved (or wild) sources.  Premium Slash is recommended for the entire natural range of slash pine.

Rust Resistant Slash Pine:  These seedlings are selected primarily for their resistance to fusiform rust.  Rapid growth is a secondary consideration in this variety.  They will show 50% of the infection of unimproved seedlings.  They are well-suited for sites where fusiform rust is known to be particularly severe.

High Gum Slash Pine:  Produces twice as much gum as wild sources.  Grows well and is moderately resistant to fusiform rust.

Improved Slash Pine:  These first-cycle selections provide an economical alternative for South Georgia plantings.  They grow faster than unimproved sources with some rust resistance.