Factors Contributing To Genetic Variation In Ice Damage Susceptibility In Shortleaf

There are differences among species in susceptibility to ice damage (Williston 1974). There is also at least one report on within-species variation, where coastal loblolly pine was damaged more than interior seed sources in an ice storm (Jones and Wells 1969). Of all the maladies affecting the growth and survival of southern pines, damage from ice storms is one of the most erratic and unpredictable. Incorporating resistance to ice damage in any tree improvement program would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. It might be possible, however, to identify useful factors that contribute to genetic susceptibility to ice damage in the event that a progeny test is damaged by ice. In December, 2000, a major ice storm in Arkansas damaged a controlled-cross shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) progeny test located near Hot Springs. This provided an opportunity to study genetic variation in ice susceptibility, and examine possible contributing factors.

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Author(s): Ronald C. Schmidtling, Valerie D. Hipkins

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 2001

Section: Contribution Papers