Gains from Rust Resistant Orchards Established with Seedlings

Sixteen years of experience establishing seedling seed orchards with progeny that were disease-free after inoculation with the fusiform rust organism has provided a number of benefits not usually derived from clonal orchards. Some half-sib seedling seed orchard trees from resistant mother trees produce progeny with considerably greater resistance than that of the original mother tree. Seedlings derived from controlled crosses between some resistant families have produced some orchard trees with very highly resistant progeny. Families with superior growth characteristics, but with moderate to little rust resistance, have been improved by selecting orchard trees that have both good growth and high resistance. Families with unique sources of resistance, but inferior growth characteristics, have also been improved by selecting orchard trees with improved growth as well as unique rust resistance. The average level of rust resistance is higher in orchards established with seedlings than in those established with clones. Keywords: Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme, loblolly pine, Pinus taeda, seedling seed orchard.

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Author(s): E. George Kuhlman, Harry R. Powers, Jr.

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1991

Section: General Session: Seed Orchard Management