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Abstract
Sinuous stem growth in loblolly pine (
Pinus taeda L.) results in diminished potential for the utilization of wood products since these stems are difficult to mill and contain a higher percentage of compression wood. In this study, 90 full-sibling loblolly pine seedlings (30 seedlings from each of 3 families) were planted with 5 taproot configurations: straight taproot (check treatment), straight taproot with underground obstruction, taproot planted with “J” shape, straight taproot planted at a 45 degree angle, and a straight taproot with the stem guy wired to a 45 degree angle. Seedlings were irrigated and fertilized to maintain high growth rates, and insect control treatments were applied to minimize injury from the Nantucket pine shoot tip moth (
Rhyacionia frustrana Comstock). Growth and form data were collected after the first growing season. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if seedling growth rate and stem eccentricity varied significantly according to family, taproot treatment, or their interaction.
Parent Publication
Citation
Murphy, Michael S.; Harrington, Timothy B. 2004. Stem Sinuosity of Loblolly Pine Seedlings as Influenced by Taproot Shape. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 465-468
