Eastern and Western Loblolly Pine Sources in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain Region—Root System Observations

Abstract

In the Western Gulf region, eastern sources of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) are often chosen for planting rather than western sources. Eastern sources are considered less drought resistant than western sources, but to date, they have performed well in the western range. Climate shifts are expected to increase drought severity across the Western Gulf region. To facilitate planting decisions, we need knowledge of the ability of eastern and western loblolly pine sources to tolerate severe drought. Three genotypes of 15-year-old loblolly pine, two from the eastern and one from the western range, were treated with two levels each of stand density and drought. The 3-year study concluded in 2022 and carbon and water status parameters, and biomass allocation are being analyzed. Genotypes differed in their responses to stand density and drought, and it appears that carbon allocation within the root system may be related to stand production under severe drought.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 22nd Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

Sayer, Mary Anne; Tyree, Michael C.; Blazier, Michael A.; Adams, Joshua P.; Wolfe, Brett T. 2024. Eastern and Western Loblolly Pine Sources in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain Region—Root System Observations. In: Bragg, Don C.; Oswald, Brian P.; Koerth, Nancy E., eds. Proceedings of the 22nd biennial southern silvicultural research conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-274. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 257–266. https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-GTR-274-Pap39.