Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Roberts, Scott D.

Committee Member

Rousseau, Randall J.

Committee Member

Londo, Andrew J.

Date of Degree

8-11-2012

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

Increased growth rates, wood quality, and disease resistance have been accomplished within loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) through genetic selection and improved management practices. Genetic engineering of trees has the potential to further improve these selections but also needs to be tested. Two studies were conducted. Study one compares three levels of genetic improvement: Mass-Control Pollinated (MCP), Second Generation Op (2nd gen), and Varietal Material. After three years the MCP material had larger mean heights, mean diameters, and mean volume than the other two genetic entities. However the top five performing varietals were about 0.5 feet taller than the MCP material. Study two tested two contrasting loblolly pine ideotypes across different spacings and management intensities. After two years the crop tree ideotype and the intensive management plots had larger mean heights, mean ground-line diameters, mean volumes, and mean crown widths. Mean branch angle differed significantly between the two crown ideotypes.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/20102

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