Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Polinko, Adam D.

Committee Member

Dougherty, Phil

Committee Member

Poudel, Krishna P.

Date of Degree

12-9-2022

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

Decades of tree improvement has resulted in genetic gains in loblolly pine productivity, form, and resistance to fusiform rust. The goal of this study was to advance the understanding and applied use of genetic improvement by analyzing inter- and intra-provenances hybrids’ rust resistance and evaluating midrotation performance of varying levels of genetically improved stock types. The first study compares 16 seedlots at the USDA Resistance Screening Center and evaluates rust resistance of controlled-pollinated inter- and intra-provenances crosses, and openpollinated seedlots from three provenances: Western Gulf, Atlantic Coastal, and Interior Piedmont. Post inoculation, one Coastal OP seedlot was resistant and ten of the seedlots were susceptible to the disease. The second study compares three levels of improved stock types: second-generation open-pollinated, controlled pollinated, and varietal material. After the fifteenth growing season, all three improved stock types were not significantly different from one another in defects, height, diameter, volume, and exhibited site index.

Download

Share

COinS