Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9914-0458

Advisor

Polinko, Adam

Committee Member

Siegert, Courtney

Committee Member

Schulz, Ashley

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

The primary objective of conifer seed orchards is to efficiently produce genetically improved seed while maintaining a balance between genetic gain and diversity. This thesis contributes to the understanding of reproduction in conifer seed orchards by evaluating species- and orchard-specific genetics, year-to-year variations, and nutritional factors influencing cone production in a grafted longleaf pine orchard and conelet mortality in three lodgepole pine orchards. Using statistical models (GAMLSS, GLMM) and multivariate analyses, this research revealed that genetics sets the baseline reproductive potential in both species. In longleaf pine, scion genetics drives female and male cone production, influenced by tree size, age, nutrition, and the rootstock-scion interaction. In lodgepole pine, the genetic predisposition for conelet mortality was modulated by its interactions with foliar nutrients and year-to-year variations, like weather and pollen availability. A key finding is that high conelet survival is decoupled from low mortality severity, necessitating dual-trait selection when breeding.

Sponsorship (Optional)

The Westervelt Company

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