Progress

This project has been met with enthusiasm and hands-on support from the seed production community.

• Rayonier established a genetic archive of ~4 acres with longleaf pine selections made in 2024. These grafts comprise the first round of selections, made in February 2024 in the NC Forest Service trial established in 2011 (see the 2024 Annual Report for details).

• A second round of selections were made from a 2011 progeny test by Milliken Advisors.

• The Langdale Company grafted scion from the second round of selections into ~200 trees which will be planted into a genetic archive in winter 2025-2026.

• The Georgia Forestry Commission selected six trees from their Montane-sourced Longleaf Seed Production Area. Trees were selected primarily based on abundant cone production but also good stem form.

Longleaf pine tree selected for establishing orchards.

TIP acknowledges and appreciates support from additional partners:

  • Western Gulf Tree Improvement Program: Providing access to 2nd Generation Longleaf material in exchange for reciprocal selections  and data from this project.

  • Florida Forest Service & Cooperative Forest Genetics Research Program: Sharing Longleaf pedigree data and offering access to a seedling seed orchard where additional 2nd Gen selections can be made.

  • The Langdale Company: Assisting with additional rootstock development and their continued involvement in the project.

  • North Carolina Forest Service: Assisting with test assessments, needle collections, and background data.

  • Rayonier: Collecting needle samples from selections established in their new orchard.

  • USDA Forest Service is indicating that leadership is in support of the project and a Material Transfer Agreement is in review.

All images are provided by TIP staff and students. © 2022 NCSU Tree Improvement Program. All Rights Reserved.