The continuous process of improving trees through genetics.

Why is it important?

Improved trees have more desired qualities, such as faster growing, straighter stems, self pruning, disease and rust resistant, etc. Each generation is improved to be superior to previous generations of trees.

Slash Pine Tree Improvement began in Florida in the early 1950's, when several paper companies formed a Genetics Co-op with the University of Florida to share the cost and the results of their research. . Genetic Research on Loblolly Pine was initiated by North Carolina State University during that same general time period. Beginning with naturally occurring wild trees, foresters searched each Co-op member’s forest looking for natural trees with the desired qualities. Material was collected from each of these trees to be used in the improvement process. Trees grown from this collected material from the best natural trees, became the first generation(1.0 Gen) of Improved Trees.

A. 1.0 Generation (First Generation):

These are reproductions of the very best naturally occurring trees found by the Co-op in the beginning of the tree improvement program. Material was collected from each selected tree, grafted onto a small seedling and out-planted into an orchard site. The seedlings produced from this initial step are designated 1.0 Generation. These trees produce sufficient amounts of cones to harvest after 10-12 years.

Note: A small selection of trees represented in this orchard were out-planted to a testing area (progeny testing). These test trees are observed for 10 years.

B. 1.5 Generation (One & one-half Generations):

In the 1.0 Gen progeny testing area, records were maintained of the desired characteristics. If after the 10 year testing period, these qualities are still present in the young trees, the very best are selected to furnish material for yet another orchard commonly referred to as 1.5 Generation.

Note: Another small selection of tree’s represented in this orchard were out-planted in a testing area (progeny testing-10 yrs).

C. 2.0 Generation (Second Generation):

In the 1.5 Gen progeny testing area, records were maintained of the desired characteristics. If after the 10 year testing period, these qualities are still present in the young trees, the very best are selected to proceed in the improvement process. Pollen is collected from selected trees and used to pollinate other selected trees (cross-pollination). Seedlings produced from these control cross-pollinated cones are out-planted in another orchard designated 2.0 Generation.

Note: Another small selection of tree’s represented in this orchard were out-planted in a testing area (progeny testing-10 yrs). At this time, 2.0 Gen progeny testing is in progress for future 2.5 Gen seedlings.

Generally, the more improved seedling is recommended.

2.0 Gen is improved over 1.5 Gen

1.5 Gen is improved over 1.0 Gen

1.0 Gen is improved over natural occurring trees.

No, in Florida and the southeast, only Slash Pine and Loblolly Pine have undergone significant tree improvement.

When buying seedlings from any nursery, ask for a statement explaining what seedlings are offered and what you are getting.

NOTE: Most Slash and Loblolly Pine seedlings grown in Florida are improved to some extent, however, some seedlings are vastly more improved. Ask for rust and gain values, these will better explain the quality of the seedlings available.