Five Fusiform Rust-Resistant Seed Sources in Coastal South Carolina: A Field Comparison

Abstract Bulk collections of seeds from five fusiform rust-resistant sources of loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash (P. elliottii var. elliottii) pines were tested for disease resistance and growth potential in coastal South Carolina. Texas and Arkansas loblolly had significantly less rust than trees from other seed sources, although all five resistant sources had significantly less rust infection than commercial checks. Texas loblolly has excellent height growth and was not significantly different from the top-ranked loblolly commercial checks. Arkansas loblolly, although excellent for rust resistance, attained the least height. Trees from the loblolly and slash pine rust-resistant orchards also had good growth and rust resistance. Livingston Parch (Louisiana) loblolly seedlings, which have been widely planted in the South, were not significantly different from the rust-resistant loblolly orchard seedlings in either growth or rust infection. Survival of all seed sources in the test was satisfactory; however, the Livingston Parish and slash commercial check had significantly fewer surviving trees. South. J. Appl. For. 11(4):198-201.