Nothing is much more alluring to a pine tree breeder than progeny test data. This is where we test the seeds bred in our improved orchards to find the absolute winners -- the best orchard trees for mass breeding and seed production. Unlike our human kids, which we are sometimes blind to their faults (Or, maybe we just don’t really want to know? Depends on the child you say?!), and even their full potentials, with our pine tree progeny, we want to know all about them. And the sooner we know, the better! That’s why we measure and grade them early, and often, for 14 to15 growth and quality characteristics, so that we will know about any potential field performance fall down, and so that we will see all the upside potential and investment-empowering opportunities. All this intense effort is expended so that we can develop the best quality pine seedlings for sawtimber and pole potential across the Southeast US, and to help GenTreeXT seed and seedling users know how to best utilize them.

The attached pictures are from a strong (uniform site, large amount of genetic entries, and thoroughly rust challenged site) loblolly pine progeny test in Walton County, Georgia. While this featured test is only three years old, it provides really meaningful early test data both because of its high growth rate (10’-17’ tall trees after 3 growing seasons) and the high fusiform rust incidence in this area. Collectively, results from this test, and many other GenTreeXT tests that will be measured this dormant season, will provide information for this winter’s grafting, and this springs operational control mass pollination breeding, giving insight on both the best pollen for use and the best orchard mother trees for breeding on. 
 
Interested in elite, competitive investment cost loblolly pine seedlings for the 2023-24 planting season? Contact me about GenTreeXT seedling options for your tree farm(s). Bare-root and container options are available from quality growers. Also, feel free to check out www.gentreext.com for more online information.