SREL Reprint #2045

Factors affecting limited reproduction by loblolly pine in a large old field

J. E. Pinder, III1, F. B. Golley2, and R. F. Lide1

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
2Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Abstract: Pines readily invade small old fields in the southeastern United States, but continuing observations on a large old field in South Carolina have indicated limited initial invasion and subsequently poor reproductive success by loblolly pines. To generate hypotheses concerning the poor reproductive success of pines, studies were conducted of seed production, seedling establishment, and seedling survival and growth. Production of viable seeds was similar to data for other loblolly pine sites, but seed dispersal distances were short with most seeds being deposited within 20 m of the parent. The rate of establishment of 1 yr old seedlings was ≤1 seedling per 3000 viable seeds, which was small compared to data for other loblolly pine sites. Most seedlings were established within 20 m of their parents. Once established, seedlings showed survivorship and growth that was typical for loblolly pines. These initial results suggest: 1) that the most important limitation to reproductive success may be the low rates of seedling establishment from seeds; but 2) that limited seed dispersal distances may represent an important secondary limitation.

Keywords: secondary succession, loblolly pine, Pinus taeda, seed production, seed dispersal, survivorship, growth

SREL Reprint #2045

Pinder, J.E., III, F.B. Golley, and R.F. Lide. 1995. Factors affecting limited reproduction by loblolly pine in a large old field. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 122:306-311.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).