As Reforestation Advisors, every day we’re asked by Landowners, “What are my seedling options?”.
The options most landowners are curious about are; 1. Genetics and 2. Stock Type.
This edition covers Genetics and its role in the final results. In the next edition of TreeLines, we’ll address Stock Type in depth.
Genetics: The decision about the type of genetics has a few variables, and many landowners seek guidance and clarification. When choosing pine trees, it comes down to what you want to accomplish with your land. Do you want to generate revenue because you regard your forest land as a financial investment and expect an ROI, or do you want to create a wildlife habitat for recreation?
Most of us are familiar with “good genetics” in animal biology, but the same concept translates to trees. Good genetics yield good results. For example, a starting point for many landowners wanting to get a financial return, opt for pine. Open-Pollinated (OP) Loblolly Pine can offer good genetics with different levels of performance. And don’t be fooled by “names”. Make sure you check the performance values of each level before making a decision. Some seedling providers call their seedlings “Elite”, but they’re only mid-grade seedlings in the OP category. Here’s a helpful article that explains the difference.
There’s another level up from good genetics you can think of as “great genetics.” The seedlings in this higher grade of genetics are called Mass Control Pollinated Loblolly Pine, or MCP®. ArborGen MCP seedlings offer much higher performance regarding the quantity (yield) and quality of wood grown. These seedlings are ideal for maximizing your financial return through genetic gain. Here again, not all control pollinated seedlings are the same. Bred from the top 1% performers of 8,000 tested Loblolly families, ArborGen MCP has been validated in more than 20 years of field trials.
See the comparisons below to help you understand how genetics affect the outcome of the final harvest.
So, what do you want at the final harvest?
Whether it’s Pulpwood, Chip-n-Saw, Sawtimber, or Poles – it should be easy for you to grow a healthy, profitable forest, and it all starts with making the right seedling choice. We’ve proven that planting the best seedlings available gives you maximum growth, better tree quality, and higher returns. OP suits Pulpwood, but MCP delivers excellent options for any timber market. Your Reforestation Advisor is here to guide you to the right seedlings for your region and specific land to meet your goals.
