Comparison of Planted Loblolly and Slash Pine Performance in Southeast Texas

The performance of young (less than 10 yr) loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) pine trees was compared on planted sites in southeast Texas. Performance was compared for: total tree height; tree diameter; heigh to live tree crown; tree volume index,; incidence of fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum [Berk.] Miyabe ex Shira if. sp. fusiforme); crookedness of stems; and survival rates. For these young trees, slash pine tended to perform better in southeast Texas than loblolly pine in total tree height, tree diameter, stem size, height to first live branch and stem straightness. However, loblolly pine was less susceptible to fusiform rust than slash pine, and its mortality rate was lower than slash pine. However, based on the performance of these young plantations, a recommendation the preferred pine species to plant in southeast Texas might be premature. South. J. Appl. For. 17(1): 26-31