Patterns of seed production in Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens)

The lack of regeneration in stands of Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens Lamb.) in the Southern Appalachian Mountains is of concern, particularly to federal land managers. Efforts to regenerate Table Mountain pine stands with prescribed burning have been less successful than expected. Several factors that may play a key role in successful regeneration are currently being investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine if Table Mountain pine seed viability and availability varied with tree age, cone age, and season. Seeds were collected in four seasons from 2-5 year old cones of 5-76+ year old trees. Results indicate that for trees 11 years and older, cones collected in the winter had the highest number of seeds and that those seeds were most viable. Young stands of trees less than 10 years old had many seed, but viability was poor. The results of this study can used to identify stands with an adequate number of viable seed. Information from this study and corollary studies funded by the Joint Fire Sciences Program will be used to ensure successful regeneration of Table Mountain pine.