Seedling quality and genetics in nursery and field plantings of northern red oak (Quercus ruba L.)

This thesis addressed the problems associated with artificial regeneration of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) from nursery production to field plantings. The primary objective was to examine the effects of visual grading and genetics on nursery seedling quality and early survival and growth in the field. One year-old nursery seedlings grown at two nurseries were visually separated into two distinguishable grades for planting and approximately 60% of the seedlings were judged to be of unacceptable size for successful field regeneration. Genetic differences in growth performance of nursery seedlings indicate that families could be selected based on overall mean performance as well as the distribution and uniformity of their progeny. Eighteen northern red oak genetic tests were established in 1995 on sites (site index₅₀ ≥ 70) throughout the southeastern United States using quality-graded seedlings from 78 families. Family differences in three-year survival and height were apparent as nursery effects diminished. Overall survival and growth indicate that protection from damaging agents, primarily deer (Odocoileus virginianus), is critical for successful field regeneration of northern red oak.