Research versus operational correlations between seedling survival and root growth potential of shortleaf pine

Relationships between root growth potential (RGP) and plantation survival were evaluated for 12 families of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) from Oklahoma and Arkansas in 2 consecutive years. Bare-root, 1+0 seedlings were either planted one day after lifting (nonstored) or were stored at 1° to 3°C for 4 weeks. Correlations were obtained using the traditional research method where seedlings are planted in the field prior to obtaining results from the RGP test. In addition, operational correlations were derived by planting seedlings after obtaining RGP test data.For nonstored seedlings, research correlations were generally higher (r values were larger in 18 of 24 cases) than operational correlations. The predictive ability of operational correlations may not be high enough with 28-day pot tests to warrant batch culling of freshly lifted shortleaf pine. However, results were mixed for stored seedlings. In one year, operational correlations were generally higher than research correlations.