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Tree Improvement In Florida
To learn more about programs to assist with reforestation costs or to determine the best species of pine seedlings to plant on your property, contact the Division of Forestry County Forester in your area. Tree Improvement applies basic genetic principles to develop healthier, faster growing forests. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry's tree improvement program provides genetically improved tree seedlings to Florida landowners. These seedlings are used to reforest thousands of acres annually to meet a variety of needs including timber production, wildlifehabitat, erosion control and the aesthetic beauty enjoyed at state forests and on other lands. Tree Improvement Specialists accelerate and enhance the process of natural selection through careful analysis and controlled breeding of the best trees.
Program HistoryStarting in the 1950's, the Florida Division of Forestry began the selection of superior trees from Florida's natural forests.
What foresters looked for then and now are straight trees having high growth rates and good crown characteristics without insect or disease problems. These measurable traits are a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
Controlled Cross Pollination
Seed OrchardsTo establish seed orchards for specific regions of the state, technicians collected branch tips from these selected trees and grafted them on to compatible rootstock. Orchards located in Brooksville, contain selections made from peninsular Florida.
Superior trees identified in the northern part of the state are in orchards located at Munson, Florida. Grouping genetic material by region provides landowners with improved seedlings which are well adapted to their specific area.
The improved seed produced by these seed orchards is formed through pollination among the superior trees. Orchard seed, therefore, produces genetically-improved seedlings that are more resistant to insects and diseases and grow faster.
Controlled Cross Pollination
Breeding and TestingTo more accurately define or