Analysis of Chestnut Seedling Height and Survival in Maryland Orchards

Abstract

The Maryland Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (MDTACF) maintains several orchards across the state of Maryland to raise backcrossed chestnut trees to aid in the development of blight-resistant strains. Over 700 chestnut trees at five different orchards were followed during their first growing season to test the effect of geographic region (Coastal Plain, Piedmont, or Appalachian) and genotype on tree height and survival. Application of fertilizer was also noted and its effects were analyzed. The highest average height was seen in the Piedmont region, followed respectively by trees in the Appalachian and Coastal Plain regions. Mortality did not differ consistently by region, with both the highest and lowest percentage of trees dead in the Piedmont orchards, and Coastal Plain and Appalachian orchards at similar rates in between. Genotype was highly significant with respect to mortality, and the SE 833 x CH526 genotype resulted in the tallest trees. Fertilizer application was not significant in relation to mean height or survival.