Dissertation Research: Demographic and Genetic Studies of Longleaf Pine

这项拟议的研究将研究林木生态学中的基本过程：散布(种子)和幼苗存活(受火灾影响)。通过研究长叶松种群的这些生活史特征，这项研究将提供一些新的见解。首先，这项研究将提供有关森林树种扩散能力的重要信息。对于树木产生的种子数量和种子散布的距离，人们的认识存在差距。其次，阐明苗木的扩散模式如何反映苗木的建立和生长。重要的是要确定哪些因素对森林物种的成功起作用，从种子到幼虫再到成虫。最后，由于一些森林物种，如长叶松，可以在火存在的情况下生长得更好，因此了解火是否对幼苗的存活起到了作用是很重要的。这项研究有许多营林应用。通过这项研究，可以预测种子的最佳传播距离。这些信息将有助于松树种群的管理。其次，可以确定影响生存的因素。这一信息将有利于提高产量。第三，这项研究将阐明幼年模式如何反映最佳的森林结构，这对树木的稀疏和间距很重要。最后，这项研究将提供有关森林物种的火灾影响和生长的信息。

The proposed research will examine basic processes in forest tree ecology: dispersal (seeds), and survival of seedlings (as affected by fire). By investigating these life history traits in longleaf pine populations, this research will provide a number of new insights. First, this research will provide important information about dispersal abilities of forest tree species. There is a gap in knowledge of the amount of seeds that trees produce and how far seeds are dispersed. Second, how patterns of dispersal; reflect establishment and growth of seedlings will be elucidated. It is important to determine what factors play a role in the success of forest species from seeds to juveniles to adults. Finally, because some forest species, such as longleaf pine, can grow better in the presence of fire, it is important to see if fire plays a role in survival of seedlings. This research has many silvicultural applications. From this study, the optimum distance of seed dispersal can be predicted. This information will be helpful in management of pine populations. Second, the factors influencing survival can be determined. This information will be beneficial in increasing yields. Third, the study will shed light on how juvenile patterns reflect optimum forest structure, important in the thinning and spacing of trees. Finally, this research will provide information about fire effects and growth of forest species.