Gen 3 Loblolly Pine seedlings?

[sealark37]

I just contracted to have some acreage re-planted after clear-cutting last year.  My forester recommended Gen 3 seedlings as being superior.  I have no doubt that he is correct, but in what specific manner is Gen 3 loblolly pine better than Gen 2 or 1?

[WDH]

Better genetics.

[Ianab]

If they have been breeding like NZ radiata they will have smaller branches, larger spacing between them, and less juvenile wood around the pith. Resistance to disease is another factor. So the genetically better trees grow faster, straighter and produce better quality logs. I think they are up around GF 20 for the current planting. The trees are very different to the original wild radiate.

[sealark37]

Thanks for the responses.  These answer my questions.  Regards, Clark