The "selective breeding" or "speeding of natural process" IS genetics at it's
most fundamental. Genetic "tinkering" is being done in research, but as far as
I know it has not made it to commercial seedling sources yet.
Improved or seedlings are bred from trees which show better resistance to
disease and insect problems and better commercial growth characteristics.
Calling them "Super" trees is a marketing ploy to charge higher prices for 2nd
and 3rd generation crosses. Good genetic material is important, but good
packaging, handling, and sorting is more important. Even more important is a
good planting contractor....ask for references.
Bob Miller
Alabama Registered Forester
~~~> The forest may be quiet, but that doesn't mean all the snakes have left.