We used National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather data and historical records of cone crops from across the South to relate weather conditions to the yield of cones in 10 longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) stands. Seed development in this species occurs over a three-year time period and weather conditions during any part of this span could have varying effects on the final seed crop. Weather had a significant effect on cone crops, but the relationship across many years was complex and could not be attributed to any small subset of variables.
Leduc, Daniel J.; Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Brockway, Dale G.; Sayer, Mary Anne S. 2016. Weather effects on the success of longleaf pine cone crops. In: Schweitzer, Callie Jo; Clatterbuck, Wayne K.; Oswalt, Christopher M., eds. Proceedings of the 18th biennial southern silvicultural research conference; 2015 March 2-5; Knoxville, TN. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-212. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 535-541.