Exploring the Future of Forestry in Texas
Field Tour & Genetics Workshop Recap
ArborGen recently hosted a field tour and genetics workshop in East Texas, bringing together landowners, consultants, and forestry professionals for an engaging day of education and on-the-ground insights.
The day began with an overview of ArborGen’s North American business, including the importance of maintaining proprietary genetic programs. Attendees learned about the differences between open-pollinated and mass control pollinated (MCP®) seedlings, as well as the scale of MCP production, which is approximately 1.5 million bags annually, all of which are installed and removed within a six-week window. Presentations also covered Brown Spot Needle Blight trends, with updates on regional outbreaks and ongoing research efforts.
A live Q&A session followed, during which topics ranged from tank mix carryover and mechanical site preparation to fertilization strategies and the container vs. bareroot debate. The value of matching genetics to site conditions and management goals was a consistent theme throughout the discussion.
Two field stops capped off the day. The first site showcased an older open-pollinated stand. While manageable, it exhibited common issues such as stem sweep, forking, and large limbs. The discussion focused on whether such results are truly optimal, especially when better alternatives are available.
The second stop featured a 13-year-old, unthinned MCP® stand on a comparable site. The difference was immediately apparent: straighter stems, tighter spacing, and overall superior performance. Participants discussed the advantages of MCP® in terms of productivity, marketability, and reduced rotation time, while also addressing common concerns such as genetic diversity and risk management.
These hands-on comparisons reinforced the power of genetics and thoughtful planning in forestry. Watch the recap video below to see these stands for yourself and learn more about the potential of MCP® seedlings in today’s evolving timber markets.