Chemically Inducing Lightwood Formation in Southern Pines

Chemical induction of lightwood formation promises to be a new method of naval stores production. A broad range of paraquat concentrations and many methods of application effectively induce lightwood formation. Results of two separate experiments show that loblolly, slash, and longleaf pines produce increased amounts of turpentine and tall oil in response to paraquat treatment. In one experiment, loblolly pine trees on which 8-percent paraquat was applied to a single bark streak yielded, 9 months after treatment, an average of 10 pounds more extractives per tree than did untreated trees. Most of the yield increase was in the lower portion of the tree near the wound, but there was some increase for heights as great as 27 feet. In the other experiment, 8- to 10-inch d.b.h. loblolly, slash, and longleaf pine trees were treated with 0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.5-percent paraquat applied in ax chops spanning one-third the circumference of the trees. All treated trees yielded more resin acids than did similar untreated trees, but yield differences among the paraquat concentrations were only discernible for loblolly pine, in which 2.5-percent paraquat was best. All the yield increases with the ax chop treatments were within 9 feet of the wound.

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