Knowledge and attitudes about genetically advanced loblolly pine seedlings among foresters and family forest landowners in Georgia, United States

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the adoption rate of genetically advanced loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedlings and better understand the factors influencing seedling choice among family forest landowners and consulting foresters in Georgia, a major forestry state in the Southern United States. We conducted two online surveys, one for landowners and one for registered foresters in Georgia. Our findings reveal that the adoption rate, self-reported knowledge, and positive perceptions of genetically advanced loblolly pine seedlings were high among respondents of both surveys. The adoption rate was 13.5 % of all managed forestlands by foresters (29.3 % for managed loblolly pine stands) and 18.0 % of all the forestlands (37.4 % of managed loblolly pine stands) owned by family forest landowners. Reasons for adopting among both groups included fast growth and favorable financial outcomes. However, barriers to adoption include cost, beliefs that other factors are equally or more important than the genetics of seedlings, and the need for more evidence. Furthermore, a high proportion of each group expressed an interest in adopting genetically advanced seedlings for increasing carbon revenue over time. Our findings suggest that more research about the related benefits is needed to increase the adoption of genetically advanced loblolly pine seedlings. We also found that communicating these benefits using trusted sources is also necessary. Our study will feed into the growing movement for using better genetics to improve forest productivity and reduce forest health issues in Georgia and beyond, especially on family forestlands, as they supply the majority of roundwood and other forest-based ecosystem services.