Abstract:
A new and distinct variety of loblolly pine tree named ‘01PM0038’, particularly characterized by high rust resistance, uniform, rapid growth, stem straightness and moderate branch angle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a new, distinct and stable variety of pine tree, botanically known as  Pinus taeda  L. of the Pinaceae family, commonly known as loblolly pine, and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination ‘01PM0038’. The present invention relates to tissue cultures which are the loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, as well as, plants and plant parts, such as, pollen, seeds, cones, inflorescence, needles, embryos, cuttings, seedlings, bark, wood, oils, lumber or timber obtained from all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’. The present invention further relates to harvested products obtained from loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, such as wood, oil, pulp or paper. The present invention also relates to methods for producing these tissue cultures, regenerating ‘01PM0038’ plants therefrom, as well as, progeny of the loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’. The present invention relates to a method of producing loblolly pine, wherein the method is somatic embryogenesis comprising the tissue culture and regeneration of the loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’ plants. The present invention further relates to making rooted cuttings of the reproduced ‘01PM0038’ plants by planting the cuttings. The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrids thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, either as the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, and (b) selecting progeny. The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrid thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, as either the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, (b) harvesting seeds produced from said cross, and (c) producing and selecting progeny from said harvested seeds. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny, comprising the steps of selfing loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, and (b) selecting progeny. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a new, distinct and stable variety of pine tree, botanically known as  Pinus taeda  of the Pinaceae family, commonly known as a loblolly pine, also known as Arkansas pine, North Carolina pine and oldfield pine, and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination ‘01PM0038’. 
         [0003]    Loblolly pine is native to the southeastern United States. Typical loblolly pine grows within a range of about 30 to 35 m in height and about 0.4 to 1.5 m in diameter. Needles of loblolly pine are arranged in bundles of three, which are sometimes twisted, and measure within a range of about 12 to 22 cm. Cones of loblolly pine are initially green in color, maturing to a pale brown, measure within a range of about 7 to 13 cm in length, and about 2 to 3 cm in width when closed, and maturing to about 4 to 6 cm in width once opened, and contain scales with a sharp spine about 3 to 6 mm in length. Loblolly pine has a vigorous growth rate and is grown for lumber and pulp fibers. Methods for reproduction and cultivation of loblolly pine are well known. For a detailed discussion, reference is made to the following publications, which are incorporated by reference: Becwar and Pullman,  IPST Technical Paper Series Number  528, Institute of Paper Science and Technology (1994) pp. 1-18; Pullman and Johnson,  Ann. For. Sci.  50 (2002) pp. 663-668;  Seeds of Woody Plants in the United States , USDA Agricultural Handbook 450 (1974) pp. 608-631; Dorman, K. W.,  The Genetics and Breeding of Southern Pines , USDA Agricultural Handbook 471 (1976) pp. 24-51; Duryea and Dougherty,  Forest Regeneration Manual , Kluwer Academic Publishers (1991) pp. 433. 
         [0004]    Since loblolly pine is a commercially important forest species, research studies have been undertaken to identify promising loblolly pine varieties and hybrids which express a) resistance to problematic diseases and pests, such as fusiform rust and bark beetles, b) weather tolerance, such as extreme cold and drought tolerance c) stem strength and straightness, d) improved wood quality, and e) vigorous growth rate. Research studies have been conducted to identify such promising loblolly pine varieties and hybrids. In addition, the distinctive genetic fingerprint for these loblolly pine varieties can be analyzed. Numerous reproductive methods have been developed for loblolly pine varieties. In particular, asexual propagation by the method of somatic embryogenesis is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,494 for conifers, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/245,267 for loblolly pine, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a new loblolly pine tree selection that possesses high rust resistance; uniform, rapid growth; stem straightness; and moderate branch angle. 
         [0006]    These and other objectives have been achieved in accordance with the present invention which provides ‘01PM0038’ as a new, distinct and stable variety of loblolly pine that is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor(s) in 2000 in Ravenel, S.C. The new loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’ is a progeny of a first-generation selection pollinated by a second-generation selection. The female or seed parent is the unpatented  Pinus taeda  variety designated AG-373 selected in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and is a first-generation selection. The male or pollen parent is the unpatented  Pinus taeda  variety designated AG-76 selected in a progeny test in Georgetown County, South Carolina, and is a second-generation selection. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention relates to tissue cultures which produce the loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’ and clones produced from the tissue cultures. Because the plants thus produced are genetically identical, the new loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’ presents high uniformity in growth and quality. The present invention also relates to loblolly pine, and plant parts thereof, that is the loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’. The present invention also relates to loblolly pine, and plant parts thereof, having all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’. The present invention also relates to plant parts, such as pollen, seeds, cones, inflorescence, needles, embryos, cuttings, seedlings, bark, wood, oil, lumber or timber produced by loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’. The present invention also relates to harvested products of loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, such as wood, oil, pulp, or paper. 
         [0008]    The present invention relates to a method of producing a loblolly pine variety, wherein the method is somatic embryogenesis comprising the tissue culture of the loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’. This method may further comprise making rooted cuttings from the reproduced ‘01PM0038’ by planting the cuttings. 
         [0009]    The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrid thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, either as the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, and (b) selecting progeny. The second pine variety may also be ‘01PM0038’. In addition, this method may further comprise making progeny of ‘01PM0038’ through wind pollination, controlled pollination, or mass controlled pollination. 
         [0010]    The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrids thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, as either the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, (b) harvesting seeds produced from said cross, and (c) producing and selecting progeny from said harvested seeds. The second variety may also be ‘01PM0038’. 
         [0011]    The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny, comprising the steps of selfing loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’, and (b) selecting progeny. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS 
         [0012]    The patent or application file contains four drawings executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees. 
           [0013]    The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new loblolly pine tree ‘01PM0038’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the color of ‘01PM0038’. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a loblolly pine tree of ‘01PM0038’, 37 feet tall, at age 7, grown in a field experiment in Berkeley County, South Carolina. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows the moderate branch angle of ‘01PM0038’, 37 feet tall, at age 7, grown in a field experiment in Berkeley County, South Carolina. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows the typically straight stem, moderate branch angle and diameter growth of ‘01PM0038’. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a side perspective of the first 20 feet of ‘01PM0038’. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention provides ‘01PM0038’ as a new, distinct and stable variety of loblolly pine that is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor(s) in 2000 in Ravenel, S.C. The objective of the planned breeding program was to develop a new loblolly pine tree with vigorous growth, high biomass production for fiber or fuel use, straight stem and high resistance to fusiform rust infection that would achieve commercial maturity sooner than typical loblolly pine trees in the Southeast coastal zone of the United States. 
         [0019]    For purposes of this application, the term “variety” is equivalent to clone, as ‘01PM0038’ may be reproduced asexually and all resulting individuals are essentially identical genetically. 
         [0020]    For the purposes of this application, during “mass control pollination” (MCP) a large number of female strobili are pollinated and produce seedlings (or rooted cuttings) for use in regeneration. The large scale of MCP distinguishes this process from traditional “controlled pollination” (CP), which is used to produce seed for progeny tests in order to evaluate the genetic value of the parents. Bramlett, D. L., “Genetic Gain from Mass Controlled Pollination and Topworking,”  Journal of Forestry , vol. 95 (1997) pp. 15-19. Another difference between MCP and CP is the amount of control that is used to reduce contamination. CP flowers are isolated from any outside pollen contamination and pollen is collected and processed to be nearly 100% free of contaminating pollen. In CP, the goal is that every seed has a known mother and father. The MCP process allows some contamination, so faster and less expensive techniques are used to produce large quantities of seed with the majority of seed having a known mother and a known father. 
         [0021]    The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘01PM0038’ which in combination distinguish this loblolly pine tree as a new and distinct loblolly pine variety: 
         [0022]    1. High rust resistance; 
         [0023]    2. Uniform, rapid growth; 
         [0024]    3. Stem straightness; 
         [0025]    4. Moderate branch angle. 
         [0026]    5. Low rate of forking. 
         [0027]    In comparison to the full-sibling family of which it is a member, ‘01PM0038’ differs primarily in the traits listed in Table 1. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 New Variety 
                 Family 
               
               
                   
                 Trait 
                 ‘01PM0038’ 
                 ‘AG-373’ × ‘AG-76’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Rust infection 
                 Low 
                 High to low 
               
               
                   
                 Growth 
                 Uniformly rapid 
                 Variable low to high 
               
               
                   
                 Stem straightness 
                 Excellent 
                 Moderate to very good 
               
               
                   
                 Wood density 
                 Moderately high 
                 Unknown 
               
               
                   
                 Forking 
                 Low 
                 Variable low to high 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0028]    Of the many commercial varieties known to the present inventor(s), the most similar in comparison to the new loblolly pine ‘01PM0038’ is  Pinus taeda  AA-93 (unpatented), in the following characteristics described in Table 2: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 New Variety 
               
               
                   
                 Trait 
                 ‘01PM0038’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Rust resistance 
                 Similar to AA-93 
               
               
                   
                 Volume Growth 
                 Superior to AA-93 
               
               
                   
                 Stem straightness 
                 Similar to AA-93 
               
               
                   
                 Wood density 
                 Unknown 
               
               
                   
                 Branch allocation 
                 Poorer than AA-93 
               
               
                   
                 Forking 
                 Similar to AA-93 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0029]    The examples described herein are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Different embodiments of the present invention have been described according to the present invention. Many modifications and variations may be made to the methods and plants described and illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     Breeding of ‘01PM0038’ 
       [0030]    The new  Pinus  variety is a product of a controlled breeding program conducted by the inventor(s), in Ravenel, S.C. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new loblolly pine tree with vigorous growth, straight stem and high resistance to fusiform rust infection that would achieve commercial maturity sooner than typical trees in the Southeast coastal zone. 
         [0031]    The new  Pinus  variety originated from a cross made by the inventor(s) in 2000 in Ravenel, S.C. The new  Pinus  variety is a progeny of a first-generation selection pollinated by a second-generation selection. The female or seed parent is the unpatented  Pinus taeda  variety AG-373 selected in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and is a first-generation selection. The male or pollen parent is the unpatented  Pinus taeda  variety designated AG-76 selected in a progeny test in Georgetown County, South Carolina, and is a second-generation selection. 
         [0032]    Cross pollination occurred in 2000 followed by induction of somatic embryogenesis tissue and cryopreservation of embryogenic tissue in 2001 in Summerville, S.C. The first somatic seedlings of the new  Pinus  variety were produced in 2002. Rooted cuttings were produced from the somatic seedling hedges and then planted in 2004 in 2 field experiments located in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and Randolph County, Georgia. Among these two field experiments, a total of 16 ramets of the new  Pinus  variety were planted with 8 ramets per field experiment. 
         [0033]    The new  Pinus  variety was discovered and selected by the inventors within the progeny of the stated cross in 2010. The new  Pinus  variety was selected by the inventors based on its superior growth and resistance to fusiform rust infection, and low rates of forking and stem sinuosity. 
         [0034]    Asexual reproduction of the new  Pinus  variety by somatic embryogenesis, a tissue culture technique for embryo multiplication, was first performed in August 2001, in Summerville, S.C., and the propagated variety has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new variety are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new variety reproduces true to type. 
       Example 2 
     Description of ‘01PM0038’ 
       [0035]    The new  Pinus ‘ 01PM0038’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype of the new loblolly pine tree variety may vary with environmental variations such as temperature, light intensity and day length, as well as, growing conditions variations such as irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest control, without any change in the genotype of the new loblolly pine tree variety. 
         [0036]    The aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe loblolly pine trees of ‘01PM0038’ as grown in the pine farms in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and Randolph County, Georgia, under conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice. 
         [0037]    Unless otherwise stated, the detailed botanical description includes observations, measurements and values based on 7-year old ‘01PM0038’ trees grown in the pine farm in Berkeley County, South Carolina, from autumn of 2011 to summer of 2012. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average of measurements taken from a number of trees of ‘01PM0038’. The measurements of any individual tree, or any group of trees, of the new variety may vary from the stated average. 
         [0038]    Color references are made to the MCC Munsell Color Charts For Plant Tissues (MCC), 1968 edition, except where general colors of ordinary significance are used. Color values were taken under daylight conditions at approximately 11:00 a.m. in Berkeley County, South Carolina. 
         [0039]    All of the trees of ‘01PM0038’, insofar as they have been observed, have been identical in all the characteristics described below. 
       Classification: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Botanical:  Pinus taeda    
           
         
       
     
       Parentage: 
       [0000]    
       
         Female or Seed Parent:  Pinus taeda  variety designated ‘AG-373’ (unpatented), selected in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and is a first-generation selection. 
         Male or Pollen Parent:  Pinus taeda  variety designated ‘AG-76’ (unpatented), selected in Georgetown County, South Carolina, and is a second-generation selection.
 
Propagation: Somatic embryogenesis
 
       
     
       Growing Conditions: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Light intensities: Full sunlight. 
             Temperature: Average summer maximum temperature of 90 degrees F., and average minimum winter temperature of 36 degrees F. 
             Fertilization: None. 
             Growth regulators: None. 
             Pruning or trimming requirements: None. 
           
         
       
     
       Tree: 
       [0000]    
       
         Age: Observed trees were 7 years old. 
         Vigor: The height growth rate of ‘01PM0038’ is 10 th  among 108 loblolly pine varieties, at about 161 terminal growth per year. 
         Form and Habit: A pine tree that is upright and conical in shape with whorled, moderate diameter branches that form a moderate angle to the trunk. Canopy is narrower than typical loblolly pine trees. The occurrence of rust infection is very low. A mature tree of ‘01PM0038’ is expected to approach about 33 m in height at age 25. 
         Branching habit: Whorled. Main branch angle is 40° to 45° with respect to the perpendicular to the trunk if allowed to grow naturally. 
         Size (7 years old):
       Height: About 11.3 m   Diameter: About 19.7 cm.   
     
         Roots:
       Time to initiate roots: About 4 to 6 weeks.   Texture: Bark texture varies by age. Immature bark is scaly and mature bark is irregular blocky.   Bark color: Primarily MCC 7.5 YR 5/2, with MCC 7.5 YR 5/4, underbark.   Trunk Lenticels: None visible.   
     
         Primary Branches:
       Number per tree: About one set of 2-5 branches/whorl every 40 cm along trunk.   Length: Varies due to conical shape of tree; maximum of about 250 cm; minimum of about 30 cm. On average, branches grow about 20 cm to 30 cm, and then new branchlets form, radiating from the older, primary branch.   Diameter (at 3.5 years): About 20 mm to 25 mm   Surface texture: Somewhat scaly and rough   Pubescence: None.   Color:
           Mature: MCC 7.5 YR 5/4   New Growth: MCC 5.0 YR 5/4   
           
     
         Branchlets:
       Number per primary branch: About 3-4 every 15-20 cm along branch   Length: Maximum of about 60 cm; minimum of about 15 cm   Diameter: About 4 mm to 10 mm   Surface texture: Smooth to rough   Pubescence: None.   Color:
           Mature: MCC 7.5 YR 5/4   New Growth: MCC 5.0 YR 5/4   
           
     
         Internode length: 4 to 6 growth cycles per year. Length varies by growth condition, averaging greater than 30 cm per cycle. 
         Internode diameter: Varies by position on the tree. Ranges from about 15 cm at base to 1.0 cm at top. 
         Branch lenticels: None 
       
     
       Foliage: 
       [0000]    
       
         Juvenile Needles:
       Arrangement: Single and arranged in spiral   Duration: Produced for about 3 months to 1 year.   Size:
           Length: About 20 mm to 40 mm   Width: About 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm   
           Shape:
           Overall: Acicular   Apex: Acute   Base: Sessile   
           Margin: Entire   Orientation: Lateral   Aspect: Straight   Texture: Glabrous   Color:
           Upper surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 4/4, graduating to MCC 7.5 GY 4/4 at needle tip   Under surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 4/4, graduating to MCC 7.5 GY 4/4 at needle tip   
           Scale leaves: None present   
     
         Mature Needles:
       Arrangement: Evergreen needles, typically 3 needles per fascicle.   Duration: Without injury, needles can persist for about 2 years.   Size:
           Length (including sheath): About 120 mm to 220 mm   Width: About 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm   
           Shape:
           Overall: Acicular   Apex: Acute   Base: Sessile   
           Margin: Entire   Orientation: Lateral   Aspect: Straight to somewhat twisted   Texture: Glabrous   Color:
           Upper surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 graduating to MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 at needle tip   Under surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 graduating to MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 at needle tip   
           Venation:
           Pattern: Linear   Color: MCC 7.5 GY 3/4   
           Sheath:
           Size:
               Length: About 10 mm to 15 mm   Width: About 2 mm to 3 mm   
               Color: MCC 7.5 YR 7/2   
           Fragrance: Similar to turpentine and lemon-lime   
     
       
     
       Buds: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Type: Terminal and secondary 
             Shape: Narrowly ovoid 
             Length: About 5 mm to 15 mm 
             Width: About 3 mm to 6 mm 
             Texture: Covered with scales 
             Color: Apex, MCC 5 YR 6/4, and base, MCC 5 YR 6/4 
             Scales:
           Number: About 8 to 10   Overall shape: Triangular   Apex shape: Mucronate   Base shape: Broadly rounded   Color:
               Upper: MCC 2.5 YR 5/8   Lower: MCC 2.5 YR 5/8   
               
         
           
         
       
     
       Cones: 
       [0000]    
       
         Natural flowering season: February to March in Summerville, S.C. 
         Type: Monoecious; cone description provided for female cones. 
         Immature Cone (unopened):
       Overall Shape: Ovoid to cylindrical   Length: About 75 mm to 130 mm   Width: About 20 mm to 30 mm   Weight: About 30 gm to 150 gm   Texture: Irregular surface with short spine on each scale   Color: Apex, MCC 2.5 YR 6/4, and base, MCC 2.5 YR 6/4   Peduncle (rachis):
           Length: About 60 mm to 100 mm   Width: About 3 mm to 6 mm   Texture: Not visible in unopened cone, covered with scales   Color: MCC 5 YR 4/8   Scales:
               Number per peduncle (rachis): About 120   Overall shape: Exposed portion (apex) loosely quadrilateral   Apex shape: Loosely quadrilateral   Base shape: Not visible in unopened cone   Color: MCC 5 YR 5/4   
               
           
     
         Mature Cone (opened):
       Age: Generally by about 10 years   Overall Shape Ovoid to narrowly conical   Length: About 75 mm to 150 mm   Width: About 40 mm to 60 mm   Weight: About 10 gm to 40 gm   Texture: Scale surfaces smooth except for short spine   Color: Apex, MCC 2.5 Y 8/4, and base, MCC 2.5 Y 8/4   Peduncle (rachis): Inseparable from scales that cover it
           Length: About 60 mm to 100 mm   Width: About 3 mm to 6 mm   Texture: Not visible, covered with scales   Scales:
               Number per peduncle (rachis): About 120   Type: Umbo dorsal.   Overall shape: Rectangular, flared at apex and narrowing at base   Apex shape: Mucronate umbo   Base shape: Narrowing to juncture with peduncle   Color: MCC 2.5 Y 8/4   
               
           
     
       
     
       Seeds: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Number per scale: About 2 
             Type: Anemophilous 
             Overall Shape Somewhat triangular, with a raised center 
             Length: About 5 mm 
             Diameter: About 4 mm 
             Texture: Smooth 
             Color: Dark (MCC 5 YR 3/2) to light brown (MCC 7.5 YR 6/8), sometimes mottled 
             Seed wing:
           Attachment: Articulate   Length: About 20 mm   Width: About 8 mm   Color: MCC 5 YR 4/6   
         
           
         
       
     
       Use: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             High yield industrial plantations 
           
         
       
     
       Disease/Pest Resistance: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Free of fusiform rust infection in field trees through age 7 USDA Resistance Screening Center testing, using artificial inoculation with rust spores, yielded a 5% infection rate. Control rates were between 50-88%. 
           
         
       
     
       Disease/Pest Susceptibility: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             No further pest testing has been done. 
           
         
       
     
       Weather Hardiness/Tolerance: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             No testing has been conducted 
           
         
       
     
       Example 3 
     Genetic Fingerprinting Data of ‘01PM0038’ 
       [0194]    Molecular markers are widely used to assess genetic variation and relationships among and within a species (Tautz, 1989). Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been useful for studying genetic relationships in loblolly pine (Liewlaksaneeyanawin, C. et al., 2004). Here, a set of 13 loblolly pine SSR markers were used to generate a unique DNA fingerprinting profile for loblolly pine genotype ‘01PM0038’. The SSR primer sequences used for this analysis and GenBank accession numbers are provided below. 
         [0195]    Materials and Methods 
         [0196]    To generate microsatellite marker fingerprints for 22 different loblolly clonal varieties: GE34, 04QN0142, 04QN0822, 04QN0969, 04QN0979, I0580652, I0792123, I1030239, I1031750, I1031813, NQ26, NQ90, ON10, PM38, PM51, PM212, PM229, PT1056, PT5992, NQ857, PT6615, and PT7207, twelve (12) highly informative markers that were easy and unambiguous to score and well spaced across the genome were selected to distinguish genotypes (Tables 3A and 3B). Two of these markers, sifg-0493 and ript-1040, were from the same linkage, although they were still almost completely independent with a genetic map distance of 41cM. 
         [0197]    The 5′ ends of all forward primers were modified with the universal m13 sequence CACGACGTTGTAAAACGAC (SEQ ID NO: 1), and the reverse primers all had the sequence GTTTCTT at the 5′ end. These were used with a fluorescently labeled m13 primer of the same sequence as the 5′ modification of the forward primers. Data was generated for one negative reagent control, the 12 CTAB extracted template DNA&#39;s, and three CTAB extracted DNA&#39;s of previously genotyped reference control samples of loblolly pine; B-145-L, 487NCS (=7-56), and 20-1010). The following reagents and concentrations were used in a 6 μl volume PCR reaction to amplify products: 20 ng template DNA, 5× colorless Gotag™ r×n buffer with 15 mM MgCl 2  dilute to 1.0×, Promega dNTPs at 66 μM each base, 0.04 μM forward primer, 0.16 reverse primer, 0.16 μM fluorescently labeled M13 primer (dye label based on product pool in table), and 1 unit hot start Taq polymerase. Thermocycling was conducted in 96-well format using PTC-200 thermocyclers with heated bonnets from MJ-research using the following parameters: 94° C. for 2 minutes, followed by 20 cycles of 94° C. for 30 seconds, 65° C. minus 0.5° C. per cycle for 30 seconds, 72° C. for 1 minute, then 25 cycles of 92° C. for 30 seconds, 55° C. for 30 seconds, and 72° C. for 1 minute thirty seconds followed by a final extension at 72° C. for 15 minutes. The products were then held at 4° C. until analyzed. 
         [0198]    PCR products were combined and diluted in 18 mega-ohm water into 4 product pools (Tables 3A and 3B) such that one template and several markers could be analyzed in the same capillary. Two microliters of each product pool were then loaded on an ABI 3130 genetic analyzer using the default run module for a 36 cm capillary array modified by the addition of 5 minutes to the run time. An ABI LIZ600 internal size standard was used in each well at a concentration of 10 μl size standard/ml ABI HiDi formamide. Product fragments were then analyzed with GeneMapper™ 3.7 analysis software using microsatellite default settings as the analysis method. 
         [0199]    Binning and naming of alleles were done using a scheme which allows for freedom of marker dye modification among projects to meet specific needs while still maintaining the same allele names for unifying data sets among projects. Allele names were first assigned to PCR products from each marker run with a 15-tree reference panel. Markers from these initial reference runs were labeled in one of four dye-labels, VIC, 6-FAM, NED, or PET. The allele names for a marker were based on fragment size as it appeared for whatever dye used in the reference sample runs. Any novel allele fragments in a subsequent project are named based on their relative base pair sizing within this reference frame, and subsequently become part of an additive set of named allele bins for that marker. The largest bin set for a marker is then used for all consecutive projects. Dye migration sizing differences among project runs are corrected when needed (i.e. marker A was run with 6-FAM in project 1, but VIC in project 2) for by shifting the positions of all bins in a set to the left (−) or right (+) based on dye migration difference values collected previously. Any further refinements needed due to slight run-to-run variation can also be judged by the binning of the reference controls and should be applied to all bins in a set equally. The three positive control reference samples included in PCR and sizing in this project matched previous allele calls. 
         [0200]    SAS and Perl procedures were used to process the data and GenAlEx v. 6.1 to calculate a genetic distance (methods=codom-genotypic) matrix. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3A 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Information on 12 microsatellite markers used for 
               
               
                 the DNA fingerprinting study. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Position 
                 Size 
                 Number 
               
               
                   
                 Dye 
                 Product 
                 Linkage 
                 LG 
                 range, 
                 Reference 
               
               
                 Locus name 
                 Label 
                 Pools 
                 Group 
                 (cM) 
                 bps 
                 Alleles 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 PtRIP-0619 
                 6-FAM 
                 3 
                 6 
                 28.0 
                 180-250 
                 16 
               
               
                 PtRIP-1040 
                 VIC 
                 1 
                 2 
                 53.8 
                 200-240 
                 13 
               
               
                 PtRIP-1077 
                 VIC 
                 2 
                 4 
                 5.0 
                 210-300 
                 8 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-0193 
                 NED 
                 1 
                 11 
                 1.7 
                 250-270 
                 3 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-0493 
                 NED 
                 2 
                 2 
                 12.6 
                 288-332 
                 6 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-0566 
                 6-FAM 
                 2 
                 1 
                 25.8 
                 120-150 
                 4 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-0737 
                 PET 
                 2 
                 10 
                 110.0 
                 420-480 
                 11 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-1190 
                 NED 
                 3 
                 9 
                 75.5 
                 290-340 
                 3 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-4233 
                 6-FAM 
                 1 
                 7 
                 57.3 
                 116-160 
                 14 
               
               
                 PtSIFG-4304 
                 VIC 
                 3 
                 12 
                 37.0 
                 408-424 
                 7 
               
               
                 PtTX-4114 
                 6-FAM 
                 4 
                 3 
                 35.0 
                 110-170 
                 9 
               
               
                 SsrPt- 
                 PET 
                 1 
                 5 
                 19.9 
                 170-200 
                 3 
               
               
                 ctg9249 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3B 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 GenBank accession numbers and sequences for SSR primer 
               
               
                 pairs used in genotyping analysis of line ‘01PM0038’. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Accession 
                   
                 Sequence 
               
               
                 Primer 
                 Number 
                 Primer Sequence (5′-3′) 
                 Identifier 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtRIP_0619 
                 BV683091 
                 CAGCTCTCTTAATAGCCTCGGGCACATAGCAACGCTGAAGA 
                 SEQ ID NO: 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtRIP_1040 
                 BV683133 
                 TCAAGGAATTCATTGGAGCCTTTGGCCATATCAAACCCAT 
                 SEQ ID NO: 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtRIP_1077 
                 BV683137 
                 AACATTCTAGCATGCCCCACTTGTGGTGGATGTCTCTCCTC 
                 SEQ ID NO: 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_0193 
                 BV728742 
                 CCCATGCATCAATTCAAGTTTGTGCGTGGATATGGAAAAA 
                 SEQ ID NO: 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_0493 
                 BV728661 
                 GAGAACATCTGCCTTGAGCCCTGGCATGATGGGTTTCTCT 
                 SEQ ID NO: 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_0566 
                 BV728755 
                 ACTTAGTGGGAAAGGGGGAATTCCTCAGCCAAAAGCTCTC 
                 SEQ ID NO: 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_0737 
                 BV728669 
                 GCAAGGGGAATTGCTTATGAGGGATCGCATCAGCTGTAAT 
                 SEQ ID NO: 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_1190 
                 BV728679 
                 CAGGTGGCTTGGATTTCATTTCATTCAAGCGTCCTGCTTA 
                 SEQ ID NO: 9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_4233 
                 BV728685 
                 AGGGAAACCGCGGATTATAGCCGGAATGAAGATTGCAGTT 
                 SEQ ID NO: 10 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtSIFG_4304 
                 BV728793 
                 CATGCATGTGTGGAGGAGT CTCATGTGCTTTGATCCCCT 
                 SEQ ID NO: 11 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PtTX_4114 
                 BV728876 
                 ACACATGTCTTGAGGAGTTCAATTTGATCTATAACTTTCACC 
                 SEQ ID NO: 12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SsrPt_ctg9249 
                 BV728813 
                 CTGCTCCCTCAGCTCTTCC AGACGTCACTGCCATTACCC 
                 SEQ ID NO: 13 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0201]    Results and Discussion 
         [0202]    All 12 markers gave excellent results for the 22 loblolly variety samples, plus the three control samples. Allelic peaks were easily binned and called using our existing marker panels and bin sets. Of the possible 12*22=156 data points (i.e., co-dominant genotypes), 155 were scored (˜1.5% missing data). 
         [0203]    All 22 variety samples provided distinct allelic profiles, with one pair of varieties (PT6615 and PT7207) showing high allele similarity. 
         [0204]    The sample genotypes for all 12 markers and 22 varieties plus 3 control trees are provided in Table 4. Three missing data points are contained in the table for 11031750 and one missing data point is contained in 04QN0142 (denoted by a 0 at each allele). ‘01PM0038’ can be distinguished from other pine genotypes using the primer(s): pttx-4114, ript-0619, ript-1040, ript-1077, sifg-0193, sifg-0493, sifg-0566, sifg-0737, sifg-1190, sigf-4233, sifg-4304, and SsrPt-ctg9249. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Allele fingerprinting data from 22 loblolly pine genotypes using twelve primer sets 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 pttx- 
                 ript- 
                 ript- 
                 ript- 
                 sifg- 
                 sifg- 
                 sifg- 
                 sifg- 
                 sifg- 
                 sifg- 
                 sifg- 
                 SsrPt- 
               
               
                 Sample 
                 4114 
                 0619 
                 1040 
                 1077 
                 0193 
                 0493 
                 0566 
                 0737 
                 1190 
                 4233 
                 4304 
                 ctg9249 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 B145L 
                 130140 
                 213213 
                 215215 
                 245247 
                 256256 
                 314317 
                 135141 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122122 
                 420420 
                 181181 
               
               
                 20_1010 
                 130134 
                 203223 
                 215221 
                 247247 
                 256258 
                 314317 
                 129129 
                 450462 
                 312312 
                 122124 
                 418420 
                 178178 
               
               
                 7_56 
                 136138 
                 221223 
                 215215 
                 241247 
                 256258 
                 314317 
                 135135 
                 450456 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 420420 
                 175175 
               
               
                 04QN0142 
                 136136 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 000000 
                 256258 
                 314317 
                 129135 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122122 
                 420420 
                 175184 
               
               
                 04QN0822 
                 136138 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 247247 
                 256258 
                 317317 
                 135141 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 416420 
                 175175 
               
               
                 04QN0969 
                 138140 
                 223223 
                 215215 
                 241257 
                 258258 
                 317317 
                 135141 
                 444456 
                 312312 
                 122122 
                 416420 
                 175184 
               
               
                 04QN0979 
                 136138 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 235247 
                 256258 
                 314317 
                 135141 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 416420 
                 175175 
               
               
                 I0580652 
                 136136 
                 221221 
                 215225 
                 245247 
                 256256 
                 314314 
                 135135 
                 456462 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 418420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 I0792123 
                 136136 
                 221223 
                 215215 
                 241243 
                 258258 
                 314314 
                 135141 
                 444450 
                 303312 
                 122136 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 I1030239 
                 132138 
                 223223 
                 215215 
                 243247 
                 258258 
                 314317 
                 135141 
                 444456 
                 303312 
                 122122 
                 420420 
                 175175 
               
               
                 I1031750 
                 134136 
                 223223 
                 215215 
                 000000 
                 000000 
                 314314 
                 135141 
                 450450 
                 303312 
                 000000 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 I031813 
                 132136 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 243247 
                 258258 
                 314317 
                 135147 
                 450450 
                 303312 
                 122136 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PM38 
                 132138 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 241245 
                 256256 
                 314317 
                 135135 
                 444450 
                 309312 
                 122136 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 GE34 
                 130136 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 247247 
                 256258 
                 314317 
                 129135 
                 444456 
                 312312 
                 124136 
                 418420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 NQ26 
                 136140 
                 221221 
                 221221 
                 235245 
                 256258 
                 308314 
                 129135 
                 444444 
                 312312 
                 122124 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 NQ857 
                 138140 
                 221225 
                 215225 
                 241243 
                 253256 
                 314317 
                 135135 
                 450462 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 420420 
                 175175 
               
               
                 NQ90 
                 132140 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 235247 
                 253258 
                 314314 
                 129135 
                 444444 
                 309312 
                 122122 
                 416420 
                 178184 
               
               
                 ON10 
                 136136 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 235247 
                 256256 
                 314314 
                 141141 
                 444456 
                 309312 
                 122124 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PM212 
                 138140 
                 221223 
                 215215 
                 241247 
                 256258 
                 308317 
                 135141 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122122 
                 416420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PM229 
                 138140 
                 221223 
                 215221 
                 241245 
                 256256 
                 314317 
                 135135 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PM51 
                 136140 
                 223223 
                 215215 
                 247247 
                 256258 
                 308317 
                 135141 
                 444450 
                 312312 
                 122136 
                 416420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PT1056 
                 136140 
                 221221 
                 215215 
                 247257 
                 256256 
                 314314 
                 129141 
                 444444 
                 312312 
                 122124 
                 416420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PT5992 
                 138144 
                 223223 
                 215215 
                 241245 
                 256256 
                 317317 
                 129135 
                 444450 
                 303312 
                 122122 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PT6615 
                 134136 
                 221221 
                 215225 
                 241245 
                 256258 
                 317317 
                 129135 
                 444456 
                 303312 
                 124136 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                 PT7207 
                 134136 
                 221221 
                 215225 
                 241245 
                 256258 
                 317317 
                 129135 
                 444456 
                 303312 
                 122124 
                 420420 
                 175178 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0205]    The examples described herein are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Different embodiments of the present invention have been described according to the present invention. Many modifications and variations may be made to the methods and plants described and illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0206]    Although the foregoing refers to particular preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not so limited. It will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments and that such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the following claims. All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those in the art to which the invention pertains. 
         [0207]    All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 SEQUENCE LISTING 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 1: m13 sequence 
               
               
                   
                 CACGACGTTGTAAAACGAC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 2: PtRIP_0619 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 CAGCTCTCTTAATAGCCTCGGGCACATAGCAACGCTGAAGA 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 3: PtRIP_1040 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 TCAAGGAATTCATTGGAGCCTTTGGCCATATCAAACCCAT 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 4: PtRIP_1077 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 AACATTCTAGCATGCCCCACTTGTGGTGGATGTCTCTCCTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 5: PtSIFG_0193 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 CCCATGCATCAATTCAAGTTTGTGCGTGGATATGGAAAAA 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 6: PtSIFG_0493 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 GAGAACATCTGCCTTGAGCCCTGGCATGATGGGTTTCTCT 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 7: PtSIFG_0566 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 ACTTAGTGGGAAAGGGGGAATTCCTCAGCCAAAAGCTCTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 8: PtSIFG_0737 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 GCAAGGGGAATTGCTTATGAGGGATCGCATCAGCTGTAAT 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 9: PtSIFG_1190 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 CAGGTGGCTTGGATTTCATTTCATTCAAGCGTCCTGCTTA 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 10: PtSIFG_4233 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 AGGGAAACCGCGGATTATAG CCGGAATGAAGATTGCAGTT 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 11: PtSIFG_4304 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 CATGCATGTGTGGAGGAGT CTCATGTGCTTTGATCCCCT 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 12: PtTX_4114 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 ACACATGTCTTGAGGAGTTCAATTTGATCTATAACTTTCACC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 13: SsrPt_ctg9249 Primer 
               
               
                   
                 CTGCTCCCTCAGCTCTTCC AGACGTCACTGCCATTACCC