Jin Sherry Xiong

• Degree Program: Ph.D., Forestry
• Previous Degrees: B.S., Guangxi University, China; M.S., Beijing Forestry University, China
• Advisor: Dr. Steve McKeand and Dr. Ross Whetten

Research

Forking defect is a serious stem-quality problem that has been found in many conifer species. Forked stems create large knots and irregular grain in lumber, and also reduce the stem strength and timber uniformity. Forking defects greatly decrease the wood quality, timber harvest and pulp yield, correspondingly reducing the economic value of the wood. Assessing forking in elite pedigrees will enable us to more successfully breed and deploy non-forked phenotypes. In my study, the genetic control of forking and the genetic correlation of forking to other traits will be investigated in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). In addition, quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing stem forks will be identified by using the SNP data from an outbred pedigree of loblolly pine.