Short‐season corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids could allow Mid‐South USA producers to spread some of their risks and begin marketing grain when supplies are low and prices high. This experiment examined the production potential of 16 short‐season hybrids and compared them to two full‐season hybrids commonly produced in the Mid‐South in 2002 and 2003. Individual experiments were conducted at Stoneville, MS, Colt, AR, and St. Joseph, LA, both years and Knoxville, TN in 2003. All plantings utilized a randomized complete block design replicated four times, irrigated, fertilized according to yield goals of 200 bu/acre, and weeds controlled with herbicides and cultivation. Grain yield, aflatoxin, and fumonisin contamination were collected at all locations. Growing degree units (GDU 50s) at anthesis and physiological maturity, grain test weight, and kernel weight were collected at Stoneville, MS, St. Joseph, LA, and Knoxville, TN. Most of the short‐season hybrids produced comparable yields to the two full‐season hybrids though grain bulk densities for most of them at St. Joseph, LA were less than at other locations. Differences in mycotoxin levels were observed only at Stoneville, MS. Questions exist about short‐season hybrids either requiring or just acquiring more GDU 50s when grown in the Mid‐South as opposed to their adapted environments. Development of short‐season hybrids for the Mid‐South is warranted based upon our research.

A group of 28 knowledgeable Alberta forest managers, silviculture practitioners and forestry specialists met in 2013 to discuss results of a collaborative field trial and related studies of lodgepole pine regeneration, and their implications for reforestation practice in the Alberta Foothills region. Several areas of practice were discussed, including site preparation, plantation establishment, vegetation management and pest management. Observations and recommendations of the group are summarized. Recommendations for best management practices represent the consensus of the group, and provide a timely assessment of considerations and options for reforestation management in a changing environment.Keywords: lodgepole pine, best management practices, reforestation, silviculture, site preparation, plantation establishment, vegetation management, pest management RÉSUMÉ Un groupe de 28 éminents aménagistes forestiers et spécialistes en sylviculture et foresterie s' est réuni en 2013 pour discuter d'un essai sur le terrain et des études connexes sur la régénération du pin lodgepole et des implications sur les pratiques de reboisement dans la région des Foothills en Alberta. Plusieurs domaines de pratique ont été l' objet de discussions, dont la préparation du site, l' établissement des plantations, le contrôle de la végétation et des ravageurs. L'article résume les remarques et les recommandations du groupe. Les recommandations portant sur les meilleures pratiques d'aménagement découlent d'un consensus du groupe et constitue une évaluation en temps opportun des considérations et des options de gestion du reboisement dans un environnement en pleine évolution.

Changes in the structure and dynamics of lodgepole pine stands following the 2006 outbreak of mountain pine beetle in western Alberta were investigated by monitoring attacked permanent sample plots over the following decade and projecting future stand development with locally validated growth models. Results suggest that a wide range in growth and yield of attacked stands is likely, with projected impacts varying from minor and inconsequential modifications to full stand replacement. Severely disturbed stands are unlikely to naturally regenerate to pine. The degree to which timber production is naturally restored in such stands will depend to a large extent on the amount and composition of non-pine advance growth and regeneration. Variation in attack severity and tree species composition will, in the absence of clearcutting following disturbance, result in increased diversity in stand and forest structure. Recommendations are made for scheduling salvage and restoration operations to ameliorate losses in timber supply.