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Mary Anne Sword Sayer
Mary Anne Sword Sayer 

Employee Information
Name: Mary Anne Sword Sayer 
Title: Plant Physiologist
Unit: Restoring Longleaf Pine Ecosystems (4158)
Phone: 318-473-7275
Fax:
E-Mail: msword@fs.fed.us

Location Information
Mailing
Address:		 USDA-Forest Service
Alexandria Forestry Center
2500 Shreveport Highway
Pineville, LA 71360
Shipping
Address:		 Same
   
Location
Phone:		 318-473-7268

Research Information

Education:
B.S., South Dakota State University, Biology, 1983; M.S., University of Minnesota, Forestry, 1986; Ph.D., University of Missouri, Forestry, 1991

Current Research:
Of primary interest is understanding seasonal and long-term ecophysiological relationships among above-ground (i.e., photosynthesis, canopy light) and root/soil attributes (i.e., plant available water, seasonal root carbohydrate relations) that regulate managed loblolly and longleaf pine production. Crown physiology, leaf area dynamics, root production and distribution, and tree growth are studied in response to stand environment and silvicultural practices to determine how environmental variables such as prolonged drought and management tools such as prescribed fire control soil resource availability, carbon fixation and allocation, and forest sustainability.

Collaborative Research:
In cooperation with LSU, loblolly pine fascicle physiological measurements are being expanded to the crown level using sapflow technology. Prediction of physiological processes by fascicle-based, and sapflow measurements are being compared. Soil water relations and root system growth and distribution relative to crown-level environmental and physiological variables are being studied. As part of the UF Florida Biology Research Cooperative, relationships between the fine root distribution, soil environment, and gas exchange of two genetically elite loblolly pine families with contrasting water use efficiencies are being studied. Within RWU-4111, seedling cultural conditions for optimum longleaf pine root system structure several years after planting are being investigated in an effort to prevent damage to container-grown saplings after planting when tropical storm-force winds are encountered.

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Mary Anne Sword Sayer

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