Mary Anne Sword Sayer
Research Plant Physiologist
2500 Shreveport Highway
Pineville, LA 71360
Phone: 318-473-7275Pineville, LA 71360
mary.sword@usda.gov
Current Research
Of primary interest is to understand 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 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.
Education
- Ph.D. in Forestry, 1991
- University of Missouri
- M.S. in Forestry, 1986
- University of Minnesota
- B.S. in Biology, 1983
- South Dakota State University
Featured Publications and Products
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana; Haywood, James D. 2011. Longleaf Pine Root System Development and Seedling Quality in Response to Copper Root Pruning and Cavity Size.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Kuehler, Eric A. 2010. Influence of repeated prescribed fire and herbicide application on the fine root biomass of young longleaf pine.
- Sung, Shi-Jean Susana; Haywood, James D.; Sword-Sayer, Mary A.; Connor, Kristina F.; Scott, D. Andrew. 2010. Effects of container cavity size and copper coating on field performance of container-grown longleaf pine seedlings.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana. 2009. Cavity size and copper root pruning affect production and establishment of container-grown longleaf pine seedlings.
- Tang, Zhenmin; Chambers, Jim L.; Sword, Mary A.; Yu, Shufang; Barnett, James P. 2004. Reapplication of Silvicultural Treatments Impacts Phenology and Photosynthetic Gas Exchange of Loblolly Pine.
Publications
- Cone, N.J., IV.; Blazier, M.A. ; Adams, J.P. ; Sayer, M.A.S. ; Tyree, M.C. . 2022. Effect of the systemic neonicotinoid insecticide dinotefuran on leaf-level photosynthesis in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda).
- Mensah, John K.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Nadel, Ryan L.; Duwadi, Shrijana ; Fan, Zhaofei ; Carter, Emily A.; Eckhardt, Lori G. 2022. Effect of Leptographium terebrantis on foliage, new root dynamics, and stemwood growth in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation.
- Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana . 2022. Linkage between longleaf pine seedling morphology and grass stage emergence.
- Cone, Norman J. I; Adams, Joshua P.; Blazier, Michael A.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Tyree, Michael C. 2022. The effect of drought on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) photosynthesis and whether thinning or genetic entry can improve plantation drought resilience.
- Mensah, John K.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Nadel, Ryan L.; Matusick, George ; Fan, Zhaofei ; Carter, Emily A.; Eckhardt, Lori G. 2021. Leptographium terebrantis inoculation and associated crown symptoms and tree mortality in Pinus taeda.
- Pellegrini, Adam F. A.; Refsland, Tyler ; Averill, Colin ; Terrer, César ; Staver, A. Carla; Brockway, Dale G.; Caprio, Anthony ; Clatterbuck, Wayne ; Coetsee, Corli ; Haywood, James D.; Hobbie, Sarah E.; Hoffmann, William A.; Kush, John ; Lewis, Tom ; Moser, W. Keith; Overby, Steven T.; Patterson, William A.; Peay, Kabir G.; Reich, Peter B.; Ryan, Casey ; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Scharenbroch, Bryant C.; Schoennagel, Tania ; Smith, Gabriel Reuben; Stephan, Kirsten ; Swanston, Chris ; Turner, Monica G.; Varner, J. Morgan; Jackson, Robert B. 2021. Decadal changes in fire frequencies shift tree communities and functional traits.
- Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Leduc, Daniel J.; Haywood, James D. 2020. Is planting stocktype critical to long-term field performance of longleaf pine?.
- Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Tyree, Michael C.; Rudd, Brian M. 2020. Optimum prescribed fire conditions for foliage regrowth among longleaf pine seedlings.
- Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Tyree, Michael C.; Kuehler, Eric A.; Jackson, John K.; Dillaway, Dylan N. 2020. Physiological mechanisms of foliage recovery after spring or fall crown scorch in young longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.).
- Mensah, John K.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Nadel, Ryan L.; Matusick, George ; Eckhardt, Lori G. 2020. Physiological response of Pinus taeda L. trees to stem inoculation with Leptographium terebrantis.
- Laseter, Stephanie H.; Vose, James M.; Guldin, James M.; Bragg, Don C.; Spetich, Martin A.; Keyser, Tara L.; Elliott, Katherine J.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana. 2018. Experimental forests of the Southern Research Station: highlights of foundational silviculture studies.
- Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Tyree, Michael C.; Dillaway, Dylan N.; Rudd, Brian M. 2018. Foliage re-establishment of Pinus palustris Mill. saplings after spring or fall prescribed fire.
- Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Leduc, Daniel J.; Tule, James ; Dougherty, Phil ; Muir, Nicholas G. 2018. Understanding carbon sink-source relationships in seed orchard loblolly pine ramets.
- Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Leduc, Daniel J.; Tule, James ; Muir, Nicholas G.; Dougherty, Phil . 2018. Understanding the fertilization and irrigation response of seed orchard loblolly pine.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Tyree, Michael C.; Blazier, Michael A.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana; Eckhardt, Lori G. 2016. Is natural defense capacity correlated with allocation of dry mass to the stem in loblolly pine?.
- Leduc, Daniel J.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana; Brockway, Dale G.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2016. Weather effects on the success of longleaf pine cone crops.
- Haywood, James D.; Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana. 2015. Comparison of planted loblolly, longleaf, and slash pine development through 10 growing seasons in central Louisiana--an argument for longleaf pine.
- Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Haywood, James D.; Sayer, Mary Anne S. 2015. Current-year flush and needle development in longleaf pine saplings after a dormant season prescribed fire.
- Jackson, John K.; Dillaway, Dylan N.; Tyree, Michael C.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2015. Effects of spring prescribed fire on short-term, leaf-level photosynthesis and water use efficiency in longleaf pine.
- Sayer, Mary Anne S.; Haywood, James D.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana. 2015. Soil physical effects on longleaf pine performance in the West Gulf Coastal Plain.
- Sung, Shi-Jean Susana; Zarnoch, Stanley J.; Haywood, James D.; Leduc, Daniel; Sword-Sayer, Mary A. 2013. Developmental dynamics of longleaf pine seedling flushes and needles.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2013. Surface soil root distribution and possible interaction with site factors in a young longleaf pine stand.
- Haywood, James D.; Sung, Shi-Jean Susana; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2012. Copper Root Pruning and Container Cavity Size Influence Longleaf Pine Growth through Five Growing Seasons.
- Goelz, J.C.G.; Strom, B.L.; Barnett, J.P.; Sword Sayer, M.A. 2012. Guidelines for regenerating southern pine beetle spots.
- Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Leduc, Daniel J.; Haywood, James D.; Eberhardt, Thomas L.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Zarnoch, Stanley J. 2012. Methodology and preliminary results of evaluating stem displacement and assessing root system architecture of longleaf pine saplings.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D. 2012. Surface soil root response to season of repeated fire in a young longleaf pine plantation.
- Hood, Wilson G.; Tyree, Michael C.; Dillaway, Dylan N.; Blazier, Michael A.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2012. Whole canopy gas exchange among elite loblolly pine families subjected to drought stress.
- Osbon, Bradley S.; Blazier, Michael A.; Tyree, Michael C.; Sword-Sayer, Mary Anne. 2012. Whole-canopy gas exchange among four elite loblolly pine seed sources planted in the western gulf region.
- Eckhardt, Lori; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Imm, Don. 2010. State of pine decline in the southeastern United States.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D. 2009. Fire and longleaf pine physiology - Does timing affect response? In: Proc.
- Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Haywood, James D.; Zarnoch, Stanley J.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2009. Long-Term Container Effects on Root System Architecture of Longleaf Pine.
- Sword Sayer, M.A.; Eckhardt, L.G.; Carter, E.A. 2009. Nutrition challenges of longleaf pine in the southeast.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2007. Repeated fire effects on soil physical properties in two young longleaf pine stands on the west gulf coastal plain.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Goelz, J.C.G.; Haywood, James D. 2006. Effects of prescribed fire on production of foliage by sapling longleaf pine.
- Kuehler, Eric A.; Sword Sayer, Marry Anne; Andries, C. Dan. 2006. How does fire affect longleaf pine roots carbohydrates, foliar nutrients, and sapling growth?.
- Haywood, James D.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Tiarks, Allan E. 2006. Intensive management of loblolly pine during establishment influences nutrition and productivity through 15 growing seasons.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Kuehler, Eric A. 2005. Crown physiology and growth of sapling longleaf pine after fire.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D. 2005. Fine root production and carbohydrate concentrations of mature longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Mill.) as affected by season of prescribed fire and drought.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Brissette, John C.; Barnett, James P. 2005. Root growth and hydraulic conductivity of southern pine seedlings in response to soil temperature and water availability after planting.
- Haywood, James D.; Sword, Mary Anne; Harris, Finis L. 2004. Fire Monitoring: Effects of Scorch in Louisiana's Pine Forests.
- Tang, Zhenmin; Sword Sayer, Mary A.; Chambers, Jim L.; Barnett, James P. 2004. Interactive effects of fertilization and throughfall exclusion on the physiological responses and whole-tree carbon uptake of mature loblolly pine.
- Kuehler, Eric A.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D.; Andries, C. Dan. 2004. Long-Term Effects of Season of Prescribed Burn on the Fine-Root Growth, Root Carbohydrates, and Foliar Dynamics of Mature Longleaf Pine.
- Sword Sayer, Mary A.; Goelz, Jeffery C.; Chambers, Jim L.; Tang, Zhenmin; Dean, T.J.; Haywood, James D.; Leduc, Daniel J. 2004. Long-term trends in loblolly pine productivity and stand characteristics in response to thinning and fertilization in the West Gulf region.
- Ward, Kenneth E.; Sword Sayer, Mary Anne. 2004. Susceptibility of Potted Sweetgum Seedlings to Insect Herbivore Damage as Influenced by Fertilization.
- Tang, Zhenmin; Chambers, Jim L.; Sword Sayer, Mary A.; Barnett, James P. 2003. Seasonal photosynthesis and water relations of juvenile loblolly pine relative to stand density and canopy position.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Anne; Tiarks, Allan E. 2002. Local Soils Information Needed to Define the Root Zone in Process Models on the Gulf Coastal Plain.
- Tinus, Richard W.; Sword, Mary Anne; Barnett, James P. 2002. Prevention of Cold Damage to Container-Grown Longleaf Pine Roots.
- Sword Sayer, Mary Ann; Kuehler, Eric. 2000. Above- and below-ground growth of longleaf pine in response to three prescribed burning regimes.
- Sword, Mary A.; Kuehler, Eric A.; Tang, Zhenmin. 2000. Seasonal Fine Root Carbohydrate Relations of Plantation Loblolly Pine After Thinning.
- Bamett, James P.; Tiarks, Allan E.; Sword, Mary Anne. 2000. Sustaining Productivity of Planted Forests in the Gulf Coast Region.
- Sword, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D. 1999. Effects of Crown Scorch on Longleaf Pine Fine Roots.
- Kuehler, Eric A.; Sword, Mary Anne; Andries, C. Dan. 1999. Seasonal Fine-Root Carbohydrate and Growth Relations of Plantation Loblolly Pine After Thinning and Fertilization.
- Sword, Mary A.; Chambers, Jim L.; Gravatt, Dennis A.; Haywood, James D.; Barnett, James P. 1998. Ecophysiological Response of Managed Loblolly Pine to Changes in Stand Environment.
- Sword, Mary A.; Tiarks, Allan E.; Haywood, James D. 1998. Establishment treatments affect the relationships among nutrition, productivity and competing vegetation of loblolly pine saplings on a Gulf Coastal Plain site.
- Sword, Mary Anne; Haywood, James D.; Andries, C. Dan. 1998. Seasonal Lateral Root Growth of Juvenile Loblolly Pine After Thinning and Fertilization on Gulf Coastal Plain Site.
- Sword, M.A. 1995. Root-zone temperature and water availability affect early root growth of planted longleaf pine.
- Sword, Mary Anne; Garrett, Harold E. 1994. Boric acid-phenolic relationships within the Pinus echinata-Pisolithus tinctorius ectomycorrhizal association.
- Sword, Mary Anne; Smith, Joan P.; Garrett, Harold E. 1991. Effect of Glomus spp. on the growth of eastern cottonwood cuttings.
Research Highlights
- Tailoring Prescribed Fire for the Private Landowner (2014)
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The fate of the Range-Wide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine will be determined by private landowners' willingness to commit to longleaf pine as a species of choice. Research is being conducted to tailor prescribed fire so that growth losses are not a routine cost of repeated burning.
- Tailoring Prescribed Fire to Benefit Private Landowners and Longleaf Pine Restoration Efforts (2019)
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Strides to restore fire-adapted longleaf pine ecosystems depend on private landowner buy-in. Often landowner objectives demand more than longleaf survival and ecosystem restoration; they also require an acceptable rate of wood production. Maximizing growth of young longleaf pine requires rapid regrowth of scorched foliage to sustain normal carbon fixation and allocation.