The effect of seed size and parent tree on seed variables and seedling growth of Quercus macrocarpa and Q. alba

Authors: Iakovoglou, V.; Misra, M.K.; Hall, R.B.; Knapp, A.D.

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Volume 35, Number 3, October 2007 , pp. 771-777(7)

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

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Abstract:

Successful regeneration of the high-valued species of Quercus macrocarpa L. and Quercus alba L. is restricted by biological (recalcitrant nature of oak seeds) and physical (eg. environmental stresses) limitations. This study investigated how we could benefit by careful seed selection prior to any regeneration attempts. The effects of seed size and parent tree were evaluated on seed variables and seedling growth. One subset of seeds was used to evaluate seed variables (e.g. moisture content), and another subset was used to characterize seedling growth (e.g. root width). Both seed size and parent tree had an effect on the majority of seed variables and seedling growth, with larger seeds performing better. Our results confirm that careful selection of seed size (specifically larger sizes) and parent tree of these high-valued species gives rise to more vigorous seedlings that could increase regeneration success. Nursery practices could also benefit by reducing production cost when regenerating a site by seeds as opposed to transplanting seedlings.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-10-01

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Seed Science and Technology (SST) is one of the leading international journals featuring original papers and review articles on seed quality and physiology as related to seed production, harvest, processing, sampling, storage, distribution and testing. This widely recognised journal is designed to meet the needs of researchers, advisers and all those involved in the improvement and technical control of seed quality.
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