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

Author： Iakovoglou V. Misra M.K. Hall R.B. Knapp A.D.

Publisher： International Seed Testing Association

ISSN： 1819-5717

Source： Seed Science and Technology, Vol.35, Iss.3, 2007-10, pp. : 771-777

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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.