Physiological and Pathological Aspects of Long-Term Storage of Acorns : Genetics of Oaks. IUFRO Proceedings

1993

S. 384-387

8 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200041685

The development of a seedlot of oak has been followed over a period of 32 months. During the observation period, the absolute starch content of acorns and the exploitation of starch reserves at germination decreased with increasing duration of storage. Ageing processes are probably impairing the availability of food reserves. After 12 months, a marked decrease in germination capacity appeared, caused by a fungal disease. However, the low storage temperature and high CO2 content seem to have stressed the acorns which has probably predisposed them to infection with the weak pathogen, Cylindrocarpon didymum. Under natural conditions, the acorns developed typical frost hardiness.