Evaluation of Jack Pine Cones in View of Harvesting Quality Seed

Québec

1991

42 S.

21 Abb., 24 Tab., 39 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

38096

Morphology and age of jack pine cones and their phytosanitry condition time were used to predict seed yield and quality. Cones at collection longer than 50 mm and with a marked curve (8mm deviation from the longitudinal axis yielded the maximum seed number. However, seeds extracted from curved cones had the lowest fresh weight values. The study also presents some regressions which permit to estimate total volume of cone crop, seed fresh weight, and seed number. Jack pine cones are serotinous and remain on tree for several years. Seed number and quality were unaffected by cone age but we recommand to collect the cones before they are 7-year old. Diseased or insect-damaged cones yielded 25 percent less seeds than healthy cones without any change in seed viability.