Update on Oak Seed Quality Research: Hardwood Recalcitrant Seeds


In 2 experiments, acorns of cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) and water oak (Q. nigra L.) were stored at 2 temperatures and 2 moisture contents for 3 years, and acorns of white oak (Q. alba L.) and cherrybark oak were desiccated over a span of up to 11 days and examined for physiological and biochemical changes. We found that after 2 years of storage, only cherrybark and water oak acorns that had been stored fully hydrated retained high viability. In addition, those stored at –2 ∞C (28 ∞F) were more viable than those stored at 4 ∞C (39 ∞F). In the desiccation study, we found rapid decreases in acorn viability, accompanied by changes in the lipid, protein, and carbohydrate fractions. Changes were seen in membrane lipids and proteins in as few as 3 to 4 days of drying, suggesting that the physiological deterioration of these acorns begins relatively soon after shedding. We suggest that all precautions against moisture loss be taken during collection and storage, especially if acorns are not used immediately.
PDF details
Download this file
Publication Forest Nursery Proceedings
Event Springfield, IL - 2003
Author Kristina F. Connor
Published 2004/06/01
** PDF Files require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Use the key word search found below to quickly locate resources about a specific topic.
For more advanced searching options, try the Advanced Search.
Search Tree Planters Notes
If you can read this text, it means you are not experiencing the RNGR design at its best. RNGR makes heavy use of CSS, which means it is accessible to any internet browser, but the design needs a standards-compliant browser represent the intended look. Just so you know ;)