Stratification Not Required for Tree-of-Heaven Seed Germination

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) seed germination and shoot dry weight were determined after stratifying samaras at 5 and 25 °C for up to 28 days. Seeds of samaras stratified at 5 °C for 0, 4, and 12 days showed 70, 77, and 96% germination, respectively, 7 days after sowing. Fourteen days after sowing, 90% of nonstratified seeds had germinated, but shoot weight of nonstratified seedlings was 16% less than that of seedlings from fruit stratified at 5 °C for 12 days. Germination 7 days after sowing was greater after stratification at 5 °C than at 25 °C, but the capacity for a large percentage of untreated seeds to germinate within 14 days after sowing indicates stratification is unwarranted for most growers. Tree Planters' Notes 41(1): 10-12; 1990.

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Author(s): William R. Graves

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volumes 41, Number 2 (1990)

Section: General

Volume: 41

Number: 2