Canadian Forest Service Publications
Factors affecting tree seed storage. 2004. Wang, B.S.P.; Simpson, J.D. Pages 3-15 in Proceedings: IUFRO Tree Seed Symposium. September 20-22, 2004, Nanjing, China. IUFRO Seed Physiology and Technology Research Group and Nanjing Forestry University State Forestry Administration, Nanjing, China.
Year: 2004
Issued by: Atlantic Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 25005
Language: English
Availability: Not available through the CFS (click for more information).
Abstract
Seed storage is necessary to provide an annual supply of viable seed for reforestation and for preservation of germplasm for gene conservation, to menion only two purposes. Seed longevity is inheritied and varies among species. Five storage behaviors are recognized: orthodox, sub-orthodox, temperate recalcitrant, tropical recalcitrant, and intermediate. Seed moisture content and storage temperatures are the two most important factors contributing to storage success but the optimal values for these factors vary with tree species and their storage behavior. Hermetically sealed containers are necessary for maintaining viability of othodox and sub-orthodox seeds but some air exchange is required for recalcitrant seeds which remain metabolically active and require oxygen for respiration.