Variation in acorn characteristics in three provenances of Quercus aucheri Jaub. et Spach and provenance, temperature and storage effects on acorn germination

Abstract

The acorn characteristics (acorn size and acorn weight) and temperature and storage effects on acorn germination of three provenances of Quercus aucheri Jaub. et Spach were investigated. Laboratory studies indicated that individual acorn characteristics varied significantly among provenances and no significant correlation could be found between seed weight and germination characteristics. When acorns were germinated at 20 or 30/20 degrees C, it was found that the radicle of the acorns was elongate near the proximal end of the fruit unlike the other oaks. Results also revealed significant variation in germination among sources. No differences in germination parameters were observed when acorns were germinated at either 20 or 30/20 degrees C. Storage did not significantly affect germination parameters although germination percentage, germination value and germination rate slightly declined with one-year storage.