Maturation of Oriental beechnuts (Fagus orientalis)

Abstract

In this study, both the morphological maturation and germination ability of the Oriental beechnut were investigated two months prior to seed dispersal to find out the appropriate period of ripened beechnut collection. Beechnuts were collected in the seed stand, Dokurcun-Adapazari, on August 2 1, September 9, and September 25 on trees, and on October 16, 2003, from the ground after the major seed fall. Germination percentages were 18.0%, 80.5%, 92.0%, and 94.7% on August 21, September 9, September 25, and October 16, respectively. Similarly, both beechnut weight and the embryo:beechnut weight ratio significantly increased with time and reached an approximate maximum level at September 25, 2-3 weeks prior to seed dispersal. This outcome indicates that ripened beechnuts can be collected from the trees, 15-20 days prior to major seed dispersal. The study also indicates that ripened Oriental beechnuts have physiological dormancy and need about 8-10 weeks chilling at 3 degrees C for germination.