Effect of Tree Spacing, Cone Storage, and Prechilling on Germination of Picea glauca Seed

Cones were collected in 1984 at the time of natural seed dissemination from 18 open-pollinated, 30-year-o!d white spruce (Picea glauca(Moench) Voss) trees at 1.2, 2.4, and 4.9 m spacings in a demonstration seed production area at Petawawa National Forestry Institute. Cones were stored in a well-ventilated building for 2 to 6 weeks before seed extraction.Cones length, full-seed-yield per cone, and full-seed weight were greatest for cones collected from trees at the 1.2 m spacing. When cones were stored for 2 weeks, non-prechilled and prechilled seeds averaged 32.0 ± 1.0% and 62.3 ± 1.0% germination, respectively. When cones were stored for 6 weeks, non-prechilled and prechilled seeds averaged 61.3 ± 1.2% and 94.7 ± 0.5% germination, respectively. The higher germination percentage, germination rate, and lower tree to tree variation for prechilled seeds from cones stored for 6 weeks indicate that seed maturation was promoted by post-harvest cone storage prior to seed extraction. Average seed dormancy remaine...