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Home → Native Plant Network → Journal → Articles → Assessing viability of northern red oak acorns with X-rays: application for seed managers

Native Plants Journal - Article

Assessing viability of northern red oak acorns with X-rays: application for seed managers

Abstract:

We recently completed research that showed X-ray analysis was a better predictor of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L. [Fagaceae]) acorn viability and early growth than was moisture content. X-ray image analysis is a rapid and nondestructive test of acorn viability-tissue desiccation can be readily quantified. This article describes how to bring this proposed seed test into practice, with the goal of improving nursery efficiency and quality of oak seedlings.

Issue & Pages:

Fall 2006 Pages: 279-283

Article Download:

7-3NPJ279-283.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

  • Rosa C Goodman
  • Douglass F Jacobs
  • Robert P Karrfalt

Keywords:

seed quality, cotyledon, desiccation, Quercus rubra, recalcitrant