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Home → Native Plant Network → Journal → Articles → Refinement and stratification of thinleaf alder and water birch seeds from New Mexico.

Native Plants Journal - Article

Refinement and stratification of thinleaf alder and water birch seeds from New Mexico.

Abstract:

For multiple seed collections of thinleaf alder (Alnus tenuifolia (Nutt.) Breitung [Betulacae]) and water birch (Betula occidentalis (Hook.) [Betulacae]), response to IDS (Incubation, Drying and Separation), gravity separation, and stratification was highly variable among seed collections. In thinleaf alder, drying periods of 18 or 24 h following a 24-h imbibition period were comparable to dry seed separation in petroleum ether for increasing percentage of filled seeds. In water birch, IDS treatments resulted in lower percentages of filled seeds than separation in 95% ethanol. Overall, cold (5 C [41 F]) wet stratification for 56 d improved water birch germination from 11% to 16%. In thinleaf alder, response to a 56-d stratification ranged from 0% to 16% germination improvement. Using separated seed in combination with appropriate stratification length achieved the largest improvements in germination. Treatment selection is discussed in relation to optimizing use of limited greenhouse space and seed supply.

Issue & Pages:

Fall 2002 Pages: 142-150

Article Download:

3-2NPJ142-150.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

  • Cindy L Jones
  • John T Harrington
  • David R Dreesen

Keywords:

IDS separation, gravity separation, stratification