Insect Infestation Distorts Fraser Fir Seed Tests

Germination results from tests conducted in 1960 demonstrated that the value of stratifying Fraser fir (Abies f raseri) seed was highly questionable (1). The effect of the date of cone collection on germination was also discussed. This report gives additional data obtained on this interesting but little-known species during the last 5 years. In 1963 a good crop of cones occurred throughout the range of Fraser fir. Germination, as determined by the Eastern Tree Seed Laboratory, Macon, Ga., varied from 43 to 64 percent, averaging 51 percent. Full seed averaged 87 percent, and there were 62,000 seeds per pound. In 1964 the crop of fir cones was extremely small except on part of Roan Mountain in North Carolina. Seeds collected on the mountain were smaller than those of 1963, averaging 77,000 per pound. Yield of seed per bushel of cones declined from more than 2.5 pounds to less than 2 pounds. Average germination dropped to 21 percent. Most of this decrease in germination was caused by an insect infestation that was not visible externally. Dissection showed that 29 percent of the 1964 crop was infested by a seed chalcid.

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Author(s): Charles F. Speers

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 18, Number 1 (1967)

Volume: 18

Number: 1