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Long-Term Storage of Longleaf Pine Seeds

Seeds of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) are considered the most difficult of the southern pines to store, because their thin seedcoats are easily damaged during processing and their high moisture content after extraction causes rapid deterioration. The results here reported show, however, that high viability can be maintained for at least 10 years by drying seeds to moisture contents of no more than 10 percent and storing them at 0° F. Methods The three studies reported here were installed in the mid-1950's to determine the optimum moisture content and temperature for longleaf seed storage. In all three, large lots of fresh seeds, which had been extracted without damaging seedcoats, were dried to desired moisture contents,. placed in sealed containers, and stored at various temperatures. Viabilities after 5 years were reported by McLemore (4). The initial study compared 12 treatments: All combinations of temperatures of 0°, 25°, and 34° F.; moisture contents of 8 and 13 percent; and winged and dewinged seeds.


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Author(s): James P. Barnett

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 20, Number 2 (1969)

Volume: 20

Number: 2