FACTORS AFFECTING THE VIABILITY AND GERMINATION BEHAVIOR OF CONIFEROUS SEED. V. SEED MOISTURE CONTENT DURING STRATIFICATION AND SECONDARY STORAGE, PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII (MIRB.) FRANCO

Abstract

Two seedlots of Douglas fir were each soaked to two levels of moisture content, stratified for 20-120 days at 0-2 °C., subjected to post-stratification storage, and incubated at 10°, 15°, and 25 °C. The higher moisture content (60-70 per cent) was superior for both seedlots particularly when the seed was subjected to drying and storage after stratification. The ability of Douglas fir seed to withstand stratification, drying, and storage for a total time of 240 days, without loss of germinative capacity or vigor, is shown.