Effect of seed position and media on germination of black walnut and northern red oak: implications for nursery production and direct seeding

Abstract

Germination of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) prior to sowing into containers or bareroot nursery beds can help maintain desired crop density and reduce nursery costs. Recommended techniques for germination of black walnut are labor intensive and require that walnuts be completely covered with growing media, periodically removed, and rinsed to identify germination prior to excessive elongation of the radicle. The purpose of this study was to determine if immersing 50% of a walnut into the soil such that the germinating radicle could be readily observed?a successful germination technique for northern red oak acorns?was also viable for germinating walnuts. The effect of media type on germination was also investigated. Percent germination was not influenced by seed position; however, fewer black walnuts germinated in vermiculite than in a soil mix. These findings may benefit research projects, small-scale nursery production, and direct-seeding operations.

Parent Publication

• Black walnut in a new century, proceedings of the 6th Walnut Council research symposium; 2004 July 25-28; Lafayette, IN.

Citation

Davis, Anthony S.; Wilson, Barrett C.; Jacobs, Douglass F. 2004. Effect of seed position and media on germination of black walnut and northern red oak: implications for nursery production and direct seeding. In: Michler, C.H.; Pijut, P.M.; Van Sambeek, J.W.; Coggeshall, M.V.; Seifert, J.; Woeste, K.; Overton, R.; Ponder, F., Jr., eds. Proceedings of the 6th Walnut Council Research Symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-243. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 31-36