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Abstract
Natural genetic interchange and extensive colonization of aspen by seed strongly depends upon favorable climatic and microclimatic conditions and upon human intervention. At times, in regions with the right combination of environmental conditions, there is significant L, reproduction by seed; elsewhere such establishment is rare. Seed production generally is profuse; but this potential for regeneration is considerably reduced by the exacting survival requirements of aspen seedlings. Under the marginal conditions that prevail in some regions, aspen can consistently reproduce only vegetatively (Cottam 1954, Graham et al. 1963). (See the VEGETATIVE REGENERATION chapter.) Despite this, studies of the mechanism of sexual reproduction in aspen are valuable for increasing knowledge of the species9 reactions to stable and changing environments. Where reproduction of aspen by seed is desirable in areas that are naturally inhospitable, the existing environmental conditions mav be modified. or bv selective plant breeding, the seedling reaction to existing conditions may be changed so as to increase the probability of successful reproduction.
Parent Publication
Citation
McDonough, Walter T. 1985. Sexual reproduction, seeds, and seedlings. In: DeByle, Norbert V.; Winokur, Robert P., editors. Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-119. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colo. p. 25-28
