Germination and Initial Growth of Eastern Cottonwood as Influenced by Moisture Stress, Temperature, and Storage

R. E. Farmer

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Germination and Initial Growth of Eastern Cottonwood as Influenced by Moisture Stress, Temperature, and Storage

Informally Refereed

Authors:

R. E. Farmer

Year:

1967

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Botanical Gazette 128(3-4):211-215

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Abstract

Germination energy of cottonwood seed decreased gradually as moisture stress increased from 0.0 to 10.0 atm; 15.0 atm inhibited germination except at 32 and 38 C. Temperature extremes of 15 and 38 C drastically reduced germination energy, and the reductive effect of 38 C was particularly marked after storage. Only 15-atm moisture stress or 15 C greatly reduced total germination. Germination under optimum conditions (27-32 C) was reduced from 90% to 69% by 12 months' storage. Little seedling growth took place at stresses above 5 atm and at temperatures of 15 and 38 C. Initial growth was related to seed size, which varied considerably with parent tree.

Citation

Farmer, R. E., Jr. 1967. Germination and Initial Growth of Eastern Cottonwood as Influenced by Moisture Stress, Temperature, and Storage. Botanical Gazette 128(3-4):211-215.