Cone and seed production of western larch in response to girdling and nitrogen fertilization - an update

Abstract

Western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) is a sporadic cone and seed producer. Because the species is such an important component of the -Northern Rocky Mountain forests, methods of increasing seed production are needed. Girdling, fertilizing, and a combination of the two were used on 75-year-old western larch in northern Idaho. Girdling at the base of the live crown was effective in stimulating cone production, while the combination of fertilizing with ammonium nitrate and girdling did not increase seed yield. Fertilizer alone appeared to decrease the number of seeds per cone. Cones from trees fertilized, girdled, and both fertilized and girdled contained heavier seeds than cones produced by untreated trees. Germination of seeds produced on treated trees was greater than on control trees.

Citation

Graham, Russell T.; Tonn, Jonalea R.; Jain, Theresa B. 1995. Cone and seed production of western larch in response to girdling and nitrogen fertilization - an update. In: Schmidt, Wyman C.; McDonald, Kathy J., comps. Ecology and management of larix forests: A look ahead: Proceedings of an international symposium; 1992 October 5-9; Whitefish, MT, U.S.A. Gen. Tech. Rep. GTR-INT-319. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. p. 204-208.