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Aerated water soaks stimulate germination of southern pine seeds

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Soaking loblolly, slash, and short/ea[ pine seeds in continuously aerated water at 41° F. speeded germination as much as stratification in polyethylene bags. Soaking at 60° stimulated germination as much as colder soaks and in less time. Although dormant loblolly seeds can be soaked at low temperatures for nearly 5 months without harm, periods up to 60 days are usually sufficient. With less dormant seeds and higher soaking temperatures, periods as short as 2 or 3 weeks may be necessary to prevent germination in water and induction of secondary dormancy. The water should be aerated continuously to keep the oxygen content near saturation.

Citation

Barnett, J.P. 1971. Aerated water soaks stimulate germination of southern pine seeds. Research Paper S0-67. New Orleans, La. USDA Forest Service, Southern Forest Experimental Station. 9 p.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/63945