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Forest Seed Collection, Processing, and Testing

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Tropical Forestry Handbook

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Abstract

This chapter pertains to the techniques of capturing the best genetic quality seeds a seed source can produce at the optimal time of high physiological maturity and maintaining these qualities throughout the handling processes, all at a minimum cost. Different collection and processing techniques apply to different species, seed types, situations, and purposes. Yet the collection and processing toolbox contains a number of “standard” methods for most of these groups. Records and documentation help in evaluating “best practice” for future method improvement, and it helps in linking offspring to seed source. Conditions are set for short- and long-term seed storage by their inert storability physiology. The potential storage life of seed may for some robust “orthodox” species be several decades, while no available storage conditions can maintain viability for sensitive “recalcitrant” seed. Seed testing aims at quantifying seed quality parameters such as seed weight, moisture content, purity, and germination. The methods contain a set of standard procedures for preparation and evaluation. Special types of evaluation contain, e.g., health teats and indirect methods of measuring seed viability. Information gathered through seed testing are used as a general quality documentation during seed trade and as a guide for subsequent handling.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Lars Schmidt

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  1. Lars Schmidt
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Correspondence to Lars Schmidt .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inst. Weltforstwirtschaft, Bundesforschungsanstalt für Forst- und Holzwirtschaft, Hamburg, Germany

    Michael Köhl

  2. Programa Regional REDD, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale, Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador

    Laslo Pancel

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Schmidt, L. (2015). Forest Seed Collection, Processing, and Testing. In: Köhl, M., Pancel, L. (eds) Tropical Forestry Handbook. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_225-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_225-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-41554-8

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