Abstract
Seed maturity indices of Populus ciliata were investigated in collections from Sukhatal and Bhowali. Across both seed sources, mean capsule size varied from 68.0±1.5 mm2 to 72.0±0.9 mm2, while mean number of capsules/100 grams varied from 268±8 to 295±12. Mean weight of 100 capsules varied from 25.0±1.4 g to 27.0±1.4 g. Weight of 100 capsules among sources and individual trees differed significantly (P < 0.05), while number of capsules/100 grams and weight of 100 capsules was negatively correlated (r2 = 0.69). As capsules matured moisture content decreased from 83.2±1.1% to 54.3±0.3% at Sukhatal and from 77.7±0.4% to 46.4±0.3% at Bhowali. The optimum germination was at 58–60% moisture content. Maturation was related to capsule colour changes as well as moisture content. These parameters were judged to be good indicators of when to collect P. ciliata seeds.
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Pandit, A., Pant, K. & Ram, J. Effect of collection date on capsule moisture content and germination of Populus ciliata Wall. ex Royle from central Himalaya. New Forests 23, 121–130 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015694310479
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015694310479