Changes in quality of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds stored at the Forest Gene Bank Kostrzyca

In the Forest Gene Bank cold stores, both long-term and strategic gene resources are stored to be used during periods of poor seed production. Beech seeds of the following harvests were evaluated: 1995, 1998 and 2000. Quality of seeds was determined with different methods from the date of reception to FGB through preparation for long-term storage, storage in cold stores and the presowing treatment. The usefulness of staining tests for rapid evaluation of beech seed viability is not sufficiently sure. The floating test in water significantly improves the level of seed purity. The current method of seed drying does not remain without influence upon beech seeds and causes a slight decrease of viability. Next to beech seed lots of rapidly declining quality in the FGB are stored seed lots whose viability does not decrease during identical technological processes. Seed lots of low initial viability should be eliminated.