Wpływ łuszczenia i czasu przechowywania nasion olszy czarnej (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) na kiełkowanie, wschody i wzrost siewek

Black alder, a major forest tree species in Europe, thrives in moist soils. During the seeds extraction (nutlets) from the cones, the heaviest seeds were observed to fall out first. Seed weight was not correlated to the ability of germination; no significant differences were observed between the heaviest and the lightest seeds. Seeds with a fresh mass moisture content of 8−9% after storage in –3°C retained their high germinability for six winters. However, seedling emergence decreased gradually when tested in cell trays in an unheated greenhouse. Along with the decline of seedling emergence, the participation of high seedlings (≥25 cm) decreased and participation of small seedlings increased simultaneously. These results question whether the practice of storing seeds in –3°C for long time is the best method of germplasm preservation.