Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe Seed Storage, Germination, and Inoculation of Spruce Seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Eastern dwarf mistletoe seed used for inoculation of Picea mariana and P. glauca had better germination (i.e., appearance of a red radicle) and radicle growth when stored at subfreezing temperatures (- 10°C vs. + 4°C) and high humidity for at least 10-12 weeks, and such seed remained viable for at least 40 weeks. Usually 25 percent or less of the seeds had radicle growth longer than 1 min. In greenhouse inoculations, most spruce seedlings (57 of 61) became infected if the radicle made contact with the stem. Forest Sci. 32:92-96.