Germination and Seed Viability of Norway Maple Cultivars, Hybrids, and Species

Abstract

Norway maple (Acer platanoides), 15 cultivars, and two hybrids were assessed for 3 years to evaluate seed germination (e.g., growth chamber, open landscape, and forest) and viability in an initial attempt to understand their invasive potential. Differences in germination were observed among the cultivars over the study. Low to moderate germination was found in growth chambers (0%–35%). Lower germination was found at open landscape (0%–23%) and forest floor sites (0%–18%). Inconsistent viability was observed among cultivars across the seed lots. Viability testing with tetrazolium chloride under two protocols revealed that seed viability was higher than germination and that viability alone was not a good estimate of germination potential. Differences in the accuracy of viability testing procedures were also observed. Short-term germination and viability studies provide only limited information to characterize the possible invasiveness of cultivars.