Abstract
The aim of this research was to examine the influence of acorn size on morphological characteristics of one-year-old Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings. The quality of seedlings correlates with the quality of the seed they are derived from. In species with large seeds, as in the case of Northern red oak, the seedling growth in the first growing season is closely related to seed size or the amount of reserve nutrients that are stored in the seed. The height and root collar diameter of one-year-old Northern red oak seedlings increases with increase in acorn size. The results obtained in this research can be used as a guideline for acorn grading, because they show that improved Northern red oak seedlings quality can be achieved using seeds of appropriate size.
Highlights
Allochthonous tree species in the environmental conditions of Serbia have a specific population structure characterized by a small number of cultivated trees and underrepresentation of larger stands
The goal of this research is to examine the influence of acorn size on the morphological characteristics of one-year-old Northern red oak seedlings during the first growing season, especially the influence on the seedling height and the root collar diameter
Acorn mass is strongly linked to acorn diameter (R2=0.9362) than to length (R2=0.7308) (Fig. 1)
Summary
Allochthonous tree species in the environmental conditions of Serbia have a specific population structure characterized by a small number of cultivated trees and underrepresentation of larger stands. Knowledge of the biology of allochthonous tree species is important, primarily for their successful adaptation to new habitats and the establishment of stable stands. Natural regeneration in artificially established stands in our environmental conditions is underrepresented, especially in the case of allochthonous tree species. Special attention should be paid to those factors that cannot be affected by silvicultural operations with the aim of ensuring the natural regeneration of forest stands. One of the most important factors in natural regeneration and the establishment of stable stands is a regular yield of quality seeds. Irregular yield of seeds and problems that occur in the natural regeneration of forest stands are reasons for the continuing increase in demand for forest seedlings. In increasing the amount of seedlings, it is necessary to increase the production of better quality seedlings, which will ensure success when replanting in the field
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