Abstract
Scarification involves the partial removal of the seed coat on the side of the hilum, opposite the radicle, to speed up germination in acorns. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of scarification on the germination capacity of pedunculate oak acorns, selected and prepared for sowing. The diameter, length and mass of acorns were measured before and after scarification in four batches of acorns harvested from uneven-aged trees (76, 91, 131 and 161 years). The measured parameters were used to determine the correlations between acorn dimensions and mass, and to calculate the dimensional scarification index and the mass scarification index in acorns. Individual complete and scarified acorns from every batch were germinated on sand and peat substrate for 28 days. The analyzed acorns were characterized by average size and mass. Scarification decreased acorn mass by around 22% and acorn length by around 31% on average. Scarification and the elimination of infected acorns increased germination capacity from around 64% to around 81% on average. Acorns can be divided into size groups before scarification to obtain seed material with varied germination capacity. Larger acorns with higher germination capacity can be used for sowing in container nurseries, whereas smaller acorns with lower germination capacity can be sown in open-field nurseries.
Highlights
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is a tree species measuring up to 40 m in height and up to 3 m in diameter at breast height
The results of the present study indicate that germination capacity can be somewhat improved by eliminating around 2% of the shortest acorns from each batch
The results of this study indicate that the age of parent pedunculate oak trees (76 to 161 years) generally does not influence the physical parameters or the germination capacity of acorns
Summary
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is a tree species measuring up to 40 m in height and up to 3 m in diameter at breast height. It is the main, dominant or co-dominant species in mixed-species forests, in particular in fresh mixed broadleaved forests, moist mixed broadleaved forests, fresh broadleaved forests, moist broadleaved forests, riparian forests, moist upland forests and upland forests [1]. On nutrient-poor soils, oaks have an irregular growth pattern, they are smaller, produce twisted trunks and resemble shrubs [1,3]. The common name of Quercus robur is derived from the fact that the species produces several acorns per peduncle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
