Seed Characteristics and Germination of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus Tree along the Elevation Gradient in Central Himalaya, India

Abstract

Quercus leucotrichophora seeds were analyzed for color changes, seed size, weight, moisture content and germination elevation gradient. The seed germination was between 51.2 and 55.2 percent when the seed moisture content was between 35.9 and 38.8 percent .The change in mean weight of 100 seeds varied between 64.4 and 164.2 g at low elevation and the change in mean seed size was in between 31.2 and 222.6 mm respectively. The change in mean weight of 100 seeds ranged between 74.7 and 63.3 g at middle elevation, and 2 the change in mean seed size was in between 79.6 and 219.3 mm Similarly at high elevation change in mean weight of 100 seeds was i 2 . between 63.6 - 90.2 and g and seed size was between 146.1 and 227.6 mm respectively. The change in seed color was from dark green to 2 , dark brown, and the mean seed size was larger at the lower elevation than that of middle elevation, and the seed moisture content between 35.9 and 38.8 % during the first and second week of December considered to be a reliable indicator of maturity.