Selection and Processing of Serotinous Pitch Pine Cones

Abstract

Abstract We examined phenotypic characteristics of serotinous pitch pine cones from the dwarfed pine-oak forests of the New Jersey Pine Barren Plains, and three heat-application techniques to release their seeds, to evaluate the influence of these factors on seed germination and seedling development. One- and two-year-old mature cones averaged twice the number of germinating seeds/cone as green cones collected in late summer, and larger cones yielded higher quantities of viable seeds compared to smaller ones. Treating serotinous cones in boiling water or a convection oven yielded higher germination rates than using a microwave oven, especially with green cones. Thirty-two months following germination, cone characteristics and opening techniques did not predict seedling performance in the field. Parent tree influenced seedling height. We present recommendations to maximize the number of viable propagules collected during the selection and processing of serotinous, dwarfed pitch pine cones. North. J. Appl. For. 12(2):64-58.