Vozzo, J. A. (ed.) Tropical tree seed manual

Abstract

Tropical tree seed manual, by its sheer volume, is a heavyweight when it comes to providing useful information about a variety of seed topics and descriptions for 196 tropical tree species. Despite the focus on tropical species, the information contained in the technical chapters is pertinent to researchers, professors and students working with seed of any species. Work on this book began in early 1996, following authorization from the North American Forestry Commission to compile a reference manual for use among its membership in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The USDA Forest Service supported the project by permitting employees to make contacts and compile the data, and overseeing the entire production process. The manual is organized into two parts. Part I contains nine technical chapters each authored or co‐authored by internationally renowned scientists in their field of expertise. Chapter 1, dealing with ‘Tropical tree seed biology’, is lavishly illustrated with colour diagrams, illustrations and pictures. The section on reproductive biology and seed biology are subdivided into angiosperms and gymnosperms. It also has sections on fruit and seed dispersal, seed germination and seedling development. This chapter is the longest at just over 100 pages. The next three chapters deal with ‘Collection’, ‘Storage’ and ‘Orthodox/recalcitrance’. These are quite straightforward and provide a good discussion of the topics. I feel the chapter on orthodox/recalcitrance should have preceded the chapter on storage because these classifications are applied to seeds based on their storage ability, and it seems to be out of place to discuss seed storage before discussing how seed is classified based on its storage behaviour, although both topics are intertwined. ‘Dormancy and germination’ in Chapter 5 is well covered, including the theory behind dormancy and the various treatments applied to release seed from dormancy. In addition, factors affecting germination and how germination tests are conducted are also presented. Chapter 6, dealing with ‘Pathology’, is divided into two parts; one focusing on principles and the other on practice. ‘Life Histories’ or life cycles of tropical trees are dealt with in Chapter 7, including impacts natural disturbances can cause. The next chapter deals with ‘Ethnobotany’ and discusses the many uses humans have found for trees and plants. Chapter 9 discusses ‘Tropical dendrology’, but the text applies to general nomenclature, classification and identification of trees. It also provides advice on collecting and storing specimens. Part II, ‘Species descriptions’, is the largest section of the manual, comprising almost 570 pages. This section provides useful information to collectors, handlers, seedsmen and nursery managers. Species are arranged in alphabetical order by genus. Information included for each species comprises: botanical nomenclature, occurrence, growth habits, geographic race and hybridization, use, flowering and fruiting, collection of fruits, cones and seeds, extraction and cleaning, storage, pre‐germination treatments, germination tests, nursery practices, seedling care, and additional information. Each species description is also accompanied by a black and white drawing of the leaf, reproductive structures, seed and germinant. The pages are alphabetically index tabbed, making it easy to locate a particular genus. As well, there is a ‘Supplemental species drawing’ section containing 19 species for which a comprehensive description was not available. The ‘References’ section is impressive, consisting of at least 2400 references. A ‘Glossary of terms’ is included in which the pages on which each term is found are referenced. Indices of common names and scientific names are provided, allowing one to easily locate a species. Last but not least there is a section providing a brief biography of 30 of the 63 authors who contributed to the manual. This manual is a must‐have and a valuable reference for anyone working with tree seed. The copy I reviewed was soft cover, which hopefully will withstand the test of time and use, and pages will not become unglued and fall out. The paper used is glossy and of high quality. In addition to the tremendous volume of information contained in this manual, and the publication quality, it is free of charge.