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Propagation of Ornamental Plants
24(3): 71-82, 2024

GERMINATION AND GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF QUERCUS MYRSINIFOLIA BLUME ACCORDING TO SEED WEIGHT, COLLECTION DATE, AND STORAGE CONDITIONS

Seong Hyeon Yong1, Kwan Been Park2, Do Hyeon Kim2, Seung A Cha2, Ji Hyun Lee2, Seon A Kim2, Jenna Jung2, Dong Jin Park3, and Myung Suk Choi2,4*

1 Division of Forest Biodiversity, Korea National Arboretum, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro 509, Pocheon, Republic of Korea
2 Department of Forest environment Resource, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-daero 501, Jinju, Republic of Korea, *E-mail: mschoi@gnu.ac.kr
3 Department of Variety Examination, National Forest Seed and Variety Center, Suhoeri-ro 72, Chungju, Republic of Korea
4 Institute of Agriculture of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-daero 501, Jinju, Republic of Korea



The evergreen oak Quercus myrsinifolia Blume, native to the southern regions of the Korean Peninsula, is recognized as a promising ornamental tree with substantial potential for carbon absorption. However, the species reproduces solely by acorns and does not reproduce asexually. Additionally, the yield of acorns, hereafter referred to as seeds, is inconsistent, posing challenges to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality seeds. This study investigated the germination and growth characteristics of Q. myrsinifolia seeds based on their weight, collection date, and storage conditions, including storage temperature, container type, storage duration, and the presence of silica gel. The findings revealed that heavier seeds exhibited a higher germination (%), while lighter seeds tended to have reduced height and lower height-to-diameter (H/D) ratios. Seeds collected in November and December showed comparable germination rates, with both exceeding 85%. However, seedlings germinated from seeds collected on December 2 demonstrated superior growth. Regarding storage conditions, seeds stored at refrigerator temperature (4°C) in plastic or pottery containers maintained higher moisture content and germination (%) over time. The use of silica gel during refrigerated storage had a minimal impact on seed viability. A positive correlation was observed between seed moisture content and germination (%). When seed moisture content exceeded 40%, germination was consistently above 80%, while seeds with moisture content below 30% failed to germinate. Correlation analysis between growth characteristics and storage conditions identified storage duration as the most significant factor. Optimal growth characteristics were observed after a storage period of four months. These results highlight the importance of seed weight, collection date, and appropriate storage methods for ensuring the effective propagation of Q. myrsinifolia.

Key words: moisture content, recalcitrant seed, seedling, sexual propagation



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