Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF COLLECTION DATE AND CONE STORAGE ON SEED MATURITY AND ARTIFICIAL RIPENING OF PINUS WALLICHIANA SEED

Javeed A. Mugloo, G.M. Bhat, Parvez A. Sofi and M.A. Khan

Abstract

Pinus wallichiana cones collected from two elevations viz., (1500-1700m) and (1700-1900m) and stored for two weeks produced seeds with maximum germinability. At 1500-1700m elevation the seeds showed maximum germination (79%) and germination value (9.97) in case of fresh seeds and 85% and 11.80 in case of stored seeds. However, at 1700-1900m elevation maximum germination of 81% and germination value of 11.89 in fresh seeds and 85% and 11.62 in case of stored seeds was observed. Hence collection of Pinus wallichiana cones in western Himalayas can be started during 1st week of October and cones can be stored at room temperature before their dehiscence and seed collection.