STORAGE OF ORTHODOX SEEDS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BAMBOOS

摘要

The importance of seed storage has been recognized ever since human began to domesticate plants. In modem forestry, the seed storage has become a practical necessity for artificial regeneration, which require a regular and sustained seed supply through years of poor seed production. The precise knowledge of seed storage behaviour and methods of storage is of great economic importance ensuring availability of quality seed as well as building seed stocks in good seed years. It is wasteful to spend money on seed collection, extraction and further processing if storage conditions are inadequate. It is also a great loss of germplasm if seed collected from superior stands, seed production areas and seed orchards loses viability due to lack of knowledge ofstorage behaviour of seeds or proper storage facilities. The role of seed storage has become important not only in maintaining viable seed supply in lean years but also as the most effective ex-situ strategy for the conservation of forest trees for long term. The possibility of long-term storage is also of great importance to organisations concerned with tree breeding and introductions, as it may provide a constant source of viable seed.