SEED FERTILITY IN RELATION TO TREE SIZE OF CONIFERS, SEED DISPERSAL PATTERN AND SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT IN SILVER FIR AND SPRUCE FORESTS

摘要

In view of increased reliance on artificial regeneration of tree species, seed production assumes significant importance. Apart from other factors, seed production is influenced by the age and size of trees. It is generally believed that abundant quantities of fertile seeds are produced by middle aged or medium sized parent trees. Seed produced by immature as well as by over mature trees often lowers germination and seedling vigour. It becomes imperative on the part of foresters/ scientists to have the understanding of size of trees having influence on seed fertility and other attributes.