Viability of Black Spruce Seed in or on a Boreal Forest Seedbed

An informal experiment on the viability of black spruce (Picea mariana) [Mill.] B.S.P.) seed in or on a boreal forest seedbed indicates that seeds which do not germinate lose their ability to do so some time between 10 and 16 months after seeding. Foresters are cautioned that black spruce cutovers which have not regenerated one year after harvesting that eliminates seed-bearing trees should be seeded artificially or planted. Areas which have not regenerated one year after direct seeding should be reseeded.