Notes: Seed Tree, Vacuum, and Temperature Effects on Eastern Cottonwood Seed Viability During Extended Storage

Abstract Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) seed from five mother trees was placed in long-term storage under the following treatments: (1) 5°C, normal air pressure; (2) 5°C, vacuum; (3) -20°C, normal air pressure; and (4) -20°C, vacuum. Germination tests conducted at intervals during the ensuing 6-year storage period showed -20°C storage to be superior to 5°C storage in maintaining seed viability. Storage under vacuum had no apparent effect on seed viability at either storage temperature. Comparison of the five seed collections showed intraspecific variability in seed storability. A significant seed tree by cold treatment interaction suggested that single tree seed collections store differently at different temperatures. However, all seed collections maintained the highest viability in frozen storage. Forest Sci. 25:112-114.