Impact of different storage ecospheres on germination and growth characteristics of Cork Oak (<i>Quercus suber l)</i> seeds

Abstract

Quercus suber L. is one of the world's greatest forest trees, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin, because of its high environmental and social value year-round. However, these trees generally suffer from specific issues affecting their germination, growth, survival, and other biotic and abiotic factors influencing natural regeneration. For this reason, there is a need to discover solutions to the irregularity of cork oak tree seed production annually and its impact on the natural regeneration of oak forests. The present study focused on resolving high moisture content issues and preventing the loss of cork oak seeds due to moisture and fungal infection during storage. To improve seed viability and germination capacity after storage, the experiment aimed to study the effect of different storage media, including wood sawdust, cork sawdust, and standard treatment (control), at a temperature of +4°C. This work aimed to discover an alternative technology that provides cork oak seeds throughout the year, as well as to find a solution to the irregularity of oaks in annual seed production, to compensate for the loss of forests and the natural regeneration of forests whose trees have been killed, burnt, or deforested. The results obtained showed that the storage media, storage periods, and their interaction significantly influenced the seedling's germination rate, length, and diameter. The statistical analysis showed that the impact was significant at 5%. Storing seeds in cork sawdust resulted in a significantly higher germination percentage, length, and diameter of 64.41%, 26.18 cm, and 2.36 mm, respectively, compared to those stored in wood sawdust 48.77%, 24.19 cm, and 2.44 mm.