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Germination success, survival and seedling vigour of Quercus suber acorns in relation to insect damage

TitleGermination success, survival and seedling vigour of Quercus suber acorns in relation to insect damage
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsBranco, M., Branco C., Merouani H., & Almeida M. Helena
JournalForest Ecology and Management
Volume166
Pagination159-164
Keywordsacorn germination, insect-attack, seedling production
Abstract

This study assesses the effects of damage caused by Curculio elephas Gyll. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Cydia splendana Hb. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on mature acorns of cork oak trees, Quercus suber L., in Portugal. The average number of insect-attacked acorns varied between 68, 44 and 17%, in three sites, respectively. Acorns assorted into increasing damage classes had a decreasing acorn dry weight and a faster germination rate. The percentage of germination was very high (>90%) in all classes. Seedlings resulting from more intensely damaged acorns exhibited a slower growth rate and lower dry mass production than seedlings resulting from low damaged acorns.