Métodos rápidos para evaluar la capacidad germinativa de las semillas de QUERCUS SUBER L.

The cork oak ( Q. Suber L. ) has recalcitrant seeds, therefore without proper conservation methods, the seeds quickly loose the germinating capacity. The germination analysis methodology proposed by ISTA takes a long time in order that the germinating capacity may be reduced substantially. With the object of estimating in real or nearly real time, the germinating capacity of seed lots, different methods which are quick and easy are studied and compared. Regression curves and correlation coefficients are established between the proposed methods and germinating capacity, obtained experimentally with ISTA methodology. The methods use seeds between 0 and 12 days old at 30ºC and 33% of relative humidity. The proposed methods which present higher levels, ( in experimental conditions and with the Regression adjusted methods obtained ) are: the acorns’ humidity content with a linear function ( r= 0,98 ), the cotyledons’ pH with a lineal function ( r= -0,98 ), the acorns’ apparent respiration with a parabolic function ( r= 0,97 ) and the acorns’ density with a parabolic function ( r= 0,97 ).