EMERGENCE OF EUCALYPTUS REGNANS SEEDLINGS FROM BURIED SEED

Abstract

Seed of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. was sown at various depths in crumby and in highly compacted soils. The numbers of seedlings which emerged per cent of sound seeds sown in crumby soil were: on the surface—16%; at 1/4 inch depth—51%; at 1/2 inch—18%; at 1 inch—2%; and at 2 and 4 inches—0%. Emergence through compacted soil was 1% from 1/4 inch and 0% from greater depths. Most of the buried seeds which failed to germinate died within 14 months. There was no evidence of seedlings having germinated and died before emerging. In the laboratory 70–80% of hypocotyls arising from seeds incubated in the dark at 65°F for 4–6 weeks grew a little over 1 inch tall. A few of the larger seeds produced seedlings a little over 2 in. tall.