An approach on seed storage possibility of field maple seed (Acer campestre)

Field maple is a native tree species scattered in high altitudes of northern forests. Seedling production of this species is taken into consideration for forest development programs. Lack of knowledge about possibility and storage conditions of field maple seeds due to intervals are main problems for seedling production of most forest tree species. For this reason, full ripened seeds of this species collected in November 2009 in Leher Forest at 1800 m above sea level were subjected to two different storage temperatures (room temperature ~20° C, cold store 2-4° C) at two moisture content levels (primary 12.2%, reduced ~6%). Results showed that field maple seeds at both levels of moistures can safely be stored at room temperature for one and two seasons. However, seeds maintained in cold store, at both level of moistures preserved their viability for 18 months. Based on the results, seeds of field maple can resist low moisture content and at such a condition can be safely kept in cold store. Furthermore, on the basis of seed storage behavior it can be categorized as orthodox.