Evaluating Seed Quality

A sample collection is made to evaluate the crop before deciding to collect cones. An early sample is recommended to determine whether seeds are maturing, whether insects have invaded the cones, or whether other problems have arisen. While an early sample cannot ensure you of a collectable cone crop, it can show whether you have a poor crop and provide an indication of seed ripening. If the crop looks good in the early summer, take additional samples later in the season to determine exactly when the seeds are ripe and cones are ready for picking. Refer to the section on Assessing Cone Ripeness for evaluating cone and seed quality.

Methods

Early in the season, select a variety of trees and pick a sample of cones to evaluate cone development. Just before ripening is suspected, additional sample collections are needed.

After you have selected a variety of trees where you will pick a few cones, sample as much as possible in the mid and upper canopy. Sample each quadrant of the tree and various aspects and levels throughout the upper portion of the tree.

Use the nondestructive sampling methods described in cone collections (except for squirrel collections). Decide on the collection method based on cost and availability as you will return to the stand(s) one or more times through the season.

Sampling Guidelines

• Sample 5 to 10 cones per tree.
  
  
• Sample at least 8 to 12 trees from different stands where collections are planned.
  
  
• Trees should be well distributed within the stand and the area of collection.
  
  
• Collect fewer cones per tree from many trees rather than collecting more cones per tree from fewer trees.