Interaction of light, temperature, and chilling in the germination of black spruce

Abstract

A factorial experiment was used to evaluate light, a range of alternating temperatures, and stratification on germination of freshly collected current year's seed of Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P. Light was required for complete germination of unstratified seed at low (5–15 °C) and moderate (10–20 °C) temperatures. This light requirement was removed by moist chilling at 3 °C for 24 days.