Influence of Different Cone Diameter Classes on Cone Weight, Seed Yield and Seed Germination in Spruce (Picea smithiana WALL. BOISS)

A study in non monsoon zone of Jammu and Kashmir related to cone diameter classes and its impact on seed yield percent and germination characteristics of spruce (Picea smithiana) revealed significant difference in cone weight, seed yield and seed germinability. The spruce cones were collected and grouped into three diameter classes (large, medium and small). Seeds were extracted from each cone diameter class. The experiment was laid under laboratory following completely randomized design with five replications in each condition, respectively. The study conducted on seed yield and germinability in laboratory revealed that cones having larger diameter (35 to 40 mm) gave a maximum seed yield of 2.18 per cent and better germinability under laboratory conditions. Therefore, the cone diameter should be considered as an important index of ripeness and for seed collection.