Effects of moisture content, storage temperature and type of storage bag on the germination and viability of stored European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds

Beechnuts from three Fagus sylvatica lots were dried at 20°C to 5-6% or 8-9% (fresh weight basis) moisture content and stored at -7°C or -22°C for 3.5 or 4.5 years in sealed polyethylene bags containing air and routinely used for the long-term storage of beechnuts or vacuumed (de-aerated) polyethylene bags with air removed before sealing. The germination and viability (tetrazolium test) of beechnuts were determined according to the Czech Technical Rules (1997) once a year during storage. The results were subjected to factorial ANOVA and the means were compared using the Scheffe test at P > 0.05. Compared to beechnuts dried to an 8-9% moisture content a significant decrease in both germination and viability occurred in beechnuts dried to a 5-6% moisture content regardless of how long the beechnuts were stored. However, the effects of the other treatments (type of storage bag, storage temperature) were not significant.