Viability of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) seeds after dispersal in nature or by man may be a crucial factor affecting regeneration of the species on boreal forest seedbeds. Some authors maintain that black spruce seeds remain viable for extended periods, while others take the position that viability is lost quickly. Several experiments carried out by the Canadian Forest Service-Ontario were designed to investigate this issue. They are reviewed here and their management implications discussed.
Typical black spruce stands of northern Ontario produce an annual seedfall ranging from 1.0 to 12.6 million seeds per hectare (Losee 1961). Good seed years occur at 2- lo 6-year intervals (Vincent 1965). Thus, an intact stand generates an abundance of seed, much of which falls on or settles into the forest floor. Should seed viability prove to be prolonged, it has been postulated that such seed could contribute significantly to the restocking of eutovers.