Relationship size, weight and seeds germination in Juglans jamaicenis C. DC (walnut)

The study of the relationship between the forestry seeds quality and their germination brings key information for the conservation of these species and the establishment of management programs. Juglans jamaicensis C. DC (walnut) is an endangered species, located in the main mountain systems of Cuba. Populations of this species have suffered a drastic reduction due to different natural and anthropic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the seed quality parameters (size and weight) of J. jamaicensis and its germination. The seeds were collected in San Blas and El Nicho, located in the Guamuhaya Mountain, south central Cuba, which were measured and weight. After that, the germination time and its average of germinated seeds were determined. It was determined if there was a relation between the size and weight of the seeds with the location a and the percentage germinated seeds. The average weight of the seeds was 4,84 g and the average size was 22,93 mm. The average germination time was 39,99 days, while the success was 37,4%. Both height, weight and germination time were different among locations; while the first two influenced the germination time. The results obtained confirm that J. jamaicensis has an erratic germination, where the seed quality is an element to be considered in the breeding and recovery programs of the species in the natural environment.