Results and Discussion 



Total cone crop, — The cone counts made in 1965 provided an estimate 

 of the number of cones per dominant tree. The mean number of mature 

 undamaged cones per tree was 731. An average of 30 insect-killed cones 

 remained in the crown, and an additional 14 insect-killed cones were 

 recovered under the average tree. The primary insect infestation in all 

 examined cones was caused by the white pine cone beetle (Conophorus 

 coniperda) or the cone moth (Dioryctria abietella) . 



Squirrels cut and consumed or left lying on the forest floor an average 

 of 29 cones per tree. The discarded cone cores were counted where con- 

 sumption had occurred. The total cone potential per tree was 804 cones; 

 and, of these, 91 percent (731) remained undamaged on the trees to 

 release seed. The average number of viable seeds per cone was 32, result- 

 ing in a mean seed crop of 23,400 seeds per tree. 



Time of seed fall. — Seed fall began on September 5 in 1965 and about 

 2 weeks later in 1968 (fig. l). The maximum weekly seed fall occurred 

 at the same time both years during the week ending October 4. In 1965 

 the seed fall diminished rapidly after October 4; in 1968 it tapered off 

 more gradually. This difference probably reflects warm and dry weather 

 in 1965 and cool and moist weather in 1968. 



In both years seed fall after November was negligible. Only one 

 viable seed fell in the seed traps after November 29, 1965. 



From these data we conclude that cone collection for seed extraction 

 should be completed by mid-September in this area. Also, site preparation 



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