Abstract

Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard var. mexicanum Gordon (syn. T. mucronatum), Montezuma cypress, is a valuable ornamental tree species tolerant of a wide range of cultural conditions. However, little is know about the propagation requirements of this species. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the effect of previously recommended seed treatments for baldcypress (T. distichum (L.) Richard var. distichum) or pondcypress (T. distichum (L.) Richard var. imbricarium (Nutt.) Croom; syn. T. ascendens, T.d. var. nutans) on Montezuma cypress seeds, and 2) to determine the effects of stratification in combination with pre-germination treatments on germination of Montezuma cypress seeds. Open pollinated seeds were collected from a single tree in Southmost, TX (25° 52.576’ N, 97° 27 .083’ W, elevation 4.5 m, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b). Seven pre-germination treatments and three stratification periods were applied to the seeds. If immediate germination of ripe seed is desired, then the best treatments are the citric acid soak and the hot water baths, however, if seeds can be stratified, then no pre-germination seed treatment is needed. Citric acid scarification and hot water baths produced the best germination. Stratification hastened germination rates and cumulative mean germination percentages. Stratification for 45 d appears to be sufficient, although for the best pre-germination treatments stratification requirements were less pronounced.