Attività vivaistica: la quercia da sughero

Optimisation of cork-oak seed management in support of Community policies for reforestation and cork production Cork-oak is of great economical, social and ecological importance in rural areas of Mediterranean Countries. However, most cork-oak stands are old and reforestation is stimulated by national governments and the European Union. Efficient replanting is hampered by inadequate supplies of high quality seedlings, due to non-uniform seed germination and a rapid loss of viability during storage. A research programme, funded by the E.U. and co-ordinated by the DI.VA.P.R.A. (University of Turin) has been recently activated, aimed at implementing modern seedling production methods. The objective will be pursued through the identification of optimal storage conditions and treatments for uniform germination of high quality seeds, including methods for the protection of seeds and seedlings against the most harmful pests and diseases which affect the species. The treatments and storage conditions will be such that they can be applied on a large scale in the cork-oak seedling producing industry. The project will be run by seven partners, both public and private, in Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.