Assessing Viability of Northern Red Oak Acorns with X-Rays: Application for Seed Managers

We recently completed research that showed X-ray analysis was a better predictor of northern red oak (L. [Fagaceae]) acorn viability and early growth than was moisture content. X-ray image analysis is a rapid and nondestructive test of acorn viability—tissue desiccation can be readily quantified. This article describes how to bring this proposed seed test into practice, with the goal of improving nursery efficiency and quality of oak seedlings.