Marking Tree Seeds with Spray Paint for Germination Studies

I evaluated the potential use of spray paint for marking conifer seeds for germination studies in forest nurseries. For bulk seedlots of large-seeded species like western white pine (Pinus monticola), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), paint had little or no effect on six different germination parameters, but negatively affected germination of western larch (Larix occidentalis). On a family level with pine seeds, spray paint may or may not be appropriate depending on the specific objectives of the researcher and the level of conservatism used. West. J. Appl. For. 18(3):175–178.