Análisis Estructural y Producción de Conos Femeninos y Semillas de un Huerto de Pinus cembroides Zucc. En el Estado de Hidalgo

Objective: This research aimed to quantify the production of female strobili and measure their morphological variables as well as those of their seeds. Theoretical Framework: The study of pine cones and seeds (Pinus genus) is essential for understanding the reproduction, diversity, and adaptation of these species in different ecosystems. Pines, as key representatives of conifers, play a crucial role in forest dynamics, timber production, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration. Their natural and artificial regeneration largely depends on seed quality and the factors that influence their viability and germination. Method: The cones and seeds were collected in 2022 from a Pinus cembroides plantation located in Acatlan, Hidalgo. The producing trees were identified, and their cones were collected, which were then counted and weighed. For 30 cones from each tree, weight, length, and diameter were measured, and the number of seeds they contained was counted. Subsequently, for 30 seeds from each tree, weight, diameter, and length were quantified. The data from the cones and seeds were statistically analyzed, and all quantified variables showed a statistically significant difference (p≤0.05). Results and Discussion: The plantation had 75 trees producing cones and seeds, with the most productive being tree 22, which produced 165 cones. The heaviest cones came from trees 20, 22, 30, 36, and 264, with an average weight of 25.7 g; the longest cones were from trees 264 and 30, with an average length of 40.3 mm; the cones with the largest diameter came from trees 20, 22, 30, and 264, with an average diameter of 34.0 mm, and the highest number of seeds per cone was from tree 264, with 21.8 seeds. Regarding the seeds, trees 20, 23, 149, and 152 had the greatest weight, with an average of 0.71 g; the longest seeds were from tree 23, with 16.7 mm, and the largest diameter was found in tree 149, with 9.5 mm. Research Implications: It is necessary to obtain information on the productive capacity of the trees and the morphological characteristics of the seeds to select the best individuals, aiming to increase seed production yield through genetic improvement. Originality/Value: This research provides relevant knowledge about cone production in P. cembroides trees, as well as the morphological characteristics of their seeds, which serves as a basis for selecting trees for pine nut production through the establishment of seed orchards.