Changes in germination and desiccation sensitivity were measured throughout the seed expansion phase of development in fruits of Quercus robur L. The onset of a reduction in sensitivity to desiccation during development on the tree coincided with acquisition of the capacity for seed germination on moist sand substrate. Tolerance of desiccation then increased throughout development to shedding, but viability was still lost at a relatively high moisture content, and seeds did not therefore pass through a fully desiccation-tolerant phase. These data suggest that desiccation sensitivity in Q. robur may have resulted from the premature termination of development.

No desiccation was required to initiate germination in prematurely harvested fruits orseeds. Germination rate of seeds on moist sand increased at successive harvests during development, and was also increased by presoaking seeds in water. Variation in germination rate following shedding was not related to seed size or moisture content, but was affected by shedding date. This effect was not observed when the pericarp was removed.

Homogeneously developed oak (Quercus robur L.) microcuttings were challenged in a Petri-dish system with the mycobionts Piloderma croceum J. Erikss. & Hjortst. and Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr. Non-destructive observations over 10 wk followed by d. wt measurements at the end of the assays served to precisely characterize root and shoot development, dynamics of mycorrhizal colonization and morphological ratio. In the system, plant development, and especially root morphogenesis, had more similarities to those of stump cuttings or of older seedlings than to those of 3-month-old seedlings. Whereas Paxillus involutus displayed early mycorrhizal colonization and had no significant morphological effects on the host Piloderma croceum modified markedly the entire plant development before a delayed mycorrhiza formation. The latter mycobiont stimulated elongation and production of the lateral root system and also increased the leaf surface. However, no corresponding weight increases were noted, which was reflected by significant increase of both specific root length and specific leaf area. These differential effects are discussed in relation to data concerning carbon requirement and auxin production of the mycobionts. The developed system was shown to be highly suitable for comparative studies with diverse mycobionts on recognition and physiological balance between partners before, and in the early stage of, formation of mycorrhizas.