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SEED EXTRACTION
It is April 2007. We are in our “spotted gum” (C.maculata) seed orchard, carefully collecting ripe gum nuts and twigs, but not leaves.
The term “Seed Orchard”, means different things to different people. All agree that it achieves improved quality seed by selecting from a big mixture of provenance’s - The Best of the Best. It also reduces the risk of ‘self pollination” or “Inbreeding”. Out crossing achieves better hybrid vigor.
We have thinned out 85% of the original trees and have kept the best 15% for natural cross pollination and seed production. We expect the seed to have improved genetics with selection for future trees of good vigor and form; drought, frost and disease resistant. For the best high value timber plantations.
  
SPOTTED GUMS
(C.maculata) tend to be naturally tall and straight with self pruning. Timber Mills value the spotted gum log for floor boards, furniture and veneers - High value end products. Our seed orchard trees have received no pruning. They are between twelve and fourteen metres tall at an age of seven and a half years. (Year 2007). Along the way we have used our “thinnings” form farm fence fence posts and for fire wood.
SEED EXTRACTION
This is done slowly over a month or two. Once picked, the gum nuts (Capsules) dry out and open up releasing small (2-3 mm diametre) dark brown and black seeds along with chaff and debris. We keep the capsules in a warm to hot dry place well ventilated and regularly shaken. We may spray insecticides (Mortein) and keep a mothball in the bags.
 
We found the cheapest way to initially seperate off the empty capsules and twigs was to put “Mouse Mesh” in the bottom of large bins. The mesh is 6.5 mm and the rolls are 900mm wide. We did 2 or 3 extractions over 2 months until we could get no more seed of of the capsules.
  
We used sieves with mesh of 3.6 mm to further seperate off the little twigs from the seed and chaff - quite relaxing work with the right background music in a peaceful spot. It also smells lovely.
THE FINAL CLEANING
To achieve 98% purity we needed the help and advice of an expert with a “Kimseed Cleaner”. This uses sieves with a slope and agitation, then air is blown up and lifts the lighter (Non seed) material and blows it away into seperate bins.
 
Finally the 98% pure seed is stored in an air tight, low humidity container at 4 degrees celsius. It is important to eliminate little insects, funghi and mould. Seed can be stored for 10 years or more. We check the viability of our seed initially and will do so annually or before selling the seed.
PLEASE READ ON about our “Blackwood” (A.melanoxylon) Seed Orchard now (at 2007).
They are five and a half years old - Not yet ready to harvest seed this year but maybe in 2008.
We planted, in 2006, new seed orchards for -
“Southern Mahogany”, (E.botryoides)
“Yellow Stringy Bark”, (E.muelleriana)
“Silver Top Ash”, (E.sieberi)
Despite winter frosts and terrible drought they are alive and well !!
OUR MISSION is to produce the Best Seed for the Best Tree Plantations for ultimately the best value Timber. We believe man kind will always value natural wood products. We need to restore the balance. Trees are important for us all in many ways.
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