Seed orchard clones do not ripen all at the same time. It is a good practice to check each clone's cone maturity before harvesting. The specific gravity can be determined by floating cones in motor oil or in large, water-filled, graduated cylinders. By measuring the cone's water displacement in the cylinder, you can calculate the cone's specific gravity. Cones left on the ground overnight are subject to attack by fungi.
Unripened cones have a higher moisture content and are more susceptible to fungi than ripened cones.
A bushel contains about 50 cones with a range between 25 to 75 cones. Bumper crop yields range between 0.75 to 1.0 lb. of seed per bushel. Skip trees with small cones because they may be hybrids with loblolly. Concentrate collection on your best trees. Seed Extraction Criteria 1.