Douglas M. Knudson

GERMINATION OF SEEDS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA ENHANCED BY ENDOCARP REMOVAL

SUMMARY Seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. were collected from trees in Haiti and the effect of pre-germination treatments were investigated in the laboratory at the Instituto Superior de Agricultura, Santiago, Dominican Republic. Soaking seeds in water for up to 3 days had no effect on germination. Removal of the endocarp improved germination significantly even when seeds were air-dried. Possible physiological mechanisms for the loss of seed viability and the role of the endocarp are discussed including the development of a physical barrier to water and/or gas exchange, inhibitors, and metabolism of fatty acids in the seed.

The Economic Benefits to Visitors of an Interpretive Facility

Abstract Benefits derived from interpretive experiences have been notoriously difficult to quantify. This paper uses a cost-based technique (a travel cost method) to quantify the benefits received by visitors to Petawawa National Forestry Institutes (Ontario, Canada) public awareness facilities. An analysis of data from 697 visitors provided a basis for the calculation of benefits which are reported in monetary terms. Benefits were estimated to range in value from

Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources

2.89 to

Area Preferences of Midwestern Campers

6.64 (U.S.) per visit.