The morphological development of Masson pine indicates that the flower timing and number of male flowers are closely related to the location,latitude,soil condition,seed source and age of Masson pine trees.These factors should be taken under consideration in the course of planning and establishing a pine pollen production base.The morphological development of Masson pine male flowers lasts from early October to the end of next March,which can be divided into 5 phases,namely winter buds,flower buds,color changing,maturity and pollen scattering.The surface of smaller strobili within the color changing turns from green to yellow,suggesting the gradual ripening of pollens.The period between color changing and pollen scattering is the best time for pollen harvest.The main ways of pollen collection at present are beating twigs and picking spikes off trees.In long terms,techniques of pine pollen production and management should be perfected by dwarfing trees and innovating pollen collection methods.
