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Seeds left on the ground for a long time often lose viability or start germinating.
Sometimes, seed bearing branches will be low enough to allow the collector to bend branches
over collection sheets and release the seeds onto the sheet (Figure 9). (Use thick leather gloves
when branches are thorny).
Tie a basket near the pruning shears to catch the fruit as it drops. Seeds can then be
collected without shattering and ruining the fruit.
4.4 Throwing a rope with weighted end to break off a seed bearing
branch
As the last possibility this destructive method may be used to reach high seed bearing branches
from the ground, without having to climb the tree. Branches up to 12 metres from the ground
can be reached. Skill is required to throw the rope over the selected branch and in the correct
position for ease of breakage.
You will need:
A strong 5 millimetre diameter rope about 25 metres in length;
A 400 gram stone, or small bag of sand or soil.
1. Attach the weight at one end of the rope.
2. Throw the weight over the seed bearing branch.
3. Break off the branch by holding the two ends of the rope, and pulling (Figures 12 and
13).
Well-designed portable ladders provide a quick and safe means of reaching the live crowns of
trees. Ladders may be made of light wood, metal or bamboo 615 metres in length. For small
trees a light wooden or aluminium ladder 68 metres long is appropriate (Figure 16).