This study investigates the factors influencing the seed longevity of Quercus myrsinifolia, a species with recalcitrant seeds highly sensitive to desiccation and freezing. The effects of moisture content, seed collection date, and storage methods on seed viability were analyzed using exponential decay modeling. Interactions between these factors were also explored to refine conservation strategies. Seeds with moisture content above 40% demonstrated a predicted seed longevity of 2.19 years, whereas those with moisture content below 30% had seed longevity of less than 1 year. Late-season seeds collected in November and December exhibited superior germination percentages and longer predicted seed longevity (1.32 years) compared to early-season seeds collected in September and October (<1 year). In seed weight, large seeds (2.0 g) showed longer predicted seed longevity about 1.5 times greater than that of small seeds (<1.2g). Storage methods significantly affected seed longevity, with refrigerator (4°C) with silica gel maintaining viability for 2–3 years, while seeds stored at room temperature (25°C) exhibited a seed longevity of less than 1 year. Silica gel was found to prevent seed deterioration due to over-desiccation, emphasizing the importance of balanced moisture regulation. Q. myrsinifolia seeds exhibited 𝑏 values ranging from 0.30 to 2.04, demonstrating a close relationship between decay constant, moisture content, storage conditions, and seed longevity. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing seed storage and propagation strategies for Q. myrsinifolia, contributing to its conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
    1. Plant materials and seed collection
    2. Germination experiment
    3. Evaluation of moisture content
    4. Storage of seeds
    5. Modeling seed longevity
    6. Statistical Analysis
Results and Discussion
    1. Germination characteristics of seeds based onharvest date and seed size
    2. Effect of moisture content on seed longevity
    3. Effect of seed collection date on seed longevity
    4. Effect of seed weight on predicted longevity
    5. Effect of storage methods on seed longevity
    6. Influence of moisture content on seed longevityand viability
    7. Effect of seed collection time on seed longevity
    8. Effect of seed weight on predicted longevity
    9. Effect of storage methods on seed longevity
    10. Decay constants of Q. myrsinifolia seeds
Acknowledgements
References

• Seong Hyeon Yong(Postdoctoral Researcher, Division of Forest Biodiversity, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon, Gyeonggi, 11186, Korea)
• Myung Suk Choi(Professor, Division of Environmental Forest Science & Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea) Corresponding author
• Jenna Jeong(Graduate Student, Division of Environmental Forest Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea)
• Seon A Kim(Graduate Student, Division of Environmental Forest Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea)
• Seung A Cha(Graduate Student, Division of Environmental Forest Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea)
• Do Hyun Kim(Graduate Student, Division of Environmental Forest Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea)
• Ji Hyeon Lee(Graduate Student, Division of Environmental Forest Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea)
• Kwan Been Park(Graduate Student, Division of Environmental Forest Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 52828, Korea)