We studied flower abundance and its relationship to acorn crop size on four Quercus alba L. trees in Patrick County, Virginia, for 4 yr. Acorn production was significantly related to spring flower abundance. A linear model was developed which accounted for 83.7% of the variation in acorn crops. Acorn mortality during development was quantified during 2 of the 4 yr. Mortality was gradual with ca. 70% of the flowers failing to produce mature acorns.
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Feret et al. (1982) studied this question.