Effects of seed origin on survival morphology and growth of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.)

The aim of this research was to study the effects of seed origin on morphology, survival and growth of Persian oak (Quercus brantii). For this purpose, acorns were collected form three habitats, Chehlzarei, Choghasabz and Lamerah, which are located in Zagros forests of Ilam province. Morphological characteristics of acorns including size, diameter and weight were measured and compared. In order to determine the effects of seed origin on seed survival and seedling growth, acorns from three origins (seed sources) as treatments were planted as completely randomized design with four replicates and 30 pots in each replicate in Eivan nursery. During the first season of growth germination of seed, survival, collar diameter, vigor index, height growth of seedling, root and shoot lengths, and their dry mass ratio were measured. Results demonstrated that seeds source significantly affected morphological characteristics of acorns, seeds survival and seedlings growth (p < 0.01), so that all parameters in seed origin of Chehlzarei were more than other origins. Data analysis shows there is significant correlation between morphological characteristics of acorns and germination parameters. Therefore, we can claim that increasing altitude (sea level elevation) decreases morphological characteristics of acorns, seeds survival and seedling growth. So, it is suggested seeds collected from Chehlzarei occurring in lower elevations are used for seedling production in forest nurseries.