Identifying suitable morphological characteristics for evaluation the quality of oak seedlings (Quercus castaneifolia) in Pylambra nursery

Identifying the best attributes of seedlings for evaluation of quality of them has an important role in successful reforestation projects. In this study, some morphological characteristics were used for evaluation of quality of oak seedlings. Seedlings were sampled by method of systematic-random from the planting bed in nursery in late February. Statistical analyses were done after measurement of morphological characteristics. Results of correlation analysis showed that the root collar diameter (RCD) had the strongest correlation with other morphological characteristics. Parameters of leaf area, root volume, number of first order lateral roots, stem height, and length of the main root, respectively, had lower correlations with others, then had less important in seedling quality evaluation. Therefore, in according to this study the RCD is the best characteristic for seedlings quality evaluation of this species in nursery.