Effect of different seeding methods and time on survival and growth of Iranian oak seedlings in the Eivan nursery conditions of Ilam province

The Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) is one of the most ecologically, economically, socially and protectively valuable species whose serious exploitation is seriously threatened, and afforestation and reforestation of these forests is essential. In this regard, more knowledge about seed planting methods and creating optimal conditions for the production of healthy seedlings is necessary. The present study was a factorial experiment with two factors: seed planting time at two levels (December and March) and seed planting method at three levels (direct sowing, soaking seeds in water for 48 hours and sowing seeds in water for 72 hours), in Completely randomized design with 4 replications and 10 pots per replication was done in Ivan nursery located in Ilam province. The results of analysis of variance showed that for the main effect of planting time, survival traits, survival percentage, seedling vigor, stem length and stem dry weight were significant at 1% level and for collar diameter traits, root length was significant at 5% level. Also, for planting method, all traits except collar diameter and root length had a significant difference at the level of 1%. The results of mean comparisons with Duncan test showed that the seeds sown in December were better than the seeds sown in March for all germination and vegetative traits of seedlings. The results of mean comparisons showed that among the different methods, seeds that were soaked in water for 48 hours before sowing were better than other seeds in terms of germination and vegetative traits. In general, the results of this study showed that December is the best time of seed planting and soak the seeds for 48 hours before sowing can be the best planting method for Iranian oak seeds.