The studies of different culture methods in ors (Juniperus seravshanica)

Juniperus is the second most prevalent group of conifers on Earth. The reduction in viable seeds and natural regeneration is an important problem of Juniperus. Juniperus seravschanica is important in soil protection and is very resistant to frost and drought too. In this study, seed number in cone, seed emptiness and germination were studied on filter paper, peatmoss+ perlite mixture and in field in Galuchar, sarbijan and Dalfard (Kerman province) in populations. In addition, shoot proliferation and rooting in pot and in vitro culture was assayed. The average number of cone seeds in Glochar, Serbijan and Delfard was 4.86, 3.69 and 3.21, respectively. The average number of full seeds per cone was 1.1, 0.22 and 0.1 (22, 5.96 and 3.1%, respectively) in Glochar, Sarbijan and Dalfard, showing 78, 94 and 97% emptiness, respectively. In all media, seed germination percentage was very low (2-5%). No germination was observed in seeds without cold treatment as well as without scarification (making a hole in seed coat). 20 cm young shoots, after cold treatment and rapid immersion in IBA, grew as normal until 4 week and finally dried after 5-6 weeks. The young shoots (1-1.5 cm) cultured in MS and WPM media proliferated and regenerated new branches in WPM (40% regeneration) and MS (57%) media in combination of BAP and NAA (2+3 and 0.2+3 mgl-1, respectively for WPM and MS). No rooting was observed using IBA after 24 weeks.