Effect of seed provenances on germination, height and diameter growth of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) seedlings

Wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) is one of the most valuable Iranian native broad- leaved species that its seed study is very important due to its rare distribution and valuable wood. In order to determine the effect of Prunus avium's seed origin on germination, survival and growth, seeds of wild cherry were collected from different sites including: Lajim (900 m.a.s.l.), Neka (1000 m.a.s.l.) and Farim (1200 m.a.s.l.). Seeds were sown in nursery of Mazandaran pulp and paper industry at 140 m.a.s.l. Seed germination, survival and height growth of seedlings were measured and recorded after first growth season. Results showed that the effect of seed source on germination was statistically significant. The effect of seed source on seedling survival and the height growth of seedling were significant too. Germination rate, height and diameter growth of seeds which collected from Lajim origin was higher than other origins.