پریسا پناهی

The dynamics of spatial structure play a major role in understanding the mechanisms of forest structure and the formation of biodiversity, and largely determine the sustainability of the forest and its productivity. As part of a long-term monitoring project, the present study was conducted to assess the structure of juniper (Juniperus excelsa M.B.) stands in the Parvar protected area of Semnan province in the Irano-Touranian vegetation zone. Two permanent sample plots, each one hectare, were randomly selected, and the quantitative characteristics of woody species were measured and recorded using the full calipering inventory method. The structural characteristics of the stands were calculated based on the nearest neighbor indices. In sample plot one, juniper was the most abundant species, accounting for 49.7% (94 stems), while Rosa canina was the least abundant, with 4.8% (9 stems). Berberis integerrima and Cerasus microcarpa accounted for 39.7% and 5.8% of abundance, respectively. Sample plot two, with 75 stems per hectare, consisted of only two species: juniper (54 stems, 72%) and barberry (21 stems, 28%). The Clarke and Evans index and uniform angle indices indicated a clustered spatial distribution pattern of trees. The species mingling index for the entire stand in sample plots one and two was 0.46 and 0.38, respectively, indicating moderate mixing. The combined structural diversity index value was 0.47 and 0.48 in sample plots one and two, respectively, suggesting high diversity in the investigated stands. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of these indices in estimating the horizontal structure of forest stands, providing valuable information essential for management and decision-making processes.

Cytogenetic investigations in plant species, particularly wild and native plants, are crucial for understanding their evolutionary history, establishing species relationships, and determining karyological features. This study delves into chromosome counting and evaluation of karyotypic characteristics of five woody species belonging to three families: Ulmaceae, Cornaceae, and Rhamnaceae within the Hyrcanian Forests. Root tip meristem was used for chromosomal studies by classical methods. The results revealed that all studied species were diploid. The chromosome numbers of three species, Cornus australis (2n=2x=22), Rhamnus sintenisii (2n=2x=26), and Zelkova carpinifolia (2n=2x=28) were documented for the first time in the world. Additionally, two species of Ulmus glabra and U. minor with a chromosomal number (2n=2x=28) were reported for the first time in Iran. Concerning chromosomal length, R. sintenisii displayed the smallest chromosome length (0.9 µm), while U. glabra exhibited the largest (2.34 µm). The chromosomes in three species, R. sintenisii, U. glabra, and Z. carpinifolia were of the metacentric and sub-metacentric types. U. minor presented sub-telocentric chromosomes in addition to the mentioned types, and C. australis displayed metacentric chromosomes in two forms, M and m. Regarding symmetry, chromosomes in three species, R. sintenisii, U. minor, and Z. carpinifolia were classified as 2A, C. australis as 1A, and U. minor as 3A. Given the scarcity of similar studies on forest species, this research significantly contributes to identifying the cytogenetic characteristics of the examined species.

The purpose of this study is to clarify the necessity of considering buffer area and its role in natural or man-made ecosystems, with specific functions. Evaluating the direct and indirect destructive consequences of human manipulations, such as high-rise construction in buffer areas and its effects on the central core of this type of ecosystem is very essential. The National Botanical Garden of Iran has other functions such as preserving Iran's important and endemic species and is a source of their reproduction. In addition, as one of the respiratory lungs of Tehran, it plays a key role in air conditioning and educational programs. Based on this, the signs of urban development on different parts of the environment of this garden including water, soil, air, vegetation and wildlife have been investigated in this article. Based on the available information and the results of field survay, the long-term effects of this type of development on the NBGI have had an irreversible effect on the hydrological changes of the underground water resources, and in the future, the survival and sustainability of the NBGI will be affected due to the lack of underground water supply. In addition, reducing the wind and preventing the necessary ventilation and the formation of thermal islands will cause an outbreak of pests and important diseases on plants. Also, the limitation of soil permeability and the damage to aesthetic values of the garden are other negative consequences of this excessive development, which will threaten the sustainable life of the NBGI.

Micro-morphological characteristics of leaves such as stomata and trichomes are reliable indicators of plant response to environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the adaptation strategies of 10 woody species growing in semi-arid Zagros forests in western Iran based on leaf microstructures, focusing on trichomes and stomata using light and scanning electron microscopy. Different types of trichomes and stomata were recognized. Stomata were generally more visible on the abaxial sides of leaves, a feature that helps reduce water loss from leaf surfaces exposed to direct airflow and radiation. Trichomes were classified into two different types: glandular trichomes and non-glandular trichomes with subgroups such as solitary, two-armed T-shaped unicellular, crypt, hooked hairs with cystoliths, fasciculate, stellate, long coiled, tufted stellate, long multiradiate, short bristles with cystoliths, peltate scales, and dendritic hairs. The abundance of trichomes on the leaves indicates their role as biological control parameters. Eucalyptus camaldulensis was the only introduced species studied that lacked trichomes on both sides of the leaf. The most frequently observed types of stomata were "Anomocytic" and "Paracytic". The striking differences between the micro-morphological characteristics of the leaves of different species are an expression of the plants adaptations to the environmental ecological conditions.

Since the beginning of creation, man's relationship with the forest has led to the formation of traditional knowledge, which has been mainly aimed at meeting human needs. Ethnobotany is the study of a region's plants through the traditional knowledge of a local culture and people. One of its important branches is related to the medicinal values of plants. Due to the existence of different local communities in the Zagros region and the diversity of traditional knowledge in this area, as well as the lack of information in this field, the study tried to study traditional knowledge related to medicinal properties of plants in the common-law forest area of Chenarkol in Khorramabad city, Lorestan province. Based on the results, 44 woody and herbaceous medicinal and edible (mainly fruit of trees and shrubs) species were identified in the area and their traditional knowledge especially their application and the way of preparation was recorded. Among the plant organs used, fruits and leaves had the largest share with 27% and 23.5%, respectively. Twenty species had only edible use, while only medicinal plants had nine species. Twenty-four species (54.5%) of the plants were used raw, most of which were either edible forest fruits (such as Pistachia atlantica and P. khinjuk) or as a vegetable (such as Nasturtium officinale and Adiantum capillus-veneris). The findings confirm that local communities in the area are well acquainted with the region's native medicinal plants and their medicinal and nutritional values, but combining the rich traditional knowledge of the villagers and nomads with the basics of conservation and sustaining the ecosystem is an issue that needs serious attention.

In this research pollen morphology of ten taxa (5 of them endemics) that belong to the genus Saponaria L. in Iran were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In order to study the pollen morphology of Saponaria and find its significance in taxonomy of the group, qualitative and quantitative variables of pollen characters related to the shape, size, ornamentation and pores were studied. Cluster and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of qualitative and quantitative data were used to demonstrate the pollen grains similarities among the species. According to the results, pollen type of Saponaria species is polyporate and displays either peroblate, polyhederal and spheroidal pollen shapes. Pollen size also varies among different species. The longest polar axis length belongs to S. officinalis L. (51.03 µm) and the smallest one to S. floribnuda (Kir. & Kar.) Boiss. (22.82 µm). Pore ornamentation differs from prominent granular to slightly protuberant or distinctly sunken granular (deeply excavated). The pollen ornamentation is microechinate-punctate in all species except in S. esfandiarii which has microechinate ornamentation and lacks puncta. Based on the results, the morphological characters of the studied pollen grains have taxonomic value in distinguishing taxa at the species level.

One of the first and deepest human relationships with the environment was the use of medicinal values of plants to meet their needs. The Zagros forests are the cradle of ancient Iranian civilizations and encompass many local communities, each comprising precious treasures of traditional herbal science, which is one of the main topics in the science of ethnobotany. In this study, this knowledge was studied in a common-law forest area of Pireshkaft in Nourabad Mamasani city, Fars province. The data were collected by snowball sampling method, using key informants and purposive sampling. An attempt was made to use a combination of interview methods, direct observation, and participatory observation. Data were analyzed using quantitative indicators of Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), use value (UV), and Cultural Importance Index (CI). According to the results, 38 medicinal plant species were identified in the region, most of which (16%) belong to Asteraceae family, and about half of them (47%) belong to the life form of perennial herbaceous plants. Leaves and flowers had the most medicinal use with 28% and 18% of the total proportion, respectively. Also, the most traditional preparation methods were edible (36%) and infusion and herbal tea (30%). In terms of RFC index, 11 species (including 5 woody species) had the highest value. The highest value of UV index (0.83) was related to Datura innoxia and in terms of CI index, Peganum harmala, Quercus brantii, Pistacia khinjuk and Achillea millefolium species had the highest values. The results of this study showed the richness of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the study area, which can be useful in formulating this knowledge if replicated in other Zagros forest areas.

Sarigol Protected Area, with an area of 20,000 hectares, is located in the east of Esfarayen city in North Khorasan Province. This area would officially be protected by the Department of Environment on September 11, 1974, as the "Shah Jahan" protected area. Sarigol, with its diverse habitats in high and cold parts, temperate hills, and plain areas with warmer climates, has a significant diversity of plant and animal species. In this area, 472 plant species belonging to 292 genera and 70 families, as well as more than one hundred species of animals, have been identified. A large part of the Sarigol Protected Area is highland forest habitat, with mountainous climate and summer rangelands beneath it. The vegetation of the region consists of broadleaf annuals, grasses, perennials, shrubs, and cushion form plants. Artemisia is the dominant plant in the region, and Ferula gummosa is one of the most valuable species. Sarigol is one of the important habitats of North Khorasan wildlife and birds due to its mountainous conditions, abundance of water resources, and plant diversity. The unauthorized extraction of Albelaq lead and zinc mines, illegal and unregulated agriculture, and overgrazing of livestock are among the most important threats to the flora and fauna of the area and the reduction of its biodiversity.

Quantitative ethnobotany of medicinal plants is one of the most important branches of traditional knowledge that deals with the quantitative discovery and analysis of human relationships with medicinal plants. Since the forests of Zagros are the cradle of various local communities that have a long-standing relationship with the forest, in this study, the traditional relationship between the local communities of the common-law forest area of Harabalout in Nourabad Mamasani city, Fars province with woody species (trees, shrubs and bushe) was studied. The data of this study were collected by snowball sampling method, using key informants and purposively selective. An attempt was made to use a combination of interview methods, direct observation and participatory observation. Data were analyzed using quantitative indicators of Relative Importance Index (RI) and Cultural Importance Index (CI). According to the results, 12 medicinal woody species were identified in the region including 7 trees, 3 shrubs and 2 bushes. In general, the values of the indices were higher for tree species than other forms. The highest index of RI (1) and CI (5.92) were calculated for Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) and the lowest of them with values of 0.31 and 0.48 belonged to Teucrium polium L., respectively. The results of this study, in addition to confirming the richness of traditional knowledge related to woody medicinal plants in the study area, emphasized the usefulness of quantitative indicators in ethnobotany studies.

The Khombi Forest reserve area is a part of the remnants of Juniperus excelsa community in North Khorasan province, selected as a forest reserve in 2002 to prevent its complete destruction and protected since 2005. There is a unique species of Fritillaria called F. raddeana Regel in this habitat, which is different from other species of this genus in the country due to its yellow flowers. This habitat is located in the heart of the Juniper forests, and simultaneously with the flowering of F. raddeana in April, creates very beautiful landscapes visited by many ecotourists. The reserve includes more than 60 plant species and 65 animal species. Due to the destruction of valuable habitats of F. raddeana in North Khorasan province over the past years, it is necessary to consider the measures needed to further protection of habitats and increase public awareness of this valuable species by authorities.

Traditional forest-related knowledge is one of the main branches of traditional knowledge, which deals with the relationship between human life and forest. It is derived from human historical experiences and is rooted in people´s believes. The local communities in the Zagros Mountains are a valuable treasure of this knowledge because of their ancient civilization. On the other hand, they have differently utilized the forests. In this study, we identified and recorded the traditional knowledge of local communities in the common-law forest areas of Harabalout and Pireshkaft in Nourabad Mamasani of Fars province. The data was gathered by snowball sampling, the use of key informants and in a deliberately selective approach. Based on the results, forests are differently used according to the needs of the local communities. Harvesting of wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) gum, acorns of Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) for baking local bread (Kalg) and animal nutrition, as well as collecting forest fruits for human nutrition, using of Jaft, using of wood of different forest trees for different purposes such as firewood for fuel, traditional tools such as axe handle by almond wood, making chicken and cock basket with almond twigs and making waterskin holder using poplar were among the most important traditional usages in the study area. In spite of confirming the richness of traditional knowledge in the area, the results of this study emphasize the destructive aspect of some traditional utilizations.

Soil seed bank is one of the main components in the dynamics of vegetation, the study of which can provide important information for the management, reclamation and improvement of rangeland vegetation. In the study of seed bank structure, important issues such as species diversity and seed density and their changes in different soil depths, similarity with aboveground vegetation and also the relationship between seed size and shape with its persistence are discussed. In the present study, the structure of seed bank was investigated in the semi-steppe rangeland of Qushchi in the north of Urmia city, West Azerbaijan province. Soil seed bank sampling was carried out in September in 20 plots of one square meter that were implemented on four transects at two depths of 0-5 and 5-10 cm. The soil seeds were identified and recorded using seedling emergence method and matched with the area's flora. According to the results, the density of the soil seed bank decreased significantly with increasing depth (70 seedlings at surface depth and 35 seedlings at the depth of 5-10 cm). At both depths, the highest abundance of seedlings was related to Bromus tectorum (31 seedlings at surface depth and 14 seedlings at the depth of 5-10 cm). Also, the persistence of seeds in the soil seed bank depends on the size and shape of the seeds, so that the seeds of the Poaceae family, due to their needle-like and elongated shape, had less displacement and therefore had higher density in the seed bank. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the diversity of seed banks in the programs of protection and restoration of rangelands, especially in the arid ecosystems of the country.

Protected areas and national parks are considered as safe habitats for many plant and animal species. These areas in the country have a special place to preserve the genetic diversity of living organisms. Salook region in North Khorasan province with about 17000 hectares is one of the most diverse plant and animal treasures in northeast of Iran. In addition, this area is one of the Four Hotspot Areas under the authority of Iranian Environment Organization. In this area, 496 plant species, belonging to 296 genera and 71 families, and more than 100 animal species have been identified. Artemisia</em> is the dominant plant of the area in two forms: Artemisia sieberi </em>in lowlands and A. aucheri</em> in mountainous areas. The Salook area is the most important deer habitat in North Khorasan province as 70% of the province's deer population live in the area. In recent years, the region's unique biodiversity has been threatened by natural and human degradation; therefore, proper management is recommended to reduce the damage to the area to some extent.

Destruction of forests and natural areas causes environmental crises; thus, conservation of forests, rangelands, and genetic reserves as a national duty is important and valuable. The oak forests of Darkesh in North Khorasan province is one of the habitats that is less well-known despite its ecological and tourism potentials. This forest with an area of about 13000 ha is located a few kilometers of Golestan Forest, with a regular consistency and a combination of different types of trees, shrubs and grasses with dominant species of chestnut- leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia C. A. Mey.). This forest is the only oak forest reserve in the eastern region of Iran. Conservation of these valuable forests, preventing a dense presence of livestock and observing appropriate season for grazing, preventing the conversion of forests into agricultural lands are the most important conservation programs for these forests, which should be considered by the authorities. Considering that this region has high tourist attractions for tourists and nature enthusiasts, attention to ecotourism reduces forest dependency of local people.

National Botanical Garden of Iran (NBGI) includes endemic and exotic plants that besides a source of plant genetics, it is considered as a wealthy source for research and education of botany in Iran. The plant parasitic nematodes in some collections including Hyrcanian habitat, Zagros habitat and Medicinal and aromatic garden were studied by collecting soil and root samples from trees, shrubs and annual plants. The nematodes were identified based on morphological and morphometric characters and based on these characters 34 species belonging to 19 genera were identified. Pratylenchus spp. with four species, followed by Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne and Paratylenchus each one with three species were the more frequent genera. The species of Tylenchidae family showed higher frequency and multiplicity in Medicinal and aromatic collection. Due to infection of Brant’s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.), oak manna (Q. infectoria Oliv.), Pistacia atlantica and a few of medicinal plants to some species of plant parasitic nematodes i.e. Root Knot Nematodes, Root Lesion Nematodes, Ring and Dagger Nematodes, establishment of new plots with the seedlings free from the plant parasitic nematodes is emphasised. Cephalenchus daisuce, Coslenchus capsici from Hyrcanian habitat and Paratylenchus ciccaronei from Medicinal and aromatic garden are new records from Iran.

Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) with a vast habitat in Zagros mountain range, has a specific importance in Iran, based on economic, sociologic and environmental aspects. A complex of human and non-human factors caused to show genetic erosion in several plant populations of the species. Therefore, evaluation of genetic variation and architecture of plant population could be informative for forest managers and breeders. The research was performed to evaluate genetic potentials of a plant population of the species located in Lorestan provinces, west of Iran. Seed was collected randomly on twelve single plants to be used in assessment of the parent plants by a progeny test experiment. The seeds were evaluated as twelve half-sib and Full-sib families planted in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Biometric parameters were converted to genetic parameters using nested mating design model, by which genetic variance components and heritability values were estimated. The studied families showed a range of 6 to 92 percent establishment. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference between the parents based on all of the recorded traits. Majority of the variance components was observed between the studied families, for which heritability of the characters was also strong, varying between 57% on collar diameter, to 95% on leaf length. Therefore, the studied oak plant population has the capability to be used for selecting suitable materials for seed orchard establishment as well as performing other breeding projects.

Monitoring of acorn production has fundamental and important role in silviculture and provides the valuable information about inherent potential of oaks. In this research, acorn production of 40 Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) trees were assessed and monitored in Dasht-e Arjan forests, Fars province. Sample trees were selected using stratified random sampling method and their acorns were counted on the crown in early September, just prior to acorn fall, during three years (2009 to 2011). Furthermore, DBH and two diameters of crown were measured in all sample trees. Based on the results, poor acorn production (acorn density of 10.1) was observed in 2010 and the best one observed in 2011 (acorn density of 24.2). Year of 2009 had intermediate situation (acorn density of 13.6). ANOVA analysis showed that there was not significant difference between acorn density of diameter classes in 2009 and 2011. Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed the same results for 2010. Totally, Individual and annual variation in acorn production of Brant`s oak in Dasht-e Arjan forests was confirmed.

Beekeeping is one of the most important rural activities and honey is one of the most valuable by-products obtained from rangelands and some forest areas in Arasbaran region. The aim of this research was to compare the pollen grain composition and quality of honeys obtained from Vinaq (rangeland habitat) and Tazekand (forest habitat). Ten hives (10 per habitat) was established at the beginning of the flowering season in 2013. After three months, honey produced in the habitats were taken in August and was transferred to the laboratory for physico-chemical analysis and pollen identification. Pollen studies showed that the pollen grains of common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and Montpellier maple (Acer monspessulanum L.) was dominant pollen in Vinaq and Tazekand, respectively. Futhermore, the pollen grains of Lonicera iberica M. B. and Montpellier maple in Vinaq and pollen grains of Wild cherry (Cerasus avium (L.) Moench) in Tazekand were identified as companion species. According to the results of physico-chemical properties of honey samples, and particularly humidity, HMF, revival sugar, total sugar and sucrose, quality of honey obtained from forest was better than rangeland. These observations indicate that bees prefer to use of trees and shrubs pollen in compare to herbs.