The effect of seed source on the germination and vigor of Quercus brantii Lindl. seed

Seed and productivity are two major factors to be considered when exotic species are going to be introduced. In a split plot The effect of seed source was investigated in laboratory on germination and vigour traits of Quercus brantii Lindl. acorn. The acorns were collected from 4 forest habitats (seed sources) in southern Zagros (provinces of Kohkilouyeh-Bouyer Ahmad، and Fars)، located in elevations of 850، 1100، 1500 and 2100 m a. s. l. and examined in incubator (25 c، 8 hours radiation) as completely randomized design with four replications. The results of the 30-day period revealed that seed source significantly affected germination and vigor characteristics of acorns (p > 0. 01)، whereas germination، germination rate، root length، vigor index، dry masses of root، shoot and plant were lower in high elevation seed source than in middle and low elevation ones. Correlation of seed origin with mean time of germination was significantly positive (p> 0. 01)، and with other seed traits was significantly negative (p > 0. 01). Since the germination، germination rate، shoot length and plant dry mass are considered as assessment criteria for seed vigor index، it can be suggested that low and middle elevation seed sources are more proper.