The effect of seed morphology and different altitude origins of Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) on germination and growth of one year old seedlings

Seeds of Persian oak from three altitude regions of low, middle and high (1300, 1700 and 2000 meter of sea level) in Noorabad forests of Lorestan province were collected to investigate the effects of some morphological traits and altitude origins of seed on growth traits of seedlings. After measuring of seed morphological traits such as length, width, volume and number of seed per kilogram for each maternal tree, seeds were sown in common garden of Yasuj University. Then, germination rate, growth parameters like height, collar diameter, leaf number, volume and survival rate of seedlings were measured. The results showed that except of seed length, all morphological traits of seeds were different among three altitude origins. Although no differences was observed among germination rate of different altitude origins, but seedlings from low and high altitude origin showed significantly highest and lowest values of seedling vigor index, growth parameters and number of green leaves to total leaves. Also survival rate of seedlings from low and middle altitudes origin had highest and lowest values, respectively. Results of correlation analysis revealed that morphological traits of seeds were positively correlated with germination rate and growth parameters of seedlings, but there was not any significant correlation between seed morphological traits and survival of seedlings rate. In addition, the results of this research illustrated that the usage of larger and heavier seeds from low altitude origins can be conducted to more successful in plantations of Yasuj during first year of growth.