Effects of Some Ecological Factors on Seed and Germination Characteristics of Cupressus Sempervirens L. Var. Horizontalis: A Case Study in Tange Soulak Forest Reserve, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis) is one of the native conifers in Iran. It is found in Tange Soulak Forest Reserve of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province، Iran. An experiment in a completely randomized design with factorial 4×2×2 was performed to assess the factors affecting Cupressus sempervirens seed germination. Dieback، slope، and altitude were analyzed at four، two، and two levels، respectively. Results showed slope to have the greatest effects on seed characteristics and germination. In fact، all studied parameters including 1000 kernel weight، humidity of the seeds، speed and rate of germination، and the mean number of seeds in a cone decreased with increasing slope. Moreover، tree diameter had a low positive relationship with seed weight. On the other hand، although the seeds collected from trees with high rate of dieback had the lowest mean speed and rate of germination; dieback had significant effects only on the mean germination time. There were significant positive correlations between 1000 kernel weight and all seed and germination parameters. Therefore، it is suggested that for conservation and regeneration of this species in the region، seeds should be collected from mother trees with a larger diameter and heavier seeds located on low-slope lands.