Studying the application of growth promoting rhizobacteria in rehabilitation of oak forests (Case study: Garan research station, Marivan)

The area of oak forest in different vegetation zones has gradually decreased because of frequently possession and exploitation. The reclamation of the disturbed habitats is very crucial because of oak importance in Zagros areas. The success of reforestation programs depends on the quality of seedlings. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria on Quercus brantii Lindl. and Quercus libanii Oliv. survival and growth parameters. For this purpose, phosphatesolubilizing bacteria were isolated by screening methods from rhizosphere and identified by microbiological methods. Collected seeds were sterilized and inoculated by bacteria and sowed in Garaan Research station, Marivan, Kurdistan. The experiment was conducted in a factorial based on randomized complete block design with two main factors including species (two levels) and bacteria (five levels). The results indicated that the effect of species and bacteria on seedling survival was not significant. Inoculated bacteria caused increase in height growth; collar diameter and root dry matter. According to mean comparison of height growth, collar diameter and root dry matter; it seems the response of Q.libanii was better than Q.brantti to inoculation. In addition, Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. caused more increase compared to other treatments and are suitable candidates in rehabilitation of Zagros forests