The effect of vegetative form and shading on planting success of Greek Juniper (Juniperus excelsa M. B.)

In spite of Greek Juniper´s (Juniperus excelsa M. B.) resistance to harsh environmental conditions, the area of its natural habitat is decreasing due to human activities and a low rate of natural regeneration. Therefore, the plantation is one solution to rehabilitate its natural habitats. Understanding the factors that affect the establishment, survival, and growth of seedlings are necessary to design and implement the rehabilitation programs. In this study, the effect of vegetative form and shading (only during the first year) was evaluated on the survival and growth parameters of J. excelsa in the Sirachal research station for a four-year period. Four hundred and fifty saplings that were produced from three different maternal vegetative forms (A, B and C) were planted in the Sirachal research station as complete random blocks in split plots. The shading treatment was applied only in the first year. Statistical analysis showed the positive significant effect of vegetative form on current height growth and crown in the first and second years, respectively. In addition, the significant effect of shading increased collar diameter in the first year but decreased height growth in the second year. Given the results and also the high costs, there is no advice to use shading in Juniper´s plantation programs. Following four years of surveys, our results showed that vegetative form is more influential in the establishment, survival, and growth of J. excelsa saplings. Due to the importance of genetic diversity, selection of seeds from C vegetative form (including both A and B vegetative forms) with high potential of seed production will increase the success chance of planting and rehabilitation programs of J. excelsa habitats.