The effect of canopy and its geographic orientation on seeds germination and survival of Juniperus excelsa seedlings

Importance of Juniper trees for forest rehabilitation programs was resulted in direct, seed sowing of Juniperus excelsa as a safe method to expand juniper forest areas and rehabilitation of deteriorated forests. This study was done to determine the effect of canopy and its geographic orientation on seed germination as well as survival of seedlings in the Sirachal research station. Collected seeds from Sirachal habitat were sowed in four main geographic orientations under canopy’s edge and 1.5 meter out of canopy as completely randomized blocks in split plots. Data analysis showed that canopy (P<0.05) and its geographic orientation (P<0.01) had significant effects on seed germination. In addition, the effect of geographic orientation of canopy on seedling survival was significant (P<0.01).. The interaction of canopy and its geographic orientation on germination of seeds and survival of seedlings was not significant. The highest seed germination percentage was observed for seeds sowed under the canopy’s edge and in the north direction.  The highest percentage of seedling survival was observed in the south followed by the north and east directions of the canopy. Despite the higher germination and survival percentages under the canopy’s edge, it is suggested to sow seeds out of trees canopy and in the north direction as seedlings have no chance to survive under the maternal trees canopy for longer periods.