The effect of different methods of sowing wild pistachio’s seed (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) on its germination and establishment in the Pirkashan Forest, Kermanshah Province, Iran

PPoor regeneration has endangered the important and valuable species of wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) in the Zagros forests, which calls for finding an appropriate solution to its regeneration and establishment to protect it from extinction. For this purpose, in this research, the effect of different methods on germination and the establishment was reported after direct sowing of seeds in one of the wild pistachio’s habitats in Kermanshah province. Nine different sowing methods as main plots, four main directions as first sub-plots and shade and sun as second sub-plots were planted. During this time statistic data collected in four periods (before and after two growing seasons) and analyzing germination and establishment showed the significant effect of some approaches rather than others. Amongst the sowing methods, loosen the soil+humus (32.22%) and among the four main directions, northern plots (27.04%) had the maximum germination. There was a significant difference in the percentage of establishment only between shade and sun treatments and the plots in shadows had a maximum establishment at the end of the first growing season (43.8%), at the beginning of the second growing season (26.39%) and at the end of second growing season (22.8%). Based on these results, it has been concluded that the most appropriate method of direct sowing of the seeds is to sow them in northern micro plots that are created in the north, by loosening the soil to a depth of 30 cm + humus and under the shadows of other trees.