Investigation of port effects on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.) of Iran

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the port on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.) in two regions of Khamir and Khor-e-Azini. For this purpose, two sites adjacent to the port and control were selected in each region. For the study, two three-hectare stands were selected adjacent to the port and control sites and three 300-meter transects, 50meter apart from each other were selected using a random- systematic sampling method in each stand. Further, three plots (10×10 m2) were selected along the transects and measured the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of A. marina. For trees higher than one meter and the datawere compared using T-test statistical analysis. Results showed that, in the control site in Khour-e-Azini port, the vitality of trees, the number of aerial roots and seedlings were significantly higher than those adjacent to the port but no significant differences were observed in other vegetative characteristics of grey mangrove including height, crown length and crown area in the two sites. Further, in the control site in Khamir port, the vitality of trees and crown area were significantly higher than those adjacent to the port but no significant differences were observed in other vegetative characteristics of grey mangrove at the two control and adjacent to the port sites. Generally, results showed that, with distance from the port, control stands have had better vegetative and vitality. Therefore, it is recommended in order to decrease the negative effects of human structures on mangrove forests, in addition to this research, other comprehensive researches should be done to specify the location of human structures more sensitive according to basic data.