Policy for the development of seed orchards of forest tree and shrub species in Iran

supplying the certified and suitable seeds and seedlings of forest trees and shrubs species that have suitable compatibility and genetic diversity for different vegetation areas of the country has been accepted as a prerequisite for executive programs in forest rehabilitation and development. Since the strategic plan for forest development of Iran, envisages about 2,000,000 hectares of seedling planting or seeding in a 10-year duration, it is necessary to pay more attention to the development of seed orchards as a tested strategy. Based on the existing research-executive experiences, models should be presented that, by creating a balance between genetic diversity and genetic gain, have the necessary efficiency in mass production and quality seeds and seedlings in the short, medium, and long term. With this approach, seed supply sources in Iran will include both seed production areas and seed orchards. Therefore, in order to form a seed orchard in different vegetation areas, first, the seed production areas are identified and evaluated. By genetic and phenotypic evaluation of the seed production areas (by molecular methods and progeny tests), suitable rootstocks for temporary seed supply before the formation or sowing of seed orchards or in some cases due to the impossibility of forming the seed orchard, to be permanently identified, selected and managed. In the next step, by combining the data related to molecular studies and the results of progeny tests, an appropriate number of maternal rootstocks, and the seed orchard formed with the seedlings of these maternal plants.