Evaluation of different seed sowing on survival and establishment of Quercus brantii Lindl seedling in semi-arid forest of Tange Alamdar in Behbahan

Quercus brantii L. is classified as vulnerable species that mostly spreaded out in the middle and southern Zagros as pure stand. Due to the elimination of natural regeneration in Zagros oak forest by overgrazing, fruit picking by human, forest decline, and habitat distruction, different researches were carried out to address natural regeneration problem. Yet, lack of regeneration in these forests still exist. Therefore, in this research we examined some simple approaches based on soil moisture preservation and implementation to find out a practical protocol to establish oak regeneration.In our country, also due to intense exploitation and destruction, forest areas are not in a proper condition. Zagros forest is one of our forest resources that turned to the disturbed forest by over grazing, increasing demand for agricultural land, and population growth is Zagros forest. Due to the high rate of oak tree dieback in the Zagros forest and its specific role in soil and water protection, the rehabilitation of these forests is necessary. The objective of this study is to determine the best method for restoration of Quercus brantii L. forests by sowing seed. this study was conducted in is Alamdar Strait in Behbahan. To this Oak seeds with five replications were planted during the winter in different treatments including by rocks, under oak tree canopy, open ground with super absorbent, open space, and curved pits in different slope, altitudes, and geographical directions. Seeds were washed by tap water to remove soil and other particles. After that they were stilled by 70 percent ethanol and placed in the distilled water 48 hours prior to plant for absorbing water. At the end of the growing season survival rate and height of the seedling was measured and their correlation with environmental factor determined. The results indicated that 25.24 percent of the seeds were able to survive the harsh environmental conditions to the end of growing season (end of the summer). Super absorbent treatment has the highest germination rate (82%) and the lowest survival rate of the seedling (6%). While rocks treatment had the least and highest germination (38%) and survival rates (31%) respectively. The west facing slope has the highest germination (77%) but at the end of the season only 29 percent of the seedling remains alive. Although, the north facing slope 71.4 percent of seed start growing but only 31 percent of the remain alive at the end of the summer. On the other hand the lowest germination (50%) and survival (14%) rates belonged to the seed planted on the ridge. The results also showed that the slope and altitude did not affect the survival of seedlings in the present study. The highest seedlings height was recorded for seedling that growth under canopy tree, while the lowest recorded for the curved pits. In conclusion direct oak seed sowing in the natural habitat provided reasonable results for rehabilitation of Zagros oak forest. Using the result of the present study in different treatment would help to gain better results in survival and growth of direct oak seed sowing.