The effect of seed origin on germination percent and seedlings growth of small-fruited cherry (Cerasus microcarpa C.A.M) in nursery

Testing the origin of seeds from native species and identifying the appropriate provenance for producing high-quality seedlings and maximizing productivity in forest nurseries is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of seed origin on the germination percentage and growth traits of small-fruited cherry (Cerasus microcarpa C.A.M.) seedlings in the Khalkhal region of Ardabil province. For this purpose, ripe and healthy fruits of small-fruited cherry were collected from four habitats in Khalkhal. After measuring their quantitative properties, the seeds were planted in plastic pots containing natural habitat soil at the Kandragh Khalkhal nursery. The traits measured included seed germination percentage, survival percentage, height, collar diameter, and root and shoot dry weights of the seedlings. The findings showed that seeds from the Kandragh origin were larger and heavier compared to those from Barandaragh, Menamin, and Soshab populations. Analysis of variance indicated that seed origin significantly affected all investigated traits. The highest seed germination rate (38%), survival rate (93.5%), height (10.57 cm), collar diameter (2.94 mm), root dry weight (1.04 g), and shoot dry weight (1.98 g) were observed in seedlings from the Kandragh origin. Therefore, Kandragh is recommended as the optimal seed origin for producing healthy and robust small-fruited cherry seedlings in forest nurseries.