Anticipation of Caucasian Maple (Acer velutinum Boiss) Seedling Growth Based on Leaf Characteristics

In order to predict Caucasian maple (Acer velutinum Boiss. ) seedling growth based on nursery Orimel, Eighty six one year old seedlings located at 1550 meters above sea level in Sari, north of Iran were randomly selected. Collar diameter, height, leaf area, photosynthesis area and leaf area/leaf weight ratio were determined. Then multivariate regression models between leaf characteristics and growth characteristic were drawn. The results indicated that number of leaves and photosynthesis area can estimate the height growth of a seedling. Also, mentioned characteristics of leaf can estimate the biomass of stem as a well as growth characteristics. According to the correlation between growth characteristics and leaf characteristics, it would be concluded that the photosynthesis area of leaf can be suitable for early selection of seedling for reforestation. Also, this result shows the importance of increasing the establishment and growth of maple seedlings in plantation areas.