Preliminary investigation on possibility of rooting of Manna oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) by layering in Zagros forests

Introducing appropriate and applicable methods is an important step towards restoration of Zagros forests. In this study the possibility of rooting and propagation of sprouts of Manna oak was investigated by layering in soil. This study was conducted in Completely Random Design with four factors including soil type (forest soil and litter), super absorbent hydrogel (100 gr and 0 gr), IBA hormone (2000 ppm and 0 ppm) and pitcher irrigation (using earthen pot and disusing earthen pot). Overall, 16 treatments with three replications were prepared. The result of ANOVA test indicated that there are significant differences among treatments both in callus production and rooting. Callus production was observed in all of the treatments. In contrast, rooting was just observed in treatments treated by IBA. The highest proportion of callus production and rooting was observed in treatments with the best moisture conditions.