Document Type : Research article
Authors
1
Researcher, Natural Resources Research Department, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Gorgan, Iran
2
Bachelor, Environmental Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran
3
Assistant Prof., Natural Resources Research Department, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Gorgan, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Quercus castaneifolia C.A.Mey., known as the chestnut-leaved oak, is an important species in Iran’s Hyrcanian forests with considerable environmental significance. This study aimed to investigate how seed provenance and altitude affect the morphological traits of Quercus castaneifolia seedlings.
Materials and Methods: Seeds were collected from 12 forest stands across four habitats: Mazandaran, Golestan, Gilan, and North Khorasan provinces. From each stand, 10 trees with diameters greater than 50 cm were selected, and 600 seeds were collected per tree. Seeds were sown at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station in Chalaki, Gorgan county. The experiment employed a factorial design within a completely randomized framework. Seeds were sown in a 660 m² nursery with three replications based on provenance and altitude. Two populations (North Khorasan and mid-altitude Golestan) were excluded due to pest damage and poor germination. Seedling height and root collar diameter were measured once mid-growing season in the second year. Data analysis included two-way ANOVA, with normality confirmed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Means were compared using Duncan’s test, and altitudinal gradients compared by independent t-test.
Results: Seed origin (collection province and altitude) each had a significant independent effect on seedling height, while their interaction was not significant. For root collar diameter, only the collection province showed a significant effect; altitude had no significant impact. Duncan’s test revealed the tallest seedlings (107.86 ± 48.6 cm) and largest root collar diameter (12.0 ± 39.58 mm) originated from Golestan province seeds, while seedlings from Gilan province had the lowest height (67.11 ± 27.94 cm) and root collar diameter (10.11 ± 0.47 mm).
Conclusion: Seed provenance and altitude significantly influence the genetic diversity and morphological traits of Quercus castaneifolia seedlings. These factors should be integrated into breeding and conservation programs, especially when selecting seed collection sites and seed sources for restoration, aiding species preservation in downstream ecosystems.
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