ارزیابی روش های مختلف کاشت بذر بر زنده مانی و استقرار نهال های بلوط ایرانی در جنگل های نیمه خشک تنگ علمدار بهبهان (Quercus brantii Lindl).

Background and Objectives: Quercus brantii L. has been classified as a vulnerable species, the most widespread and pure types of which are observed in the southern and middle Zagros. Due to the elimination of natural regeneration, caused by excessive livestock grazing, collection of tree seeds, mortality of forest, and habitat destruction, several studies have been carried out to address barriers to natural regeneration in the oak forests of Zagros. Yet, the lack of regeneration in these forests still exists. In this study, we examined several methods of natural regeneration based on simple consideration of soil moisture preservation for the establishment of natural regeneration of brant's oak. Materials and Methods: this study was conducted in Alamdar Strait in Behbahan province in 2018. For this purpose, oak seeds were planted in winter with five replications under several treatments, including stone shelter, under the mother tree, open ground, using superabsorbent and curved pits on a slope gradient of 10-55%, the elevation of 850-975m and different geographical directions. Seeds were washed with water and sterilized with 70% ethanol before cultivation. Then, they were placed in distilled water for 48 hours prior to planting. At the end of the growing season, the survival rate of the seedlings and their height were measured and their correlation with environmental factors was determined. Results: The results indicated that 25.24% of the germinated seeds were able to survive in harsh environmental conditions until the end of the growing season. The superabsorbent treatment had the highest germination rate of 82% with the lowest survival rate of 6%. While the stone treatment had the lowest germination rate of 38% with the highest survival rate of 31%. The western slopes had the highest germination rate of 77%, but ultimately 29% of seedlings in this range survived. Although, 71.4% of the seeds germinated in the northern slopes, only 31% of the seedlings survived at the end of the growing season. Seeds planted on the ridge treatments had the lowest germination rate of 50% and survival rate of 14%. The results also showed that the effects of slopes and altitudes were not significant on the survival rate of seedlings. Seedlings planted under the shelter of trees had the highest seedlings height, while the lowest seedling height was recorded for seedlings under the curved pits. Conclusion: In general, the sowing of oak seeds can have acceptable results in the improvement of oak forests. In other words, the results could be useful for obtaining higher performance on the survival and growth of direct sowing of oak seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]