Effect of physiographic factors on seed germination of wild Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) in Khajeh kalat Forest of Mashhad, Iran

Regarding to importance and widespread of wild Pistachio in arid and semi-arid regions and problems of germination, this study was conducted to identify effect of physiography on seed germination of Pistacia vera in Khajeh Kalat Forest, northeast of Iran (N 36°54' - 36°64', E 54°35' - 54°45').

To do so land unit map was provided and sampling was done based on land units. Then, sampled seeds from 23 sampling unites were transferred to seed physiology lab for operational experiments. After operational experience, germination percent, germination value and mean time to germination for each unit were determined.

The results showed that germination percent of pistachio seeds has had significant positive correlation with altitude, but hasn’t had significant correlation with slope and aspect (p<0.01). Correlation between germination value and altitude wasn’t significant, while slope and aspect have had significant correlation with germination value (p<0.01).

 Regarding to results, germination percent in high altitudes was more than low altitudes. Germination value in law altitude and 0-30 percent slope was more than other aspects and slopes. Seeds that were collected from north and south aspects and above 60 percent slope have had more germination value than other aspects and slopes. Mean time to germination for east aspect and 30-60 percent slopes were less than other aspects and slopes.