Elimination trial on some of important conifers in Asalem forests

In order to investigate on the adaptation and performance of exotic trees in northern of Iran, a field experiment was carried out during 1991 to 2006 in Asalem forests. Nine species of different conifers, consisting of Pinus nigra var. austriaca, P. nigra var. pallasiana, P. nigra var. calabrica, Picea abies (prov. Klardasht), P. abies (prov. France), P. glauca (prov. Canada), P. orientalis (prov. Turkey), Pseudotsuga menziesii (prov. America) and P. menziesii (prov. California) were planted using a Random Complete Block design. At the end of each growth period, three parameters of survival, diameter and height were measured and results analyzed finally at the end of 16 years. The results showed that there was a significant difference of growth factors (diameter and height) among species (treatments) at significant level of 1%, whereas no significant difference was found in survival rate. Pseudotsuga menziesii (prov. California) showed the highest height (10.2 m) and Pinus nigra var. calabrica the highest diameter (16.1 cm) after 16 years of study period.