Morphology and germination characteristics of Quercus brantii Lindl. acorns in nursery

The aim of this research was to study the effect of seed source on morphology, emergence and early vigor characteristics of Quercus brantii Lindl. acorns. The acorns were collected from 4 forest habitats (seed sources) in southern Zagros (provinces of Kohkilouyeh-Bouyer Ahmad and Fars), located in elevations of 850, 1100, 1500 and 2100 m a.s.l. and planted as randomized completely design with three replications in nursery of Shahid Rousta (Ab-baric of Fars, 1700 m.a.s.l.). Results indicated that seed source significantly affected morphologic characteristics of acorns (length, width and weight), emergence (emergence percentage, emergence rate and mean time of emergence), seedling growth parameters (shoot length, shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight and leaf area) (p<0.01). The greatest shoot length, leaf dry weight, shoot dry weight, leaf area and seedling vigor index were related to low elevation seed source (850 m.a.s.l.). Correlation of seed origin with mean time of emergence was significantly positive (p>0.01) and with other seed traits was significantly negative (p>0.01). Since emergence, emergence rate, mean time of emergence, shoot length and seedling vigor index are considered as assessment criteria for seed vigor index in early growth stages, it can be suggested that low elevation seed source has highest early vigor.