Effect of Root Pruning On Physiology and Morphology of Greek Juniper Seedlings (Juniperus Excelsa M. Bieb.)

In order to investigate the effect of root pruning in morphological and physiological characteristics of Juniperus excelsa seedlings an experiment was carried out on transplanted one year-old seedlings. Treatments included root pruning intensities (1-slight pruning (2-moderate pruning and 3- control (no root pruning)). Experiment design was completely randomized design. Each treatment included three replicates and each replicate included 20 seedlings (in total 180 seedlings). The results showed that root pruning improved the quality and growth of root and seedlings survival. Results indicated that root pruning enhanced seedling quality index of J. excelsa seedlings and had a good capability for pruning. Root length, root diameter, root biomass, shoot biomass and total biomass were significantly correlated with habitat quality index which increasing these factors improves plant quality. The ratio of root to shoot biomass and total biomass was significantly correlated with plant survival. Survival was improved by increasing these factors. Also, according to high correlation between quality index and root collar diameter and on the other hand, another characteristics such as root length, root biomass is so hard to identification, root collar diameter is suitable index for qualitative classification Juniperus excelsa seedlings in nurseries.