Investigation the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Quercus branti and estimating its fruit in Sardasht

The purpose of this research is to investigate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the Quercus branti stands in the altitude classes and to estimate the amount of its fruit production in the investigated stands; therefore, in the three altitudes classes of Sardasht forests (below 1400 m, 1000-1400 m, and over 1400 m), the study area were chosen and 27 transects were randomly taken. In the sample, characteristics such as species, height, dbh, small and large crown diameter, trees origin, health and distance between trees were measured. To estimate the fruit, the number of fruits produced from 116 stems in different diameter classes were visually counted and weighed. Based on the average weight of 100 fruits, the weight of all individuals was calculated. The results also showed that Quercus branti coverage was the highest in the altitude layer less than 1000 m and it decreases with the increasing altitude. The average d.b.h (36.16 cm), the crown diameter (6.34 m), and the total height (6.71 m) are the highest in the altitude class below 1000 m. D.b.h as an important variable showed a significant positive correlation with the amount of fruit produced by selected trees. This research showed that with the increase in altitude, the presence of the Quercus branti decreases, and the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of trees show significant differences. Based on the results, it is suggested to use more Quercus brantii species in rehabilitation and enrichment programs in the altitude class of less than 1000 meters.