تحقیقات جنگل و صنوبر ایران (Sep 2006)
The potential of rehabilitation of wild pistacio forests through straight seed sowing and seedling planting
Abstract
Although Zagros forests are not important from wood production aspect, but in terms of environmental and ecological aspects, by products, soil and water conservation as well as shelters for wildlife are very important and play undeniable role in sustaining ecosystem and the economy of inhabitants. These forests are habitat of an important tree species, namely wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica). This species has been exploited for its gum for a long time and lacks good regeneration due to the absence of seed producing stands. The possibility of rehabilitation of pistachio forests was studied through straight seed sowing and seedling planting to find the simplest and the most economic way of conserving these forests and to prevent further destruction. The research was carried out in a split plot statistical design with seed and seedling as the two main treatments and four sub-ordinate treatments such as common pitting, bowl pitting, furrow and banquette within Arsenjan site. During the period, germination, survival and growth of seedlings were recorded. In addition the presence of pests and diseases and the relation between climatic factors and the establishment and survival of seedlings were also examined. The results indicate that the rehabilitation of wild pistachio forests through seed/seedling plantation was not successful in Fars province due to several limiting factors, including low and uneven rainfall, the existence of a long dry period, high evaporation and moisture stress during growth season. The failure was more serious in seed sowing. Furthermore, cutting and severe pruning of parent trees, presence of livestock in the forest and wildlife grazing were other factors which threatened the establishment of new grown seedlings in the pistachio forest. However, the presence of seed producing trees, suitable crown cover and some shrubs and bushes as nursing plants would enhance the establishment and natural regeneration of pistachio forests provided that proper management and conservation of the forests are guaranteed.
