Variation in seed biometry and early seedling growth from northeastern Algerian Quercus suber L. provenances

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of provenance on seed biometry and early seedling growth of Quercus suber L. The acorns used for the study conducted in the regional forest research station of Jijel, were collected from thirty healthy mother trees representing six provenances in Jijel. After seed collection, a subsample of acorns from each mother tree was used in a laboratory experiment including biometric characterization and cold storage behavior assessment throughout moisture content and germination measurement. Additionally, a nursery experiment was carried out with acorns stored for three months to assess the effects of the seed source on seedling growth traits including height, collar diameter, biomass and leaf biomass and surface. The results revealed significant differences at 5% probability level among Q. suber seed provenances and mother trees with respect to seed morphology, seed storage, seed germination and seedling growth parameters. Despite the absence of a clear effect of the environmental conditions of the studied provenances, the Kissir provenance was the superior for all the studied parameters. Regardless of provenance, the favorable environmental conditions of the nursery along with favorable cultivation conditions, including proper seed handling and storage, growing mixture, and irrigation could enhance the desirable seedling quality for reforestation purposes