Research Article | Published: 31 August 2022

Seed germination behaviour of Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj oak) in Western Himalaya

Sweata Bisht, Laxman S. Kandari, Vinod K. Bisht, Tripti Negi and Pragnesh N. Patel

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 45 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 75-81 | 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2022-0VA56X | Cite this article

Abstract

Quercus leucotrichophora A.Camus (Banj oak) is one of the keystone species in the mid-elevation forests across western and central Himalaya. Its regeneration in many parts is reported to be poor due to low germination and seedling emergence. Present study aims to investigate the germination behaviour of Quercus leucotrichophora. Seeds were collected from 5 different sites and sown in polybags under open, poly-house and shade-net-house conditions. Seed germination started in 20 days and was completed in 92 days. Higher seed germination was observed in poly-house conditions (76.66%-82.66%) followed by shade-net-house conditions (68.23-76.66%), while, minimum germination was observed in seeds placed under open conditions (61.66%-74.33%). Mean Germination Time was found rapid in poly-house conditions (8.4-10.13) followed by shade-net house conditions (8.79-12.71) and open conditions (20.39-24.66). Among all the sites, higher germination was recorded for the seeds collected from the mid altitude regions (1300-1400 m asl). A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between seed size class with cumulative germination percentage was also noticed. The findings of the present study indicated that, site of seed collection can play a crucial role in seed germination. Thus, for raising quality planting material of Q. leucotrichophora, seed collection should be done from specific habitats that ultimately help in restoring the declining population.

Keywords

Acorn, Germination Rate, Mean Germination Time, Quercus leucotrichophora, Seed germination

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How to cite

Bisht, S., Kandari, L.S., Bisht, V.K., Negi, T. and Patel, P.N., 2022. Seed germination behaviour of Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj oak) in Western Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 45(2), pp.75-81. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2022-0VA56X

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 24 July 2022

Manuscript Revised on 20 August 2022

Manuscript Accepted on 28 August 2022

Manuscript Published on 31 August 2022

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