Biological distribution of Cornus mas species in Arasbaran forests

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is one of the main important fruit-providing species in the rural household economies in Arasbaran forests. Main study objective was to assess the density and spatial distribution of Cornus mas species in Arasbaran forests. Biological data were collected within 2837 ha of these forests using full callipering method and UTM coordinates registration of this species. Spatial distribution of Cornus mas species was characterized by Ripley s K(r) function in ProgramitaJulio2006 program. Moreover, individual tree fruit yield was measured using counting and weighting of fruits. At the next stage, the spatial distribution map of this species was provided using ArcGIS 9.3. Results showed that the distribution area of this species was about 3 percent (90 ha) of studied forests area. The density of this species was 1.2 trees ha-1. The average fruit weight of each tree was 1.4 kg. The sustainable production capacity of this species in the study area was estimated to be 39 kg per hectare. The results showed that Cornus mas species was distributed in an aggregated pattern. This species was mostly found at the Quercetum forest type. The high density and an aggregation of Cornus mas individuals may facilitate resource accessibility, management activities, and silvicultural treatments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Density ، Full callipering method ، Spatial distribution ، Sustainable production