Study of some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fruit and seed cones to identify two species of Juniper (Juniperus excelsa and J. polycarpos) in Goinik Jargalan habitat of North Khorasan province

Vegetation is high value in different ecosystems, specially trees, that they destruction is faster than reproduction and rehabilitation in nature. Then, it is necessary to pay attention to resistant species to harsh climates with the ability to adapt to natural and unnatural destructive factors, such as Juniperus excelsa M. Beib and J. polycarspos K. Koch. Juniper habitat in Goinik Jargalan protected area in North Khorasan province, currently has sparse and endangered juniper forests. These two species are difficult to identify and distinguish from each other difference only in the index of being monopod or bipedal. This study evaluates the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fruit and seed cones with the aim of helping to identify two species of Juniper in the Goinik Jargalan region. In this area, systematic random sampling of natural habitat was performed. a total of ۲۶ plots, drawn in ۳ transects, ۲۰ native base of each species were selected and their geographical information was located and recorded by GPS. A maximum of ۲۰۰ cones were collected from each base, and the traits of cone and its seeds were measured and recorded. Quantitative characteristics of female cones, such as the number of cones per unit area of crown, length, width and mass of fruit, are significantly higher in J. polycarpos than J. excelsa. Analysis of seed data including length, width, mass, Volume and density shows that the two species are differ in the mentioned traits, at the level of the ۱% to ۵%. The mentioned morphological properties can distinguish two species of Juniperus; Therefore, it is advised to have scientific assessment of the status of these species, especially J. excelsa, and finally carry out a special resuscitation program for J. excelsa before the complete removal of such species from the natural habitats of Juniperus.

کلیدواژه ها:

Goynik (Goinek) ، Archa ، Seed ، Juniper ، Protected area