Investigating the physical characteristics and chemical elements of the seeds of two species of Quercus L. in the Tazehabad region of Kermanshah, Iran

The ecological significance of oak forests and the challenges associated with oak species regeneration are key concerns in natural resource management. This study investigated the physical characteristics and chemical composition of oak seeds in the Tazehabad region of Kermanshah Province. Seeds from oak species in the study area were collected and transported to the laboratory. Physical traits, including length and diameter, were measured using a millimeter-precision caliper, while weight was recorded to the nearest hundredth of a gram. Chemical analysis followed standardized protocols, with seed shells separated from kernels for elemental assessment. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version ۲۶. The physical characteristics of Quercus infectoria compared to Quercus brantii in Tazehabad exhibited differentiations, particularly in the acorn length, nut traits (length, weight, diameter and volume) and cupule characters (weight and base thickness). Chemical analysis showed that the seed shells of Q. brantii had the highest mean iron content, whereas phosphorus levels were the lowest. In kernels, Q. infectoria displayed the highest nitrogen concentration, while manganese was the least abundant. Statistical tests confirmed significant differences in both physical and chemical properties between the two Quercus L. species in Tazehabad.

کلیدواژه ها:

chemical elements ، seed ، Quercus infectoria ، Quercus brantii ، quantitative characteristics