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Although Quercus brantii Lindl. has shown suitable genetic variation in Iran, which is required for a sustainable forest ecosystem, but during the last decade, it came across some difficulties which are considered as oak decline. This research investigated seedling characteristics of four plant populations of the Quercus brantii species to assess genetic potentials of the populations to base a cornerstone for complimentary studies. Seeds were collected on ten single trees for each of plant population located in Kurdistan, Lorestan, Ilam, and Fars provinces in Iran. Seeds were sown in pots at greenhouse conditions to produce at least 30 single progeny seedlings from each population with three replications were studied. Vegetative characteristics such as plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and plant vigor were studied on the single plants. Data were analyzed based on a double nested statistical model, and then the data were analyzed on each population separately. Results indicated significant differences between the studied populations based on seedling height and plant vigor. Plant within population, showing possible differences between the single trees within the populations, was also significant for seedling height, leaf length and leaf width. In population based analysis, the populations showed different behaviors, so as there was not significant effects between single plants in Kurdistan population for plant height and leaf traits; whereas, in Lorestan and Ilam populations significant effects for the mentioned traits were observed. Although the populations showed different characteristics at seedling stage, but it is sought that there are still enough genetic variability and the high heritability that might be used in future breeding projects.

Background and purpose: In recent years, forestry projects have gained increasing environmental, economic and social importance as an indicator of development. These projects are one of the most important international activities. Since the establishment of a natural forest in arid and semi-arid regions is a long and complicated process, it is difficult and necessary to restore a deforested forest in these areas. The harsh conditions and nature have reduced the forest ecosystem, so this study aims to present a picture of the status of the current forestry plans with Amygdalus scoparia Spach in four regions of central Bazoft. The intention was to compare the qualitative and quantitative status of forestry in these areas and tested the viability and adaptability of tree and shrub species cultivated in the valleys around the Bazoft river and in the central Bazoft region.
Materials and methods: In this study, the centers of sample plots were 400 m² ((20 × 20 m) in a completely randomized design. In total, there were 153 plots, and in each sample plot, quantitative characteristics such as mean area of ​​canopy, average height and qualitative characteristics such as vitality and the most important characteristic and survival was estimated. Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to estimate Survival Distribution Function, average survival rate and drying risk in each forest area. The same survival function tests associated with this estimator were also performed to ensure probable segregation of the areas. Analysis of variance was performed in regard to classified factors of the region (in four classes), planting time (in four classes: 1385, 86, 87, 88), Front (in four classes: Four main directions), slope (in two classes: more than 25 Percent and below), elevation and density of primary seedlings. Mean values ​​were compared by Tukey test.
Findings: The results of the comparison of survival rates showed that at a small spatial distance, a significant difference was observed in forestry with a singletree species. The highest survival rate after one decade was 0.88 and the lowest was 0.64. Even two identical tests of survival function i.e. Log-rank and Wilcoxon showed that there was a significant difference between forested areas with Amygdalus scoparia species. Cox Proportional Hazards Model using topographic factors (slope, front and sea level) as covariance using Wald statistic showed that the highest Amygdalus scoparia cultivation risk ratio were the western and northern fronts and then low slope regions.
Conclusion: There was a significant difference between forested areas with Amygdalus scoparia species. Based on the average canopy area, height and freshness of the trees, the southern slopes were perfectly suitable for cultivation, and the western and northern slopes were inappropriate for cultivation of these trees. The other topographic factors that probably influenced the success of the Amygdalus scoparia cultivation (slope and elevation) had not significant effects on the outcome of the Amygdalus scoparia cultivation.