Mexico is the country with the highest number of species of the genus Quercus, but there has been little research on their propagation in nurseries. Quercus crassifolia is distributed across more than 50% of the national territory; however, no studies have been conducted to document its morphological growth and plant quality in nurseries for reforestation and forest restoration. Some of the key factors in plant production, principally in a technified system, are the selection of containers, substrates, and fertilizer doses. This study therefore evaluated two container sizes, two mixtures of organic substrates, and two doses of controlled-release fertilizer. After nine months of growth in the nursery, morphometric parameters of the plants were recorded, and quality indices were determined based on these values. The results showed that container size, substrate choice, and fertilization dose all influenced the quality of the plant produced. With both fertilizer doses, the 25:25:50 substrate mixture of fresh pine sawdust, composted pine bark, and moss peat produced plants with the highest values of height, diameter, and shoot, root, and total dry biomass. Considering the factors evaluated, the use of 200 mL containers with the aforementioned substrate mixture and the addition of 7 g L-1 of controlled-release fertilizer will produce plants of Quercus crassifolia suitable quality for use in reforestation.

This article is aimed as a basic introduction to conifer somatic embryogenesis for someone with a general interest in applications of this technique and/or who is interested in starting some practical work in the field. We also present data from an example study on individual trees’ ability to initiate somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce (Picea abies). A total of 158 trees were each tested for ability and relative competence to initiate somatic embryogenesis from the zygotic embryos by observing the initiation frequency for ten zygotic embryos from each individual tree.  Furthermore, we conducted a case study by following the process for SE plant formation for a selection of 48 cell lines that were monitored through the SE developmental pathway, with data collected on the success rates at different steps. We then evaluated the relative importance of different steps for the outcome of plant formation and yield.

In the context of variable climate conditions, selecting high-quality Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) reproductive material is crucial for sustainable forestry. This research aimed to assess the genetic potential of 86 selected plus trees by analyzing seedling morphological characteristics and quality indices. The ultimate goal was to identify the most promising genotypes for establishing seed orchards. Root collar diameter (D), seedling height (H), stem dry mass (SDM), and root dry mass (RDM) were measured under uniform nursery conditions. The following derived indices were calculated: seedling height to root collar diameter ratio (H/D), stem dry mass to root dry mass ratio (SDM/RDM), and Dickson’s quality index (DQI). Descriptive statistics, one-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were performed as well. The results showed significant variability in all observed morphological characteristics and quality indices among half-sib families, confirming a strong genetic influence. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between DQI and all primary morphological characteristics (r≤0.94), confirming DQI as the most effective integrative indicator of seedling quality. The combined ranking of the half-sib families, based on DQI, H/D, and SDM/RDM, identified those with optimal morphological characteristics, including an optimal H/D ratio, balanced SDM/RDM, and a high DQI value. The identified superior half-sib families represent valuable genetic material for the establishment of future seed orchards, thereby contributing to the production of better-quality seedling material and to improved forest ecosystem resilience under climate change.

The present study was carried out in 16rd year afforestation sampled from southern Turkey of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich) and Crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.). Variation, competition and correlation were examined based on seedling height and stem diameter at base data collected from two samples areas 500 m2 each. Growth performances were different at the areas for the species, while averages of Taurus cedar (223.6 for height and 65.3 mm for stem diameter at base) had higher than Crimean juniper (106 cm and 58.5 mm) in total areas. The results emphasized importance of species selection in afforestation. Significant (p<0.05) differences between areas and species were found according to results of analysis of variance. Positive and significant phenotypic correlation (p<0.05, r>0.52) was estimated between the characteristics in both species and areas. It could be used for tending in afforestation areas.