Germination and seedling growth characteristics of Quercus glauca

Quercu glauca, in lower Himalaya, has restricted occurrence, poor germination and regeneration capacities. Seven stratification media and three stratification durations were tested to improve germination and performance of seedlings grown under open nursery and shaded conditions. Nutrient content of the soil media was analyzed. Stratification media had significant effect on germination of open nursery conditions but not under shaded conditions. Stratification duration had significant effect on germination, number of lateral roots, shoot height, number of leaves and leaf area of both growing conditions. Stratification duration also had significant effect on collar diameter and root length of seedlings grown under shaded conditions. In general, seedlings grown under shaded conditions had better performance over seedlings grown under open nursery conditions.