Special Issue Journal of Human Geography and Environmental Studies

Special Issue 1, December 2009

Article Number: 04

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Biological conservation of the endemic Arbutus pavarii Pamp.: Seed germination as attempt

S. El shatshat

Pages 20-22

Abstract—Arbutus pavarii Pamp. is one of the endemic species in El-Jabel El-Akhdar region in Libya. This plant is classified as threatened and endangered due to physical factors (climatic factors especially rainfall) and human activities (wood gathering, charcoal making, agriculture expansion, urbanization, overgrazing, etc.). The main aim of this study was to develop protection measures by finding a suitable method for propagation and provide the authorities with the results to enable them to replant it in its natural environment. It was clear from this study that this plant has a very high potential of seed production, therefore, seed propagation is considered to be the most suitable method for propagation. The results of the seed germination study showed that seeds of A. Pavarii can germinate under both dark and light conditions while the total percentage of seed germination was 71% in light and 72% in dark conditions. Germinability of seeds was speeded up by using 250, 500, and 1000 PPM of GA3 and germination behaviour was also differed among the concentrations. The study of seedling development under controlled conditions in a growth cabinet (constant temperature day and night 25°C, light period 16 h., and 65% relative humidity), revealed that these conditions were optimum for seedling development and establishment. The measurements of plant height and leaf number per plant showed an increase of these parameters with time. It can be possible to produce seedlings ready for field transplanting after 170 days from seed planting.

Keywords—Arbutu s pavarii, endemic species, Libyan flora, seed germination, seedlings.