English abstract
The distribution and ecological status of Juniperus servaschanica Kom. woodlands were studied in the western region of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, in the Sultanate of Oman from (2012-2016). Intra-and inter-population variations of J.seravschanica were morphologically examined for the first time in six zones originating from elevations of 1664 to 2402 m a.s.l. in the northern mountain of Oman for the mature seeds, cone, and branchlet variation. Ten morphological traits from 1000 branchlets, 160 to 711 seeds and 992 cones were analyzed. Mean values of comparable seed and cone morphological traits did differ from values reported elsewhere. Most of the seeds and cone dimensional characters are correlated significantly. The result showed significant variation in five out of ten morphological characteristics measured which conclude that the species has phenotypic variants. Four zones, each with ten plots and each plot with an area of 10,000 sq m were studied in detail at different altitudes to evaluate the status of the juniper woodlands. Tree density, distribution, health status, affecting environmental factors and seed germination of the J. seravschanica were assessed. Furthermore, the mycoflora found in the seeds were isolated and identified. The stock density of J. seravschanica in the study area was less when compared to the previous studies. Junipers appeared as continuous woodlands from Al Hajmata reservoir in Shanut at an altitude of 2168 m a.s.l. and continued with the increase in altitude. The population structures of J. seravschanica in the four zones were evaluated. The heights of trees in the four zones showed little individual in the lower size class indicating poor regeneration and recruitment. There were significant differences in the heights of trees among the four zones. Trees in zone 1 were shorter than those in the other three zones. J. seravschanica trees are in good health condition in all four zones. Most of the trees surveyed produced a moderate amount of female and male cones. Regeneration is low as indicated by 65 seedlings (9%) recorded during the study and 26 small young trees (14%). Seed germination was low with a maximum of 31% in Zone 3, while Zone 4 had the lowest germination percentage of 14%. An investigation was carried out to detect and identify the mycoflora associated with J. seravschanica seeds using molecular techniques. Seed samples were collected from different study zones. The seeds tested revealed the occurrence of 8 species belonging to the genera, Penicillium, Auredbasidium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Phoma, and Microsphaeropsis. Some were found to be pathogenic, and some were beneficial to the plants as recorded in the previous studies. This study highlights the ecological status of the juniper trees in areas of Al Jabal Al Akhdar where there is intensive urban development and expansion of tourism activities. Several recommendations related to protecting the woodlands are suggested here because only human co-operation with nature can save the heritage. Studies on the seed viability and pathology are required to understand the decline in the juniper population. More investigations are also needed in the restoration of juniper woodlands.
