Autoecological Study of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don in Bafgh (Yazd province)

Subject Areas : Journal of Plant Ecophysiology

Gholamreza  Zarei ¹ (Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University)
Naser  Baghestani Maybodi ² (عضو هیات علمی مرکز تحقیقات کشاورزی ومنابع طبیعی استان یزد)
Ali  Zamani Bajgani ³ (دانش آموخته کارشناسی ارشد دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد میبد)

Received: 2014-10-21 Accepted : 2015-09-30 Published : 2016-09-01

Keywords: ecology, Dorema ammoniacum, Phenology, habitat characteristics, gum yield,

Abstract :

Vasha (Dorema ammoniacum) is one of the valuable forage, pharmaceutical and industrial plant that is endemic to Iran. In this study, some of habitat characteristics including climate, soil (physical and chemical properties) and geographical situation, phenology and gum yield of vasha were studied. To characterize the habitat soil, 9 profiles from habitat and 3 profiles out of habitat were sampled. Phenological stages were recorded with repeated visits to the region since March to August. To determine gum yield, at first average amount of gum by every plant calculated and then according to plant density, gum yield per hectare was calculated. The results showed that areas with Loamy-Sand soils and pH between 8.3 to 8.7 can be considered as one of the vasha suitable habitat. 472 plant/ha and 1/17 percent were density and cover of vasha, respectively. The amount of gum that produced by every plant was determined 130.3 g. The phenological studies showed that the onset of growth of vasha in this area is in March late to middle of April. According to this survey it is recommended gum harvesting starts from early July at 4-5 times. Based on climatic data, late December was determined as the most appropriate sowing of vasha seeds in the Bafgh.