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Issue 21, 2026

Online ISSN: 2466-4367

, Issue 21, (2026)

Published: 22.01.2026.

Open Access

This Special Issue of Reforesta, International Practices for Regenerating and Restoring Forest Trees by Seeding, brings together regional practice and research from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania on using broadcast and direct seeding to create forest cover. It presents a significant range of seeding activities inclusive of species, forests, sites, and climates. Seeding has regained interest because of its scalability and cost-effectiveness, particularly for remote or inaccessible areas, sites with low productivity where planting seedling costs are prohibitive, or when aiming for a more natural forest structure. Technological innovations, particularly in seed treatments, automation, and precision seeding improve success of large-scale seed dispersal.

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01.12.2024.

Research paper

Morphological assessment of plus trees progeny as a basis for establishing a sessile oak seed orchard

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.

Vladan Popović, Sanja Lazić, Aleksandar Lučić, Ljubinko Rakonjac, Vanja Daničić, Boris Ivanović, Aleksandra Petrović