International Scientific Journal on Reforestation, Afforestation and Tree Reproduction

Current issue

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.

All issues

More Filters

Article author

Article type

Section

From date

To date

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

01.12.2018.

Research paper

Acorn size influence on the quality of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) one-year old seedlings

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is one of the most important deciduous tree species in the Serbian and European forests. Different negative factors limit natural regeneration of pedunculate oak forests, so producing of high quality seedlings becomes imperative to ensure successful forest restoration. This research was conducted with to aim to determine whether acorn size is related to seedlings quality. Acorns were collected from the natural pedunculate oak forest and divided into two groups by their size. Acorns were sown in the spring into plastic containers after five months cold storage. Size of acorns was in the standard species range, though germination was low (< 20 %). Germination was more then double in group of large acorns in comparison to group of smaller acorns (19.2 %, respectively 8.6 %). Height and root collar diameter of produced seedlings were lower than seedlings produced in seedbeds in commercial nurseries in Serbia, but it was in range of container produced seedlings in some similar researches. Height to root collar diameter ratio and shoot to root ratio were considered as satisfactory for containerized seedlings. There was not strong correlation between acorn size and seedlings quality attributes.

Jovana R Devetaković, Marina Nonić, Bojan Prokić, Mirjana Šijačić-Nikolić, Vladan Popović

01.12.2015.

Review paper

Afforestation on bare lands – example of Ibar Gorge, Serbia

The afforestation of bare lands, sandstone, and skeletal terrains are one of the biggest challenges forestry scientists face. These terrains are characterized by specific ecological conditions that are generally unfavorable for the growth of woody species. These are usually shallow soils, unstable, and poor in nutrients and moisture. The characteristics of these habitats make said terrains unfavorable for the regeneration of forest vegetation. It is therefore crucial for the success of afforestation to gain detailed knowledge and understanding of environmental conditions. Only after the detailed research and study of field conditions can the selection of species for afforestation, including selection of species characteristics and technology of planting, begin. Mistakes made during previous establishments of green areas are one of the main reasons some species of vascular flora have disappeared. This alone expresses the undeniable importance of knowledge on habitat specifics, work schedule, and selection of species for afforestation. With the aim to implement the future afforestation within the planned scope, it is necessary to organize an effective nursery production of seedlings with characteristics that will suit the environmental conditions of bare lands, sandstones, and skeletal terrains whose afforestation is planned.