INTERACTIVE EFFECT OF PLANTING DISTANCE, IRRIGATION TYPE AND INTERTIDAL ZONE ON THE GROWTH OF GREY MANGROVE SEEDLINGS IN QESHM ISLAND, IRAN

The interactive effect of planting distance, irrigation and intertidal zone on the growth of grey mangrove (avicennia marina) seedlings was investigated in qeshm island area for a period of 18 months. a total of 720 seedlings in two groups were planted at different parts of the intertidal zone, with two irrigation types and two planting distances. based on anova, the interactive effect of seedling planting distance, type of irrigation and intertidal zone on seedling growth criteria (stem diameter, height and ratio of stem height to stem diameter) indicated a significant difference (p < 0.01). stem diameter increment of seedling flooded by sea water in lower intertidal zone with planting distance of 0.5 m was greater in comparison with the rest of the planted seedlings. seedlings irrigated with fresh water in lower intertidal zone with planting distance of 0.5 m had the greatest stem height. the minimum ratio of stem height to stem diameter was found to be in seedlings flooded by sea water in lower intertidal zone and planting distance of 0.5 m. results of the study could be applied to any other eco-region with the same or nearly the same ecological characteristics.