Growth behaviour, sex ratio and fruit output of Juniperus excelsa in Mastuj valley, District Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Pakistan

Abstract

Study was conducted to examine growth behaviour, sex ratio and seed output of Juniperus excelsa in various parts of Mastuj valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Pakistan. Average height, diameter and density of male, female and bisexual plants were determined. Seed output of female plants were found highest in Dodorghaz gol followed by Mastuj village and Ghuru gol. Number of fallen fruits were high in Dodorghaz gol followed by Mastuj village and Ghuru gol. Number of seedlings were high in Mastuj village followed by Ghuru gol and Dodorghaz gol. Soils were sandy loam and loamy sand with elements such as C, Ca, Mg, Si, Fe and K. These results strongly sustain genetically-determined sex ratios and a lack of major differences between males and females in growth behaviour and seed output which had been suggested by short-term studies elsewhere in the species' range.