Effect of altitude on seed dispersal and seedling establishment of Shorea robusta roth. in Garhwal Himalaya

Shorea robusta is the most dominated species of tropical forest in India. The seed dispersal and regeneration status were studied during the period June 2019 to May 2021. Seed traps were placed for seed dispersal. Traps were round shape baskets with 60 cm open face diameter and place 1m above ground height. For the study of regeneration, 1*1 quadrates were laid down next to each trap. Total 30 traps and 30 quadrates were placed for each study site. The middle elevation (900m) shows better results in comparison to a lower elevation (600m) for seed dispersal and seed germination. The seed germination and seed survival were also compared as inside forest and outside Shorea robusta forest for both elevations. Seed germination is similar inside the forest for both elevation and outside the forest for elevation but there is a significant difference between inside forest and outside the forest for both elevations. The middle elevation shows better results for germination and survival of seeds of Shorea robusta.