The Effects of Some Ecological Factors on the Pre-Adaptation Activities for the Purple-Flowered Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum L.) reproduced by Seeds

Abstract

This study was carried out to identify the effects of temperature, light, and humidity factors on the pre-adaptation of the seedlings, which were reproduced using the seeds of Rhododendron ponticum L., which is among the indigenous species of Turkey. Two environments namely full-sun and partial-shade were selected; the temperature, light, and humidity levels in these environments were measured, the survival and development rates of the seedlings planted on both sites were documented, and the obtained results and the relations of these results to each other have been provided along with related statistical results. This study has found that Rhododendron ponticum L. adapts better in soils that are acidic in terms of pH (4.5-5.5) and rich in organic materials (60-70%) and in moisture (60%-70%) and semi-shaded areas (areas that receive 50% or more of solar radiation indirectly). Additionally, the adapted seedlings have produced blooms and reproduced seeds only within three years from their first production, although there are findings in literature that seedlings reproduced by seeds bloom in 6, 7 and up to 12 years.This study was carried out to identify the effects of temperature, light, and humidity factors on the pre-adaptation of the seedlings, which were reproduced using the seeds of Rhododendron ponticum L., which is among the indigenous species of Turkey. Two environments namely full-sun and partial-shade were selected; the temperature, light, and humidity levels in these environments were measured, the survival and development rates of the seedlings planted on both sites were documented, and the obtained results and the relations of these results to each other have been provided along with related statistical results. This study has found that Rhododendron ponticum L. adapts better in soils that are acidic in terms of pH (4.5-5.5) and rich in organic materials (60-70%) and in moisture (60%-70%) and semi-shaded areas (areas that receive 50% or more of solar radiation indirectly). Additionally, the adapted seedlings have produced blooms and reproduced seeds only within three years from their first production, although there are findings in literature that seedlings reproduced by seeds bloom in 6, 7 and up to 12 years.