Characterization, Propagation, Conservation status of Wild Pistacia of Zarghoon State Forest Ecosystem Quetta, Balochistan-Pakistan

The aim of this study was to observe the distribution, propagation, delivery and preservation status of wild Pistacia from Zarghoon State Forest Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Different standardized techniques such as; frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, relative dominance, Importance value index, Species richness, index of dominance and basal area covered by plant species were used. The data showed that Pistacia atlantica had the largest frequency, followed by Pistacia khinjuk with other ground flora in the study area. The total density of both species were; 20.02 plants/m2. Pistacia atlantica was recorded as the dominant specie with an IVI value of 181.57 % followed by Pistacia khinjuk as a co dominant specie with an IVI value of 118.43 % and the total basal area covered by both species was noted 225.144 m2. Seedlings of Pistacia atlantica showed highest regeneration with an IVI value of 192.59 % which followed by Pistacia khinjuk with IVI value of 107.41 %. The percentage of Male and female Pistacia species was found 30.83 and 69.17% by the ratio of 44.58% respectively. The physical condition of all the trees of Pistacia khinjuk was found healthy. Not found any tree of Pistacia khinjuk unhealthy, over mature, disturbed and cut stumps in the area while the Pistacia atlantica was found healthy with IVI value of 89.9 %, unhealthy 23.2 %, over mature 43.2 %, disturbed 48.5 %. Along Pistacia species other associated ground flora was noted and total ground flora was recorded 45.54 plants/m2.