Osama Radwan^*1 , Amen Saleh¹ and Azza Deeb¹

1 Department of Forestry and Ecology – Faculty of Agriculture – Lattakia University, Lattakia, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Azza Deeb, Email: azzadeeb1998@gmail.com).

Received: 22/ 12/2025     Accepted: 2/08 /2026

Abstract: 

This study was conducted in 2023 to investigate the effect of non-thinning on carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seedlings grown in 1-liter polyethylene bags at the Al-Hanadi Forest Nursery in Latakia, which is the primary source of forest seedlings for afforestation projects in Syria. The experimental treatments were based on the number of seedlings remaining per bag: Control (T1): Thinning was applied, leaving only one seedling per bag (the standard nursery practice). Other treatments (T2, T3, T4): Two, three, and four seedlings were kept per bag, respectively. The study evaluated growth performance indicators, with the Root-to-Shoot ratio (R/S) – considering both length and weight – being the key criterion for assessing seedling quality. Results: The non-thinned seedlings showed the best R/S values, with T4 (four seedlings per bag) performing slightly better than T3 (three seedlings), though the differences were not statistically significant. Both T3 and T4 outperformed T2 (two seedlings) and the control (T1). Notably, T2 showed significant differences compared to the control (T1) in most indicators. Based on these findings, it is recommended to use non-thinned carob seedlings in afforestation projects, as they achieve a better balance between root and shoot systems, enhancing overall seedling quality.

Keywords: Nursery, Ceratonia siliqua, Seedling, Root/Shoot.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF