Influence of light intensity of kermes oak ( Quercus coccifera L.) dry matter production and forage quality

This research has been conducted in Chrysopigi, Serres. The purpose of this research was to study the influence of light intensity on kermes oak ( Quercus coccifera L.) dry matter production and forage quality. Α nuιnber- of shrubs, were selected under a dense Pinus brutia stand and an equal number in an open area without any shading. Measurements of current year’s growth (L), leaf area (LA) and leaf weight (W) and dry matter production were obtained during the stages of flash growth and maturity. Also specific leaf weight (SL W), relative growth rate (RGR) and the unit leaf ration (ULR) were estimated. Shaded plants had higher growth, LA (8,5% and 27%) and L (44% and 29%) respectively at the flash growth stage and at the maturity one, but lower dry matter production as compared with the open grown plants. The SL W and RGR had the same growth rate in the sun and shade -grown plant while the ULR was found to have lower values under low light intensities. This is an indication that the lower dry matter production in the shaded plants as compared to the sun plants was probably due to the higher respiration loss of the former than of the latter plants. Crude protein content was higher in the shaded than in the sun plants during the growing season, while the concentration of total non-structural carbohydrates, cell contents and soluble protein were higher in the sun plants than in the shaded plants. Tannins and lignins content were higher in shaded than in sun plants. Similarly, dry matter digestibility was higher in sun plants but declined mοre drastically in the shaded plants during the growing season. The dry matter production was 3018 kg/ha for sun plants and 1576 kg/ha for shaded ones.