Seedling-stage drought responses of two endemic pear and oak species inform climate-adaptive management in Hyrcanian forests

These findings imply a prioritization of <i>Q. atropatena</i> in forest management and conservation planning in arid and semi-arid Hyrcanian forests, especially given future climate scenarios. Our results also offer valuable insights for nursery managers facing water scarcity and for stakeholders involved in afforestation and reforestation initiatives aimed at cultivating these two species. Since tree species selection is essential to maintaining forest sustainability, our research adds to the ongoing discussion about the drought tolerance of tree species during the critical seedling stage, particularly in the context of climate change.