Variation in seedling morphology of Turkish fir (<i>Abies nordmanniana</i> subsp. <i>bornmulleriana</i> Mattf)

Abstract

In this study, the genetic variation of some seedling characteristics of Turkish fir was investigated. A total of 303 trees were selected from 17 plots and 10 seedlings from each tree were used. Fifteen morphological characteristics were determined, including root collar diameter, seedling height, total needle, bud length and width, epycotyl length, needle length and width of 1 year seedlings and root collar diameter, shoot height and diameter, needle length and width, bud length and width of 2 years seedlings. Data were analyzed by using SPSS and SAS programs. The results show that there were significant differences among the populations in terms of morphological characteristics. In addition, 12.51% of the total variation is distributed among populations. The results of this research could be used for breeding studies in Turkish fir and in-situ/ex-situ conservation strategies, silvicultural purpose and breeding strategies.

Key words: Genetic variation, Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana Mattf, Turkish Fir.