Morphometric variability of narrow-leaved ash samaras at the test-tree level

Dijana Cortan,Vladimir Vukicevic,Mirjana Sijacic-Nikolic,Vedrana Macar

doi:10.2298/gsf1715055c

Abstract

The aim of this research is to assess F. angustifolia test tree variability based on the morphometric traits and shape of samara from the locality Karapandza. Twenty adult trees were randomly selected. From each individual 100 fully developed samaras were analyzed. The following traits were analyzed: the length and width of samara, the length of seed, ratio between the length of seed and samara, the weight of 100 seeds by individual, samara shape and samara top shape. The obtained results indicated a considerable variability within the studied individuals at the level of samara morphometric traits. Considering that all sampled individuals were from the same populations we could suppose that this variability was not induced by different environmental factors (climate or soil), then with the existence of specific genotypes. Classification based on samara size says that our individuals could belong to large size samaras, i.e. the type known as f. macrocarpa. However, since there is no uniformity of samara shapes within the majority of studied individuals we cannot classify them in accordance with samara shape classification.

Highlights

Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl is a widely distributed wind-pollinated tree species naturally extending throughout Southern and Eastern Europe, from Portugal and Spain in the west to Slovakia and south Moravia in the north and Turkey, Syria, Caucasus and southern Russia in the east (FRAXIGEN, 2005; Fukarek, 1983; Wallander, 2008)
The selection of genetic material with adaptability and good growth indifferent ecological environments is of high importance (FRAXIGEN, 2005; Spanos et al, 2004; Papi et al, 2011). Considering that this is an endangered species and that there is not enough information about F. angustifolia stands and variability in Serbia, the aim of this research is to make an assessment of F. angustifolia variability at the level of individuals selected based on morphometric traits and the shape of samara from the locality Karapandža, as the starting point in future conservation and breeding measures at the present area
In order to determine the morphometric variability of F. angustifolia samara, we studied F. angustifolia in its natural population from the locality Karapandža, a northern part of the Special Nature Reserve Gornje Podunavlje

Summary

Introduction

Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl (the narrow-leaved ash) is a widely distributed wind-pollinated tree species naturally extending throughout Southern and Eastern Europe, from Portugal and Spain in the west to Slovakia and south Moravia in the north and Turkey, Syria, Caucasus and southern Russia in the east (FRAXIGEN, 2005; Fukarek, 1983; Wallander, 2008). This species is a local habitat specialist restricted to humid areas and waterways throughout the Mediterranean, where as it can be notably abundant and dominant in the temperate flood plain and riparian forests along large rivers and wet lands in Central and South-eastern Europe (the Danube and the Pannonian basin) (Temunović et al, 2013). F. angustifolia is a widely distributed tree species of monodominant and mixed forests in the alluvial area of large rivers (Tomić, 2004). Monodominant forests grow on gley soils where F. angustifolia is a pioneer species and has the coecological optimum (Bobinac et al, 2010).

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