Seedling Quality and Morphology in Seed Sources and Seedling Type of Brutian Pine (Pinus brutia Ten.)

Abstract

This study was carried out on 1+0 year containerized and bare root seedlings originated from a seed stand and a seed orchard of Brutian Pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) at Dursunbey Forest Nursery of Turkey. Findings of present investigation may contribute to better nursery practices, productive plantation establishment, and genetic improvement of the species. Seedling height and root-collar diameter were examined on 100 seedlings chosen randomly from each seed source and seedling type at the end of the growing period. Seedling quality and relation between the characteristics were also investigated. Averages of seedling height and root-collar diameter were 12.5 cm and 2.74 mm in the polled seed sources and seedling type, respectively. While containerized seedling showed better performance than bare root seedlings, seed stand was better than seed orchards for observed characters. There were significant differences (p≤0.05) among seedling type and seed source based on results of variance analysis. Distribution of seedlings changed for quality classes, characters, seed sources and seedling types. The both classification was suitable for the seedlings according to results of Discriminant analysis. There were positive and significant (p≤0.05) relations between the characters based on results of correlation analysis. Results of the study were discussed for nursery practice of the species. Results of the study could be combined by field performance.