Some seed characteristics and genetic similarities of Western Black Sea Fir populations including an isolated population

Abstract

West Blacksea fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach subsp. equi-trojani) is an endemic species of Turkey. Six populations, four of which are a seed stand and three gene conservation forests (Akyazi-Dokurcun, Aladag-Sarialan, Kizilcahamam-Guvem, Safranbolu-Safranbolu), a Nature Reserve Area (Istanbul-Beykoz) and a natural forest (Pinarbasi-Kurtgirmez) were selected to study. Cones were harvested from 118 trees in six populations. Some seed characters obtained from cones were measured and evaluated. The average seed width, length, and thickness were 6.63 mm, 12.06 mm, and 3.46 mm, respectively. The average 1000 seed weight was 82.80 g. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences at the population level in all characteristics except seed length. Regarding genetic similarity, populations were divided into two main groups: East and West. The isolated Istanbul-Beykoz population was similar to the West group showing artificial migration or cut-off from the West group. Due to including seed stand and gene conservation forest, the findings are expected to contribute to forest management, besides Christmas trees and landscape use.