Variability of morpho-anatomical features of black pine needles at the area of Jastrebac and Goč

Abstract

In this paper the variability of morphological (needle length and needle width) and anatomical (needle thickness, resin ducts width, epidermis thickness, hypodermis height and number of the hypodermis layers) properties of black pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) needles were studied at the intra- and inter-population levels. Two mountains in Serbia, Jastrebac and Goč, were selected as experimental plots. Three black pine trees were selected from both localities (6 in total). Obtained results showed that trees on Goč had bigger dimensions of the following elements: needle length, needle width, hypodermis height, number of hypodermis layers, needle thickness and epidermis thickness. On the other hand, only resin ducts width was greater by the trees from Jastrebac. The results of the analysis of variance showed that variation between studied populations, as well as variation between trees within populations was statistically significant for all needle traits except resin ducts width and hypodermis height.