Varijabilnost morfoloških karakteristika plodova i semena brekinje (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) sa područja Košutnjaka

Abstract

Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) is an autochthonous deciduous species that have highly valuated timber. It often occurs individually in oak and beech forests, but it is necessary to monitor the intensity of regeneration and presence in these forests. The fruits of this species are edible and medicinal, usually contain 2-4 seeds, which are characterized by dormancy. The fruits and seeds collected from trees from the area of Košutnjak (Belgrade, Serbia) were used in this study. This study aimed to determine the variability of fruits and seeds in the population. Length and width of fruit and also determined length, width, and thickness of the seed were measured. The dimensions of fruits and seeds from this population were by results reported in previous studies. The obtained results showed clear differences between trees in morphological attributes of fruits and seeds (OneWay ANOVA, p<0,05). The average fruit contained more than two seeds and a maximal number of seeds per one fruit was 5. At one tree were recorded a high number of empty fruits. The obtained results indicate a high degree of genetic variability in this population, but also indicate the need for testing with other morphological and molecular markers.