XYLEM RESIN MONOTERPENE COMPOSITION OF PINUS HALEPENSIS MILL. IN ISRAEL

Abstract

ABSTRACT Xylem resin monoterpene composition of eight natural stands and five plantations of Pinus halepensis Mill, in Israel, was investigated by gas chromatography. Differences were measured in the amounts of several monoterpenes detected, the mean monoterpene composition, and the frequencies of various chemotypes analysed. The results of small but significant differences in mean monoterpene composition and chemotype frequencies between natural stands increase confidence in the following conclusions reached previously: These relicts are remnants of an ancient Aleppo pine population; this has split into local provenances depending on various factors associated with genetic selection. Mean monoterpene composition and chemotype frequencies of the five plantations investigated are similar to those of the relict populations. Differences measured in the amounts of several monoterpenes point to the fact that seed for planting was as a rule collected from a very small number of trees in relict populations. Most...