Cotyledon Number Variation in Some Calabrian Pine, Crimean Pine and Lebanon Cedar Populations in Turkey

Abstract

In this study, cotyledon number variation in seedlings obtained from four populations of each of Calabrian pine (Pinus brutiaTen.), Crimean pine (Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe) and Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) was investigated. The mean cotyledon number varied between 8.76-9.24 in Calabrian pine, 9.64-10.49 in Crimean pine and 8.84-9.43 in Lebanon cedar by the populations. There was statistically significant difference (P<0.05) among the populations of these species in terms of cotyledon number. Cotyledon number varied between 7-12 in Calabrian pine, 6-15 in Crimean pine and 5-12 in Lebanon
cedar. The general mean cotyledon number and cotyledon number variation were the highest in Crimean pine, followed respectively by Lebanon cedar and Calabrian pine. In tree improvement activities, the mentioned variations among different populations of these species should be considered.