Morphogenetic Variations of Pinus sylvestris L. Seedlings Depending on Altitude

The research aims to determine the morphogenetic variations of the seedling characters in populations representing the vertical distribution area of Scotch pine in Turkey and to reveal the within and among population variations in the vertical distribution areas. In the study, seedlings (three, four and five-year-old) grown from the seeds collected from five populations in the altitudinal zones up to 2250 m from sea level in the natural distribution area of Scotch pine in Trabzon region were used. Seedling length, root collar diameter, number of side branches, number of crown buds and sturdiness quotient were determined. As a result of the study, it has been determined that there are statistically significant differences among populations in different altitude zones. It is understood that the average seedling lengths increase in the transition from the 4th altitude zone to the 5th altitude zone in Zigana, while the height of the seedlings decreases in all three growth periods due to the increase in altitude in general. Also, in the transition from the 2nd elevation zone in Maçka to the 3rd elevation zone in Zigana, the mean root collar diameters increased. On the other hand, in seedlings at altitudes other than these, the root collar diameter averages decreased as the altitude increased. Moreover, populations located at high altitudes had a better sturdiness quotient value. All biological, forestry and technical measures should be taken to protect genetic resources in forestry, and the genetic diversity of forest trees should be transferred to future generations.