Genetic variation in some seedling characteristics of bornmullerian fi̇r (Abies bornmülleriana Mattf.)

To determine genetic variation of Bormüllarian fir(Abies bormulleriana Mattf.) in terms of juvenile and two-year-old seedling traits, the traits of total 100 families from 5 populations(20 for each population) which were sampled from natural distribution areas of the species were examined. In addition, two populations, one (20 families) rom Nordmann fir and one(20 families) from Cilician fir were included into the study in order to compare the results obtained. The juvenile and two-year-old seedlings used in the study were raised in polyethylene bags in Ankara-İlyakut Forest Nursery.In the juvenile seedlings cotyledon number (Kots), epicotyl height(Epk), hypocotyl height(Hpk) were observed and recorded while height(Fb), root collar diameter(Kbc), bud formation time(Tb) and bud burst time(Tp) in two-year-old seedlings were observed and recorded according to the goal of the study.The data obtained in the study were evaluated through SAS statistical program. In this context, Variation analysis and Duncan Test were carried out to compare the species and populations studied. The degree of inheritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits were estimated in terms of the seedling traits examined. It was revealed that in all traits for the juvenile seedlings, variation between and within the population was significant while variation in cotyledon numbers between families within populations was not significant. In the seedling traits for two-year old seedlings, the variation in all traits was significant between families within populations while the variation both in the traits of root collar diameter and bud formation time between the populations, and in the traits of seedling height and bud formation time between the species were not significant. In addition, moderate and high level individual and family heritability degrees [0,09(Kots)<hi2 <0,193(Fb); 0,201(Kots)<hf2 <0,529(Epk)] were estimated in all traits.