Leaf size variation in natural wild cherry (prunus avium) populations in Turkey

Variation in leaf size in relation to population location was investigated in 25 natural wild cherry (Primus avium L.) populations in Turkey. A total of 25 populations were identified across Turkey. In each population 20 trees were selected and 20 fully expanded leafs were collected from each tree. Petiole length (P) and lamina length (L) and width (W) were measured. All, but one, of the populations are in northern Anatolia, at elevations from 59 to 1900 m. Mean annual temperature and precipitation range from 4.1 to 13.9 degrees C and from 609 to 1051 mm, respectively. Climate types at each location range from humid to semi-arid. On population basis, large and significant amount of variation in L (9.75 - 13.62 cm), W (5.34 - 7.39 cm) and P (2.48 - 3.39 cm) were observed. Greater L and W values were observed in populations at lower elevations with higher mean annual temperatures. Similarly, increased precipitation was associated with larger leafs, but leaf size was significantly smaller at locations with higher precipitation between April to August. The populations can be grouped as inland and coastal based on the results of the hierarchical cluster analysis. More than 40% of the total variation in leaf size was explained by differences among populations and trees within populations. Until through genetic studies are conducted, variation in moderately heritable leaf traits can be used to discern P. avium populations for conservation purposes in Turkey. (C) 2018 Friends Science Publisher