Early drought test with polyethylene glycol in Anatolian black pine [Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold ssp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe] seeds

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the impact of water stress on germination and determine drought tolerant provenances in different Anatolian Black Pine provenances. Levels of water stress between 0 and -0.8 MPa were applied by using solution of PEG-6000 and germination tests were carried out. Our results revealed that germination values significantly decreased with increasing water stress level among provenances. Accordingly, Nallıhan, K. Hamam, Çerkeş and M.K. Paşa provenances, which represent regions with lower rainfall, had higher germination values up to -0.6 and -0.8 MPa water stress levels compared to other provenances. In this respect, mentioned provenances were found to be more resistant to drought. This result shows that there are variations within species in Anatolian Black Pine in terms of drought tolerances. Using provenances, which are determined to be drought-tolerant in this study, can increase afforestation success in semi-arid regions