Photosynthetic comparisons in laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) populations

This study was carried out for determining photosynthetic characteristics of container Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) seedlings grown from seeds collected from Antalya, Muğla and İzmir regions. Morphological (root collar diameter, seedling height and specific leaf area) and photosynthetic properties (photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll a total chlorophyll and carotenoid) were determined in the seedlings of three populations in mid-summer and autumn. According to the results obtained, the populations are similar in terms of root collar diameter and specific leaf area. The tallest seedlings belong to the Muğla-Gökova and Izmir-Bayindir populations, while the short ones belong to the Antalya-Manavgat population. In mid-summer, Izmir-Bayindir population had the highest photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, while Antalya-Manavgat population had the lowest values. In autumn, Muğla-Gökova population showed higher stomatal conductance and transpiration rate than others. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents of the populations were found to be similar.