Kastamonu area Turkish hazelnuts (Corylus colurna L.) populations and morphological polymorphism

Our country has a very important place in Turkish hazelnuts (Corylus colurna L.) from the forest flora is a very valuable contribution towards the wood and fruit characteristics and wildlife is great. Both the European countries as well as the U.S. in the kind of drought, to very low temperatures, the landscape area with poor soil structure and as resistance to air pollution characteristics because of, has spread the use as a base for the fight against erosion and culture breeds. Despite the fact that one of the endemic species of our country, Turkish hazelnut on studies and projects are quite limited and existing populations are at risk of decline and extinction. A common use and on behalf of related species to ensure the necessary protection benefits should be determined primarily existing populations and morphology of these populations, it is necessary to determine the pomological characteristics. With this kind of work that has widely spread areas in the province of Kastamonu 4 and designated measurement for the fruit character with morphological measurements and analysis were carried out in these areas. The populations were surveyed comprised of individuals who in general as village residential areas in and around farmland borders and are protected by the villagers in the vicinity, some of the fruit collected and the rest of their needs is sold is an economic advantage. When populations are subjected to research 900-1300 m located at an altitude range, field edge located outside individuals mainly fir (Abies nordmanniana ssp. equi-trojani), oak (Quercus spp.) Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra), maple (Acer spp.), Wawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), wild pear (Pyrus elaeagnifolia) is still mixed with the species. Especially in parts of individuals in densely mixture with fir thrive and drying were observed. In almost all of the youth population was observed in a very small amount in this case is a problem in terms of the continuity of the current population. Individuals usually in the range of 200-350 years and there was severe especially in some older individuals extremely dry form. When comparing the morphological polymorphism among the populations have been identified significant differences. In terms of fruit characters mainly constituted four groups (Tunuslar and other populations), in addition, the closest populations were identified the Araç and Tosya populations. Tosya populations with the highest values the number of fruits, fruit width, compaction index and kernel width; average of 5 pieces, 15.92 mm, 1.32 and 11.75 mm, respectively. Ağlı-Tunuslar populations with the highest kernel percentage that is average of 38.2. Key Words: Hazelnut, Corylus colurna, Polymorphism