Investigation on growth performances and morphological characteristics of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster aiton) origins

In this study, the 32nd year result of the origin trial which was established in İzmit-Kerpe by Poplar and Fast Growing Forest Tree Research Institute (İzmit) in 1979 with 14 of Maritime Pine (Pinuspinaster Ait.) originsin respect of some morphological and growth performance, was evaluated. The studied morphological traits are survival percentage, bark thickness, knot number, stem form, diameter/ height, cone width/length and needle width/length/thickness. As to the stem analysis on mean tree of breast height diameter of 8 origins, diameter/ height growth, volume growth and increment were evaluated. Thesurvival rate of the origins changes from 15.6 % (E237) - 38.9 % (FC233). Theorigins have the thickest bark are E 439, E99 and F234 while the thinnest are MA 239 and MA 238. The origins have the highest number of knot are FC 233 and MA239. The best stem form was observed for the origins of FC333,FC233,I100, USA 238, MA239 and E99. The best diameter growth was observed for the origins of FC 333 (33.40 cm) and MA 240 (32.76 cm) while the best height growth was observed for F 234 (21,06 m), FC 333 (20,42 m), E99 (20,15 m) and FC233 (19,42 m). E 99 (5.59 cm) and FC 233 (5.53 cm), E 99 (13.85 cm) and E237 (13.80 cm) origins have the biggest cone width and length, respectively. As to, needle traits, E439 (2.55 mm), FC233 (2.55 mm) and I100 (2.49 mm), E439 (21.83 cm), E 439 (1.46 mm) and FC 233 (1.46 mm) origins have the biggest needle width, length and thickness, respectively. In terms of average diameter growth, the highest yearly diameter growth was observed for E99 (1.03 cm) while the lowest for GR236 (0.84 cm). Also, the highest yearly height growth was observed for F234 (0.62 m) while the lowest for MA240 (0.46 m). The best volumegrowth was observed for FC333 and the lowest for GR236. The highest volume increment with bark for individual tree base was observed for FC 333 (0.0238 m3) while the lowest for GR 236 (0.0155 m3). As to these results, it will be correct approach to give priority to the Corsican origins during the afforestation practice in Kerpe and on the sites similar to Kerpe. Key Words: Maritime pine, origin, adaptation, morphology