The determination of genetic diversity by some stomatal and morphometric characteristics in the population of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Libsky)

This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity in the populations of Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis) that grows naturally in the extensive forests of Turkey, by the means of its stomata and morphometric characteristics. Leaf samples were collected from 12 populations (Hatay1, Hatay2, Inebolu, Istanbul, Sinop, Trabzon, Artvin, Duzce, Bolu, Canakkale, Ordu and Rize) in the natural distribution area. Measuring Stomatal characteristics, stoma length (SL), stoma width (SW), pore length (PL) and pore width (PW) was made from stomatal characteristics on the images obtained by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, leaf size (LS), leaf width (LW), leaf petiole length (LPL), leaf base angle (LBA), leaf vein angle (LVA), leaf vein angle in the middle part of leaf (LVAM) characteristics were measured. The data were analyzed by variance analysis, Duncan test, clustering analysis and correlation analysis. As a result of the study, it was determined that the characteristics changed significantly in terms of population. As a result of the clustering analysis, it was determined that the populations were generally collected in two groups, with Rize and Artvin populations being in one group due to their geographical proximity to each other, and the other populations were collected in the other group. According to the results of the correlation analysis, it was determined that the stomatal characteristics correlated with each other, as did the morphometric characteristics.