Studies on the ecology of Reseda lutea L. in western Anatolia

In this study, the aim is to present ecological, anatomical, morphological and pollen and seed germination characteristics of Reseda lutea L. (Resedaceae) distributed in West Anatolia. Reseda lutea is distributed widely in Turkey, as well as throughout the temperature zones of the world. It is a cosmopolitan, species occurring 0-2300 m altitude in Turkey. It prefers open and sunny. It also occurs as a ruderal plant in Turkey. In Turkey, the best colour of yellow for hand-woven carpets and kilims, as a source of dyeing substances is produced from R. lutea and R. luteola. This shows the economical importance of R. lutea in Turkey. In addition to this, its preference by honey bees in the apiculture, as a dry and fresh food source for famı animals, are other economical characteristics of this species. It is also used in the struggle against erosion which done to its roots which can go to deeper parts of soil according to soil structure and is one of the basic environmental problems in Turkey. This study was materialised on R. lutea because of the above mentioned economical characteristics. According to the results of this study: The chemical and physical analysis of soil and plant samples, collected from 54 different localities in West Anatolia, showed that the plant prefers, generally sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils, with a light alkaline and medium alkaline pi I. It also grows on non-saline, highly calcareous soils, poor potassium and phosphorus, and varying in nitrogen content. Soil and plant analysis results were evaluated statistically The morphological, anatomical, pollen and seed germination characteristics of the plant were examined. The results obtained were compared and discussed in the light of results published in different studies.