Determination of genetic diversity in Taşköprü tekçam scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) clonal seed orchard by needle element analysis method

Today, the most important aim of contemporary forestry practices is to produce the highest quality and quantity of raw materials per unit area with the least cost. One of the most basic ways to increase efficiency in forestry activities is tree breeding studies. It is possible to increase the growth rate of forests and to raise individuals and populations resistant to biotic and abiotic pests through breeding studies. Therefore, determining the genetic diversity and genetic structures of forests is of great importance. In addition, genetic diversity is very important for species to adapt to global warming and rapidly changing habitat conditions. Seed orchards are one of the important breeding facilities established within the scope of tree breeding studies. The purpose of establishing seed orchard is; To ensure that seed needs are met from improved sources. Therefore, the most important thing to pay attention to in seed orchards is the preservation of genetic diversity. Because genetic diversity is the species' insurance against possible risks in the future. For this reason, many studies have been carried out to determine genetic diversity in seed orchards. However, most of the studies conducted are studies using morphological characters. In this research, genetic diversity in the seed orchard was evaluated by looking at needle element concentrations. In this study, plant nutritional elements were used for the first time to determine genetic diversity. In addition, the antagonism of nutritional elements and their accumulation rates in clones were also examined in the study. In the study, a total of 240 trees were randomly sampled from 8 ramets of 30 clones in Taşköprü Tekçam Scots pine seed orchard, with 3 replications. Elements used as macro and micro nutrients in plants have been studied. In addition, soil samples were taken from the seed orchard. The samples taken were first washed in the laboratory and then two different drying processes were applied to the samples. After drying, samples were prepared by the melting method and then elemental concentration analyzes were performed with the ICP-OES device. The results obtained were evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey test with the help of Minitab 18 package program, and the differences between clones and ramets were tried to be determined depending on element concentrations. In the findings obtained, it was determined that there were significant differences between clones and ramets in terms of the studied elements at the p<0.05 probability level.