Investigation on morphological variability of some black poplar (Populus nigra L.)clones in Turkey

In this study, variation of 29 black poplar clones that originated from different part of Turkey were investigated. between clones From each clone 8 individual and from each individual 12 leaf evaluated. Variation and effective factors for discriminating clones were examined by using 14 characters which are growth (height, diameter) external morphological characters (stem form, branchiness, apical dominance and crown shape) and 7 different leaf characters. Morphological characterization determined according to The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and International Poplar Commission (IPC) criterions.In order to evaluate degree of variability between clones, analysis of variance was applied. Multivariate analyses (factor analysis, discriminat analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis) used for determine the most effective traits that can be used for clone discrimination and grouping clones.According to result of variance analysis, diameter, stem form, crown shape and seven leaf character show significant differences among clones. As the result of factor analysis made for black poplar clones, petiole length, leaf blade, diameter and apical dominance characters are effective for clone discrimination. Considering these 4 factors, discriminat analysis applied to the clones and three groups of clones were separated. However, by using all characters similarities of clones were investigated by cluster analysis. Result of cluster analysis show three main groups.The results of analysis show that, morphological characters that used in this study are not inadequate for completely discrimination of black poplar clones.Therefore molecular and morphological studies can use together for discriminating of clones.Key Words: Black poplar, clone, morphology, variation