The effect of light on the sapling forms of Turkish fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana Mattf.)

In this study, the effect of light on the sapling forms of Turkish fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana), an endemic species for Turkey extensively used in landscaping work, was examined. For this purpose, 28 morphological characteristics and another 7 parameters were determined by measurements and calculations carried out on saplings chosen from full light, half-shadow and shadow field conditions and thus, the effect of light on sapling forms with regard to a total of 35 characteristics was examined. It was determined at the end of the study that fir saplings in full light were at the age of 14 grown up to 190.3 cm in length and 2.52 cm in diameter, saplings in half- shadow conditions at the age of 20 were grown up to 109.8 cm in length and 1.8 cm in diameter, and saplings in shadow at the age of 28 were grown up to 100.9 cm in length and 1.68 cm in diameter. It was determined that saplings in full light grew 3.7 times in length and 2.9 times in diameter faster compared to saplings in shadow and that light intensity affected all characteristics subject to this study. Keywords: Turkish fir, Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana, light, morphological characteristics, form