Differences among Juniperus excelsa populations as revealed at morphological traits

Abstract

Abstract:The comparison of phenotypic trait differentiation and genetic differentiation at selectively neutral genetic markers can indicate divergent selection on traits. Phenotypic trait differentiation (P ST ) and two multivariate analysis methods were used to determine the level of differentiation and relationships among seven Juniperus excelsa populations based on 13 morphological characters of their cones, seeds, juvenile seedlings and 1+0 year old seedlings. Significant differences among populations were found for all morphological characters (P<0.001) apart from cotyledon length using ANOVA. According to Penrose and Squared Euclidean distances, the southeastern populations Bucak-Kestel and Gölhisar-Gölhisar (0.970; 12.374) were most similar. Aksu-Sorgun and Eðirdir-Barla populations, separated by a mountain range, were the most different populations (4.647; 47.157). Evaluated as a whole, both multivariate analysis methods gave similar results. Phenotypic trait differentiation (P ST ) for 1+0 year old seedlings that were grown in a common environment was similar in magnitude for the majority of traits as genetic differentiation at nuclear microsatellite markers (F ST ) suggesting the absence of divergent selection on these traits.

Local adaptation at a small geographic scale observed in Juniperus excelsa populations in southern Turkey

“…Sufficient homogeneity was achieved within the blocks extending from uphill to downhill, and environmental differences among populations were minimized. Spacing between saplings was 2 × 3 m. Each population was represented by 30 saplings (10 saplings per block) grown from seeds in Egirdir Forest Nursery (Yücedag & Gailing 2013b). The total number of seedlings planted was 240.…”

Juniperus L. for Restoration of Degraded Forest Lands in Turkey

“…The genetic quality of juniper's seed has not been yet well studied. Thus, to make some generalizations we are still relying on recent studies of gene flow and genetic diversity of adult juniper populations (Korshikov and Nikolaeva 2007, Yücedağ 2008, Hojjati et al 2009, Yücedağ et al 2010, Douaihy et al 2011, Gülsoy et al 2012, Korshikov and Nikolaeva 2013, Yücedağ and Gailing 2013a, 2013b, Pinna et al 2014, Saeed et al 2017, Yücedağ and Ozel 2017, Mazur et al 2018. Studies have shown that a reduction in stand density and isolation of individuals may enhance inbreeding.…”