Investigation of Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) seedlings in terms of morphology and quality

Abstract

Red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.), one of the most widely distributed species in the forests of our country, constitutes approximately 25% of our forest assets. Considering that it grows faster than similar species and the area it covers, forestry researches about the species are important. This study was carried out on one year old natural Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) reproductions, grown 6 natural distribution areas of the species. Root collar diameter and height of seedlings at 100 individuals from each origin and totally 600 individuals were measured in 2019; the distribution of the seedlings according to the morphology and quality classes has been examined. Thus, it is aimed to contribute to the forestry applications to be made in the future. As a result of the study, averages of root collar diameter and height were 1.83 mm and 8.64 cm, respectively. According to the quality classes of Turkish Standard Institute for Coniferous Tree seedlings, 71.83% of the seedlings were unsuitable on the basis of seedling height (height<10cm), while it was 87.33% for root collar diameter (diameter<2mm). Statistically significant and positive correlation (p<0.01, r=0.576) was estimated between the seedling height and root collar diameter.