Effect of altitudinal variation on seed and seedling growth characters of Platanus Orientalis L. in Duhok province

Abstract EN

Platanus orientalis L.

is a tree species belonging to the Platanaceae occurs naturally almost in the forest lands, inside the streams, and river bottoms in Kurdistan region-Iraq.

This study was carried out to determine the effects of altitudinal variations on seed and seedling growth characters in Duhok Province.

Four mother trees were selected at each altitude and sixty seeds per parent tree were planted under green house.

Significant differences were observed in seed and seedling characteristics between altitudes and within altitude, as well as clear significant interaction at (p<0.01) were obtained between altitudes with seed source.

Weak to strong correlation coefficients were observed among altitudes with seed and seedling growth parameters.

Superior seedlings were produced in the high altitude, while trees in the lower and middle altitudes produced heavy seeds and had high germination.

This superiority of seedlings in growth traits makes this source attractive for establishing plantations.

The variations were found among seed and seedling growth characters are very important for breeding programs, genetic conservation and selection in the futures.