Population- and Age-Dependent Morphological Variation and Seedling Quality in Carpinus betulus L
Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/10549811.2026.2726773
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Sustainable Forestry
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, Public Affairs Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Common hornbeam, diversity, morphogenetic, nursery performance, sturdiness quotient
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study investigates age- and population-related morphological variation in Carpinus betulus L. seedlings raised from seeds collected across 12 natural populations in four watersheds (Çamlıhemşin, Çaykara, Maçka, and Espiye) located in Türkiye’s Eastern Black Sea Region. Seedlings were grown under open-field nursery conditions and analyzed in four age classes (1 + 0, 2 + 0, 2 + 1, and 2 + 2) to assess key morphological traits: seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), and sturdiness quotient (SQ). Significant differences among populations were observed for all traits, especially in early stages, highlighting genetic and site-related influences. SH and RCD increased steadily with age, whereas the proportion of high-quality seedlings (SQ < 50) decreased, indicating disproportionate height growth. The coefficient of variation (CV) declined over time, suggesting increasing trait uniformity. Meanwhile, the weakening correlation between SH and RCD in older seedlings points to rising environmental influence. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed two main clusters and distinct trait syndromes. Particularly, superior height growth in high-altitude populations at advanced ages suggests enhanced adaptive potential. These findings underline the importance of early seedling assessment, population-specific nursery strategies, and provenance selection in afforestation and restoration efforts for broadleaf species like Carpinus betulus.