Effects of Water Stress on Germination in Six Provenances of Pinus brutia Seeds from Different Bioclimatic Zones in Turkey

Authors : Melih BOYDAK, Hüseyin DİRİK, Fahrettin TİLKİ, Mehmet ÇALIKOĞLU

Pages : 91-97

View : 16 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2003-04-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The effects of water potential on germination were studied in six provenances of Pinus brutia from different bioclimatic zones in Turkey. Water potentials between 0 and -8 bars were obtained using polyethylene glycol 6000 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PEG-6000); solutions. Seeds were kept for 28 d in light insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(12 h photoperiod at 1000 lux); and at 20 ± 0.5 oC. A decrease in water potential produced a marked reduction in germination percentage, germination speed and germination value. Significant variations between the provenances were found. The provenances of humid regions were the most susceptible to high moisture stress, and their germination value and germination percentage showed significant reductions at -6 bars. These differences in germination ability of provenances might be attributed to intraspecific variations resulting from the effects of natural selection.
Keywords : Pinus brutia, germination, polyethylene glycol, water potential