Variation in Cone Production of Anatolian Black Pine [Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe] over Habitat Classes

Burdur watershed from southern Turkey was divided to eight site classes (H1–H8) based on relationships between vegetation distribution and environmental factors (slope, altitude, aspect, edaphic factors etc.), and ecological land classification by hierarchical perspective. Cone productions of Anatolian black pine [ Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe] were investigated in the site classes called also habitat classes in this study to contribute silvicultural and other forestry practices of the species. Cone production was also correlated by some growth characteristics (diameter at base, diameter at breast height, and tree height). For the purposes, fifty trees were sampled chosen randomly for counting of two years old mature cones from each habitat class. Averages of cone numbers ranged from 39.5 (H6) to 84.2 (H5), while coefficient of variation varied between 45.2% (H2) and 75.7% (H7) in the habitat classes. There were also large differences among individuals within class. For instance, cone production ranged from 22 to 180 in H1, from 12 to 126 (H6). The most productive five trees (10% of total trees) produced about 20% of total cones in H2, H4, H5 and H8, and about 25% in other habitat classes. The growth characteristics were not significant ( p > 0.05) effect on cone production in H1, H3, H4, H7 and H8, while the relations were changed in other habitat classes according to the characteristics. Habitat classes showed significant ( p < 0.05) difference for cone productions and growth characteristics according to results of analysis of variance. H5 and H6 were slightly differing than other habitat classes based on Duncan’s multiple range tests.