Investigation of genetic variation in Zelkova carpinifolia (Pallas) K. Koch, by use of leaf peroxidase isozyme in three lowland habitats in North of Iran

Three natural lowland habitats of Zelkova carpinifolia in three provinces of North of Iran (Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan) evaluated for identifying the best morphological characters in genetic diversity investigation. 16 morphological traits of 5 leaves, which were selected randomisly of 10 trees in each habitat, were examined. The number of leaf venation, the leaf length and leaf maximum width exhibited the highest variance and the least plasticity among 16 evaluated traits and have the most important role in individuals grouping. Nested ANOVAs results show that trees differentiation variance has the highest value relative to population differentiation variance. Because of the least effective of environmental conditions, these traits suggested for genetic diversity investigation.