Phenotypic variation of Caucasian maple (Acer velutinum Boiss.) populations in Mazandaran province

In order to study of genetic variation and determination of important growth and morphological among 11 population of Acer velutinum, an experiment was conducted using a complete block design with three replications in Orimalek nursery in Mazandaran province. 15 growth and morphological of seedling were measured. Phenotypic correlation among characteristics were determined for all pair- wise combinations. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) the populations were classified based on 15 characters. There was significant correlation between length stem with leaf number and photosynthetic area. Collar diameter was negatively correlated with leaf weight and total biomass and positively correlated with stem weight. Using principal component analysis, the first four component determined 85 of the total variation., leaf weight, total biomass, stem weight, collar diameter and photosynthetic area was the most important traits in the first component., root weight and leaf area; leaf weight ratio were the important traits in the second component. The 11 population were grouped into 3 clusters based on multivariate analysis of 15 classifications variables. Populations in cluster 1 averaged well above the overall mean for leaf weight total biomass ratio. The Populations in cluster 2 had greater total biomass and photosynthetic area in comparison other populations. The populations in cluster 3 were the lower length root; total biomass and leaf weight in comparison other populations. Generally, there were a good correspondence between PCA analysis and cluster analysis results. Finally, in future research, for study of genetic variation of Acer velutinum it is suggested to use weight stem,leaf weight, total biomass and photosynthetic area of seedlings (speacially leaf weight and total biomass) and avoid study of other traits.