Genetic variation and heritability of Amygdalus scoparia Spach. populations in Fars province

Amygdalus scoparia spach. a multi-purpose species which is growing in most of vegetation regions of Iran. Knowledge of genetic variability and heritability is essential prerequisite for conservation, forest development and sustainable use of forest plants. Genetic parameters on early growth were estimated in open-pollinated combined provenance-progeny tests. The experiment was conducted based on a nested model using randomized complete block design with 7 population, 10 mother trees per population 7 individuals per subplot and 3 replications in nursery of Kohmareh-Sorkhi of Fars (1660 m a.s.l.). Significant differences among the populations and mother trees within populations were observed for all of the studied traits, except for the taproot length among mother trees within populations. Evaluation of components of variance showed that the population effects (ranging from %5.9 to % 34.2) contributed to total variance more than mother trees within populations effects (ranging from%1.8 to %11.1). Additive genetic variation coefficient in populations varied from 0 to 58.6%. In general, Khonj and Kavar populations performed better growth. Heritability was low and not yet stable for some traits in some populations. Therefore, selection should be postponed until the heritability values reach to relatively high and stable values.