RESEARCH OF DIVERSITY OF MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF PEDUNCULATE OAK (Quercus robur L.) IN PROVENANCE TEST ZEPCE, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Natural populations of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina are small and scattered. They differ from those located in their optimum in Central Europe and due to their specific genetic structure they play a significant role in preservation of pedunculate oak diversities in Europe. The aim of this research is to determine the variability of the remaining pedunculate oak populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Measuring of height of plants and diameter of root collar was conducted in provenance test in Zepce in the spring of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Plants from all 28 provenances have been measured. In 2012, Miljevina provenance contained the minimum average height - 38,8 cm, and the maximum height was found in Jelah - 74,3 cm. In 2013, Stojcevac provenance contained the minimum average height - 61,3 cm, while Jelah remained provenance with the maximum average height - 108,4 cm. Average height of Miljevina provenance still remained low - 63,0 cm. In 2014, Stojcevac provenance kept the minimum average height - 90,8 cm - while Jelah kept the maximum height - 151,2 cm. In 2012, Vinac provenance had the smallest average diameter of root collar - 11,3 mm, while Jelah provenance had the biggest average diameter of root collar - 16,2 mm. In 2013, Stojcevasprovenance contained the smallest average diameter of root collar - 17,9 mm and the biggest average diameter was found in Jelah provenance - 23,8 mm. Vinac provenance moved from 17th position with its average root collar diameter of 19.9 mm. The smallest average root collar diameter in 2014 remained in Stojcevac provenance - 23,7mm, while the biggest average diameter remained in Jelah provenance - 34,7 mm. Analysis of variance has pointed at the statistically significant differences between populations with regard to all analyses characteristics. All traits tested using variance analysis and Duncan's test showed statistically significant differences between populations. Due to the resulting variability between studies provenances, the results should be used when planning conservation measures and reintroduction of pedunculate oak in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Research needs to be continued, because the results obtained in the early juvenile stage are incomplete and burdened with numerous disadvantages.