Some elemental concentrations in the acorns of Turkish Quercus L. (Fagaceae) tlaxa

Abstract

Quercus acorns from 16 taxa grown naturally in different regions of Turkey were studied to detect some elemental concentrations in order to observe different accumulation levels. Total concentrations of K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Co in the acorns were determined in acid digests by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No significant differences in section level were observed, but differences at specific and infraspecific levels were significant (P < 0.001) for all examined elements. Fe concentrations were positively correlated with Zn and Cu (P < 0.02) in Section Quercus, but only with Zn (P < 0.05) in Section Cerris. Remarkable distinctions of Fe, Zn, Cu and Ni concentrations in spesific and subspesific levels were observed. Fe and Zn concentrations were detected high in the acorns of Q. robur subsp. robur, Q. petraea subsp. petraea, Q. infectoria subsp. boissieri and Q. cerris var. cerris. In general, Cu, Cr, Ni and Co concentrations were low, but the concentrations of Cu in Q. petraea subsp. petraea and Q. libani; Ni in Q. pubescens, Q. cerris var. austriaca and Q. ilex; Co in Q. frainetto and Q. coccifera and Cr in Q. robur subsp. robur, Q. frainetto, Q. vulcanica were found in higher levels. Considerably different concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu especially in the related taxa may be evaluated for the taxonomic delimitation additionally as a characteristic tool reflecting the constant genetical tolerance of accumulation.