Reference populations for discriminant analysis in the continuous range of Norway and Siberian spruces

Reference populations identified within the continuous range of Norway (Picea abies) and Siberian (P. obovata) spuces significantly differ in biometric characters of seed scales, relative position in the same coordinate system (Root 1 and Root 2), phenotypic structure, and mutual taxonomic position (according to the squared Mahalanobis distance). Due to the symmetrically equal positions of the populations relative to each other, they can be used as reference populations in discriminant analysis at a two-, three- or five-class gradation of the test character.