Growth characteristics, stress-wave velocity, and Pilodyn penetration of 15 clones of 12-year-old Tectona grandis trees planted at two different sites in Indonesia

Tree improvement programs for teak (Tectona grandis) have mainly focused on breeding of trees with superior growth characteristics. However, improvement in wood quality should be included in breeding programs for high yield and high quality timber. In the present study, growth characteristics [stem diameter (D), tree height (H), and bole volume (V)], stress-wave velocity (SWV), and Pilodyn penetration (Py) were measured for 15 clones of 12-year-old teak trees planted at two different sites in Indonesia to clarify the variations in tree growth characteristics, SWV, and Py among clones, their repeatability, interaction between genotype and environment, and correlations between measured characteristics. Significant differences of all measured characteristics were found among 15 clones at both sites. Their repeatability showed relatively moderate to high values in both sites. These results indicate that these characteristics are closely related to genetic factors. Significant interaction between genotype and environment was found in all measured characteristics. In addition, SWV and Py showed lower interaction between genotype and environment than growth characteristics. No significant correlation was found between growth characteristics and SWV. These results suggest that wood properties and growth characteristics of teak trees can be improved by application of an appropriate tree breeding program.     

Variation in seed traits and seedling vigour of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cordia africana</Emphasis> Lam. provenances in Ethiopia

Cordia africana is a very important indigenous tree species for timber and other products and services in Ethiopia. Seed traits and seedling vigour of seeds from 12 provenances of the species were compared. Mean seed mass for each provenance was assessed for 1000 seeds in 10 replications, and seed length and width were measured for 100 seeds in four replications per provenance. Germination was assessed in a glasshouse taking 400 seeds from each provenance. Root collar diameter and height of 440 seedlings grown in a nursery for 290 days in Addis Ababa were measured. Seed length, seed width, seed mass, and shoot height and root collar diameter of seedlings showed significant differences (P < 0.001) among provenances. Correlation analysis between seed and seedling traits and environmental variables revealed significant positive correlations between seed width and germination percentage, seed width and altitude, seed width and longitude and seed length and latitude. Negative correlations were obtained between seed width and temperature, seed width and rainfall, seed mass and temperature, and germination and temperature of the seed source. As expected, differences in seed trait did not explain the variability in seedling vigour. Determining quantitative variations in seed traits and seedling vigour among provenances and the patterns along environmental gradients are essential for informing decisions on the tree improvement programme of the species.     

Trait variations in 28-year-old teak (Tectona grandis) provenance field trials in Ghana,West Africa

Stem straightness, axis persistence, presence/absence of protuberant buds and epicormics, diameter and height have profound influence on timber quality and volume of teak (Tectona grandis). Provenance trials of teak were established in the 1970s in Ghana, as part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Series of Provenance Trials, with the view of selecting teak germplasm for sites with specific environmental conditions. Two field trials were located in dry semi-deciduous (dry) and moist semi-deciduous (moist) ecological zones of Ghana. They consisted of 13 provenances, including four landraces each from Ghana and Indonesia, and two and three provenances from India and Laos, respectively. Trees were assessed at 9, 17 and 28 years to (1) quantify the potential variation in quality and timber volume production, (2) examine possibilities for determining early selection of parameters of superior provenances and (3) select provenances for sites with particular environmental conditions. Production traits were higher on the moist site than the dry site. Mean height was 23.2 and 20.2 m tree^?1, stem cross-sectional area at breast height was 0.0896 and 0.0474 m² tree^?1, and stem volume was 0.75 and 0.34 m³ tree^?1 for the moist and dry sites, respectively. Nilambur provenance from moist India had the highest mean stem straightness score of 19% above average, whereas Savannakhet from Laos had the best protuberant bud score with 18% of the trees above average. Indonesian landraces performed better in the dry zone, whereas provenances from India and Laos performed better in the moist zone. Phenotypic correlations between age 9 and 28 years were moderate (r 0.54–0.90) to high (r > 0.90) for production and qualitative characteristics, indicating feasibility of early assessment for identification of superior provenances. Nilambur and Savannakhet II provenances proved to be favourable choices for the moist zone, whereas the Temandsang provenance from Indonesia was found to be the best choice for the dry site.     

Effects of elevation and season on nutrient composition of leaves and green pods of Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is of large socioeconomic importance. However, domesticated plant material of baobab is rarely available to African farmers, and very limited pre-breeding knowledge is available. To evaluate genetic differentiation between geographical origins we compared vigor and leaf morphology of trees from 17 West African and 13 East African provenances of baobab. Seedlings were grown and evaluated in a common garden test at Bamako, Mali. Germination was assessed and growth measured 3 and 12?months after germination. Leaf morphology (leaf length, leaflet number, petiole length and diameter and leaflet border) were assessed after 12?months. Significant differences between the provenances were observed for both growth rate and leaf morphology. West African provenances in general grew faster than East African provenances, but leaf characters did not reveal a particular geographic structure, and the correlations between geographic distances and multivariate Mahalanobis distances were not significant. The correlations between leaf morphological traits and climatic data were in general low at the provenance level. However, the number of leaflets was significantly higher for provenances from drier areas. Two years increment at a field site also varied significantly between the provenances, where West African provenances confirmed their tendency to higher growth rate. Still, trees are young and results regarding both growth data and leaf characteristics should be confirmed when the trees are closer to maturity.     

Radial variations in the anatomical characteristics and density of the wood of Acacia mangium of five different provenances in Indonesia

The anatomical characteristics and density of wood were examined in 23-year-old Acacia mangium trees that had been planted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The seeds had been collected from trees of five different provenances. The distance from the pith of the boundary between juvenile and mature wood was also examined to clarify the maturity of the wood. Lengths of wood fibers near the pith and the distance from the pith of the boundary between juvenile and mature wood differed significantly among provenances. By contrast, other anatomical characteristics of the wood such as fiber wall area, fiber wall thickness, fiber diameter, vessel lumen area, vessel diameter, vessel frequency and wood density did not differ significantly among provenances. Wood density was strongly correlated with the area of fiber walls. Our observations suggest that Sidei and Daintree might be more appropriate provenances among those examined for the Acacia mangium tree-breeding programs in Indonesia that are aimed at improving wood quality, because these provenances are associated with longer initial wood fibers and narrower juvenile areas than the other provenances studied.     

Provenance variation in growth and wood properties of juvenile Cyclocarya paliurus

Cyclocarya paliurus is a highly valued and multiple function tree species. There has been increasing interest in planting and managing C. paliurus for timber production and medical use owing to loss of harvestable acreage. Seed from six provenances was collected from the main natural range of this species. Significant variation in growth and wood properties was measured among the six provenances at age 7 years. Provenance mean height and DBH varied significantly from 730–991 and 6.7–10.0 cm, whereas provenance means of wood basic density and crystallinity ranged from 463–554 kg m^?3 and 51.4–74.1 %, respectively. Mean provenance microfibril angle (MFA) at breast height ranged from 18.1° to 23.2°, while MFA at breast height varied from 11.0° to 34.5° among growth rings which showed a consistent pith-to-bark trend of declining angles. There was no significant relationship of growth rate with latitude or longitude of seed sources, however, provenances from low latitude and longitude grew faster at the trial site. Wood quality was significantly related to latitude of seed sources, showing a positive correlation for both wood basic density and wood crystallinity, but a highly negative association with MFA. Significant correlations between wood properties measured indicated that there exists a great opportunity to improve wood quality of C. paliurus through selection of juvenile trees with low MFA.     

杉木种源－林分－家系遗传变异研究

运用杉木种源、林分、家系三水平联合试验６年生林分的生长性状和物候观测资料，研究其遗传变异信息。结果显示，种源间、种源内林分间、林分内单株间的胸径、树高、材积都存在极显著差异；在三水平任何层次上的生长性状选择都是有效的，但各层次变异差别很大，其方差分量排序依次为：种源＞林分＞家系，种源、林分、单株材积遗传力分别为０．８４８、０．３９９、０．２３２；选择层次依次是种源、林分、单株。种源（群体）是较稳定的遗传单位，但种源内林分间差异显著，可进一步探讨遗传学上的杉木种源单位的确切范围。种子发芽率、物候因子分析表明，种源间差异显著，林分间差异不显著。     

青藏高原特有种砂生槐不同种源地种子萌发特征研究

对采自6个种源地砂生槐的种子进行了萌发研究,分析了种子大小、萌发特性与海拔之间的关系。结果表明:1)每荚种子数变幅为2.96 4.50粒;种子千粒质量变幅为30.639 47.415 g;种子纵径变幅为4.3144.962 mm;种子横径变幅为3.244 3.693 mm;种子纵横径比变幅为1.306 1.383,差异较小。方差分析结果显示,种源间每荚种子数(F=8.52**)、千粒质量(F=19.73**)、种子纵径(F=6.17**)和种子横径(F=5.79**)差异均达到极显著水平,而种子纵径与横径的比值差异不显著(F=1.47)。2)6个种源砂生槐种子发芽率变幅为43.16%90.03%。其中萨迦种源发芽率90.03%为最高,最低是米瑞种源为43.16%。3)6个砂生槐种源的种子在发芽起始时间上仅差异1 d;萌发持续时间在14 23 d之间,种源间持续发芽时间差异最多达到9 d;萌发高峰期在17 27 d之间,种源间差异较大,其中萨迦种源最短,朗县种源最长。4)每荚种子数随着海拔的升高而显著降低(R=-0.844 3,P0.05),而种子千粒质量则随着海拔的升高而显著升高(R=0.614 3,P0.05)。5)种子发芽起始时间与海拔之间呈现出负相关的关系,但不显著(R=-0.505 6,P0.05);种子萌发持续时间与海拔具有显著的负相关关系(R=-0.883 6,P0.05),而种子发芽率则与海拔具有显著的正相关关系(R=0.804 7,P0.05)。     

Wood properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pericopsis mooniana</Emphasis> grown in a plantation in Indonesia

The relationships between growth characteristics and wood properties were investigated for a threatened species, Pericopsis mooniana, to promote the establishment of plantations of this species in the tropics. Growth characteristics (diameter and height) and stress-wave velocity (SWV) of trees were measured for 22-year-old P. mooniana trees planted in Indonesia. The trees were categorized into three groups, fast-growing, middle-growing, and slow-growing trees, to investigate the effect of growth rate on the wood properties. In addition, radial variation of anatomical characteristics and wood properties were determined. No significant correlation was found between growth characteristics and SWV. The values for the vessel diameter, cell wall thickness of wood fibers, wood fiber length, basic density, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture from wood at the bark side were higher than those at the pith side. On the other hand, vessel frequency gradually decreased from pith to bark. These results suggested that low-quality wood, such as juvenile wood, existed near the pith area.     

Genetic variation in wood density and correlations with tree growth in Prosopis africana from Burkina Faso and Niger

? Variation in wood basic density and its correlation with tree growth were investigated at 13 years in a provenance/progeny test of Prosopis africana in Niger. The test included progeny from 256 trees sampled from 24 provenances in the Sahelian ecozone of Burkina Faso and Niger.

? Variation in wood density was significant due to provenances and families within provenances. Individual tree heritability was higher for wood density than for growth traits. Provenance means for wood density increased from the more humid to the drier parts of the sample region. Phenotypic correlations indicated that larger trees tended to have denser wood.

? Clines suggest that natural populations of P. africana from the drier parts of the sample region have the genetic capacity to produce denser wood, compared with populations from the more humid parts of the region. Correlations and heritability estimates suggest that selection of faster-growing trees may produce a small gain in wood volume but little (if any) gain in density in the subsequent generation. Multi-location provenance/tests are needed to confirm this tentative conclusion.

     

山地木麻黄种源在海南临高的遗传变异及选择

[目的]研究山地木麻黄种源间抗风性、生长及形质性状的遗传变异规律,为山地木麻黄的良种选育和种质资源的合理开发利用提供科学依据。[方法]以27个山地木麻黄种源为试验材料,于造林后2、5、7 a时测定山地木麻黄种源的树高、胸径、单株材积和保存率等数量性状,并于造林后7 a时调查主干分叉习性(AP)、主干通直度(SFS)、侧枝密度(DPB)、侧枝直径(TPB)、绿色小枝长度(LDB)、侧枝分枝角(APB)、侧枝长度(LPB)等形质性状以及抗风性(RES),通过方差分析、相关性分析及遗传参数估算揭示其遗传变异规律。应用坐标综合评定法对山地木麻黄种源进行综合评定。[结果]表明:造林后2、5、7 a时,27个山地木麻黄种源间保存率和抗风性差异显著(P0.05);对造林后7 a时保存率较高的18个种源进一步分析显示,上述3个年份各种源间树高、胸径和单株材积等生长性状均存在极显著差异(P0.01);7 a时,TPB、APB、LDB、AP和SFS等形质性状在种源间亦存在显著或极显著差异;生长性状的种源遗传力明显高于形质性状,二者分别受中度或中度偏下和低度遗传控制;随着林龄的增长,树高的遗传变异系数变化不大,而胸径和单株材积的遗传变异系数呈先增加后降低的趋势,树高、胸径、单株材积的遗传变异系数分别为11.89%~12.30%、11.67%~13.67%、30.20%~38.11%;7 a时,形质性状的遗传变异系数为3.84×10~(-5)%~5.56%。性状间相关分析表明:树高作为山地木麻黄早期选择性状较适宜。[结论]依据坐标综合评定法,筛选出17877、19489和19490等3个优良种源,可在生产上大面积推广。     

Correlations and clines in tree growth and wood density of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Balanites aegyptiaca</Emphasis> (L.) Delile provenances in Niger

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile provides wood and other essential products for farming and pastoralist communities in the West African Sahel. In this region, mean annual rainfall decreases in general from south to north and from west to east, so one might expect clinal variation in fitness-related traits in relation to the rainfall gradients. This paper presents results from a provenance/progeny test of 11 provenances sampled in Niger and established at one relatively dry site in Niger. The objectives were to evaluate phenotypic correlations (Pearson r) between tree growth (height, stem diameter) and basic density of the wood, and clines in growth and density at 13 years. Tree growth and wood density were positively correlated, and the correlations differed among provenances. Mean tree height and stem diameter of provenances increased, in general, from the more humid to the drier parts of the sample region. Results suggest that selection of faster-growing trees could lead to an increase in wood volume and density in the subsequent generation, especially in certain provenances; that provenances from drier areas are better adapted to drought; and that tree improvement and conservation programs should collect seeds from populations in the drier areas for planting and conservation.     

乐东拟单性木兰地理种源变异与选择研究

对乐东拟单性木兰14个种源种子、苗期以及幼林期生长性状进行了调查分析.结果表明:种子千粒质量、苗高、地径、叶长和叶宽等5个性状在种源间差异极显著;造林保存率种源间差异显著,来自北部的种源,如浙江龙泉种源保存率较高,而来自南部的海南尖峰岭种源保存率较低;幼林期4年生树高、5年生树高和胸径、6年生树高和胸径等5个主要生长性状种源间差异均达到极显著水平,其生长性状广义遗传力为0.855～0.930,说明乐东拟单性木兰幼林期主要生长性状的表型差异主要受遗传因素的控制;乐东拟单性木兰苗高和地径与纬度负相关,表明随种源纬度的升高,乐东拟单性木兰种源苗期生长有减小趋势;乐东拟单性木兰幼林期树高和胸径与经度正相关,与纬度极显著正相关.根据乐东拟单性木兰种源幼林期试验结果,选择出浙江龙泉、福建顺昌和湖南新宁3个优良种源.通过聚类分析,把乐东拟单性木兰种源初步划分为3个区:西部种源区、东部种源区和南部种源区.     

Estimation of biomass and carbon stocks in plants,soil and forest floor in different tropical forests

An accurate characterization of tree carbon (TC), forest floor carbon (FFC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) in tropical forest plantations is important to estimate their contribution to global carbon stocks. This information, however, is poor and fragmented. Carbon contents were assessed in patula pine (Pinus patula) and teak (Tectona grandis) stands in tropical forest plantations of different development stages in combination with inventory assessments and soil survey information. Growth models were used to associate TOC to tree normal diameter (D) with average basal area and total tree height (H_T), with D and H_T parameters that can be used in 6–26 years old patula pine and teak in commercial tropical forests as indicators of carbon stocks. The information was obtained from individual trees in different development stages in 54 patula pine plots and 42 teak plots. The obtained TC was 99.6 Mg ha⁻¹ in patula pine and 85.7 Mg ha⁻¹ in teak forests. FFC was 2.3 and 1.2 Mg ha⁻¹, SOC in the surface layer (0–25 cm) was 92.6 and 35.8 Mg ha⁻¹, 76.1 and 19 Mg ha⁻¹ in deep layers (25–50 cm) in patula pine and teak, respectively. Carbon storage in trees was similar between patula pine and teak plantations, but patula pine had higher levels of forest floor carbon and soil organic carbon. Carbon storage in trees represents 37 and 60% of the total carbon content in patula pine and teak plantations, respectively. Even so, the remaining percentage corresponds to SOC, whereas FFC content is less than 1%. In summary, differences in carbon stocks between patula pine and teak trees were not significant, but the distribution of carbon differed between the plantation types. The low FFC does not explain the SOC stocks; however, current variability of SOC stocks could be related to variation in land use history.     

24个种源文冠果在新疆的生长结实性状分析

为了给文冠果优良单株选择和品种选育提供参考,以引进的24个文冠果种源为材料,在新疆石河子地区对文冠果生长结实性状进行变异分析、相关分析、主成分分析及聚类分析。结果表明:在参试种源中,生长指标地径变异系数最大(21.9%),叶长变异系数最小(13.1%),结实性状中总果数变异最大(74.3%),种子纵径变异最小(14.3%)。单株产量与总果数、干果质量、种子横径、种子纵径呈极显著正相关(P <0.01),与鲜果质量、果实横径、果实纵径、小叶数呈显著正相关(P <0.05)。在主成分分析中,共提取3个主成分,累计贡献率达到86.053%。聚类分析结果显示,可将参试的24个种源分为5类。第1类为G-9种源,属于产量最高等级;第2类为坤156种源,处于较高产量水平;第3类为Q-2等种源,处于中等产量等级;第4类为G-23和建2种源,位于较低产量水平;第5类为BD-7等种源,位于最低产量水平。24个文冠果种源中以产量水平最低的第5类居多,产量水平差异较大。     

柚木种源主要性状聚合遗传值的评价

采用聚合遗传值法，对９年生的印度、泰国、缅甸、尼日利亚等柚木种源９种性进行评价，结果表明，除保存率外，各种性在种源之间存在显著至极显著差异，并主要受遗传所控制。生长的虫晚期呈紧密相关表明：对苗高进行汰劣性选择和在幼林生长初期作种源的生长评价，具有一定价值。     

杉木遗传变异组成试析

70年代以来,我国杉木遗传改良工作已发生了根本性的变化,不仅在生态造林区已相继选育出了一批速生型的优良家系、优良种源和优良无性系,而且还不同程度地在生产中得到了推广应用,取得了显著的经济效益。近年来,有关杉木多世代育种的探讨已有不少报道,但立论于遗传变异基础上,纵贯从群体到个体,综合多性状变异相关的见解却不多见,其主要原因或许是有意识地设置这方面的试验还显得不足之故。为此,我们在承担全国杉木协作     

Early prediction of basic density, shrinking, presence of growth stress, and dynamic elastic modulus based on the morphological tree parameters of Tectona grandis

Significant efforts have been made to improve teak; however, evaluation in juvenile step is limited. The objective of this study was to conduct an early assessment of the wood properties of 4-year-old Tectona grandis. Samples of 36 clones were collected to determine their morphological tree parameters [diameter a breast height (DBH), diameter of the second log, tree height, and log quality]. Presence of growth stress, heartwood percentage, shrinkage (radial, tangential, and volumetric), basic density, and ultrasound velocity (USV) were determined for standing trees, logs, green lumber, and dry lumber. The results indicate that DBH and USV in standing trees can be used to predict elastic module (ED), mainly ED of the standing tree and dry lumber, as well as the possible presence of growth stress. Additionally, growth stress can be predicted by UVS in standing tree. Tangential and volumetric shrinkage were not predicted by tree morphology, but radial shrinkage was predicted by diameter and UVS was not affected by any shrinkage. Basic density was predicted by DBH and UVS measured in log.     

Early growth differentiation among Prosopis flexuosa D.C. provenances from the Monte phytogeographic province,Argentina

Early-growth differentiation among seven provenances of Prosopis flexuosa (algarrobo dulce) from the Monte phytogeographic province, Argentina, was studied by comparing their height growth; whole-seedling dry mass gain; allocation to root, stem and leaves; leaf number and leaf area in a common garden. Differentiation among provenances was detected for all the seedling characters examined except leaf number. Family variation within provenances was significant for height growth and leaf number. Variation on the provenance level was related to the elevation, geographic location, and some abiotic conditions of the seed source such as mean annual temperature and frost free period. Latitudinal clines were evident for almost all the growth traits. They were more pronounced for height and aboveground mass, and moderate for total plant mass and leaf area per plant. In addition, a good correspondence in growth traits between young seedlings and older trees of this species (studied by others authors) was also assessed. This fact would permit an early selection and genetic advances in the short term in breeding programs.     

Variation in seed traits and seedling vigour of Cordia africana Lam.provenances in Ethiopia

Cordia africana is a very important indigenous tree species for timber and other products and services in Ethiopia.Seed traits and seedling vigour of seeds from 12 provenances of the species were compared.Mean seed mass for each provenance was assessed for 1000 seeds in10 replications,and seed length and width were measured for 100 seeds in four replications per provenance.Germination was assessed in a glasshouse taking 400 seeds from each provenance.Root collar diameter and height of 440 seedlings grown in a nursery for 290 days in Addis Ababa were measured.Seed length,seed width,seed mass,and shoot height and root collar diameter of seedlings showed significant differences(P0.001) among provenances.Correlation analysis between seed and seedling traits and environmental variables revealed significant positive correlations between seed width and germination percentage,seed width and altitude,seed width and longitude and seed length and latitude.Negative correlations were obtained between seed width and temperature,seed width and rainfall,seed mass and temperature,and germination and temperature of the seed source.As expected,differences in seed trait did not explain the variability in seedling vigour.Determining quantitative variations in seed traits and seedling vigour among provenances and the patterns along environmental gradients are essential for informing decisions on the tree improvement programme of the species.