Effect of growth conditions on wood quality characteristics of black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.)

Abstract

Geographical location (north/south latitude), social position of trees in a forst stand (dominant, codominant, suppressed) and site quality were investigated as to their effect on tracheid length, proportion of latewood and wood density of black pine indigenous to Greece. Tracheid length was fund greater in the northern location, in dominant trees and at intermediate site qualities. Proportion of latewood was higher in the southern location, in suppressed trees and at intermediate site qualities. Density was higher in the southern location, in codominant trees and at good or intermediate site qualities. Statistically, however, many differences at P = 95 % and all differences at P = 99% are not significant. The present study is based on the sampling of 331 trees, 55 years old and older; the probes were taken only from the 10 outer rings, at breast height. The findings from 6 trees, sampled from pith to bark, present disagreement with the above results.