Resin Tapping History of an Aleppo Pine Forest in Central Greece

Abstract

The resin tapping history of an Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis ssp halepensis) forest in Northern Evia, Central Greece was investigated by standard dendrochronological methods. Cross-sections disks of tapped and non-tapped trees were taken from a representative, concerning structure and management, Aleppo pine stand. The identification of resin tapping scars in the cross-sections, combined with tree-rings dating, provided information about tapping methods applied, number and width of tapping faces, tree diameter on the time of tapping commencement and tapping duration. The measurement of tree ring width and the proportion of latewood of tapped and non-tapped trees showed a reduction in the average tree-ring width by 14.1% and in the proportion of latewood by 6% caused by tapping. Tree-ring examination showed that tapping causes severe anomalies in wood like deformations, callous tissues and discoloration. The above information is a helpful tool for the management and study of the Greek resin tapping methods of Aleppo pine forests.