Tracheid Length Variation in Pinus kesiya Royle Ex Gord. as Affected by Age, Distance From Pith, Growth Rate and Ring Width

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out on breast height cross sectional discs of straight trees of Pinus kesiya collected from Jaintia Hill district of Meghalaya. The objectives of study were to study radial variation in tracheid length from pith to bark and to find out its relationship with age, distance from pith, growth rate and ring width. A steep increase in tracheid length up to 10 years was observed which increased gradually afterwards. Tracheid length exhibited a statistically positive and highly significant relationship with age and distance from pith while its relationship with growth rate and ring width was highly significant and negative. The model developed reveals that age and distance from pith were the most important predictor of tracheid length. The boundary between juvenile wood and mature wood was marked at 10 years. A positive and highly significant relationship existed between juvenile and mature wood. The present study reveals the possibility of selection of trees with desirable tracheid length at an early age by tree breeders.