Variation in stem-growth and branch-wood traits among provenances of Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth. from the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract

Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth. is an important tree for timber, charcoal and firewood in the Peruvian Amazon. The first provenance trial was established on farms in three zones located in one watershed in the Peruvian Amazon. The three zones differ in soil fertility and rainfall. Seven provenances from the Peruvian Amazon were tested in all three zones. Variation in four stem-growth traits (height, diameter, number of nodes and branches) and two branch-wood traits (basic density, heat content) was analyzed 18 months after establishment. There were significant differences in stem height and number of stem nodes among provenances in the analysis across zones. Provenance-related variation in stem-growth traits was most significant in the zone with the most fertile soils and highest rainfall. Branch-wood traits did not vary significantly among provenances in the analysis across zones or within zones. Branch-wood heat content was correlated with latitude, increasing from north to south, but this was only observed in a zone with low soil fertility and intermediate rainfall. Branch-wood density was correlated positively with stem diameter in the driest zone, but negatively with stem nodes in the intermediate zone and with stem height in the wettest zone. Results illustrate the potential for selection of fast-growing provenances, and the importance of replicating trials on different test environments to detect variation among provenances.