Wood density and fiber dimensions of Gmelina arborea in fast growth trees in Costa Rica: relation to the growth rate

R Moya Roque,M Tomazello Fo

doi:10.5424/srf/2007163-01015

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine growth rate effects measured in tree diameter on wood density parameters (mean, minimum, maximum and intra-ring variation) and in fiber dimensions (wall thickness, fiber width, lumen diameter and fiber length) of trees from fast growth plantations. Thirty mature trees were sampled from thirty different fast-growth plantations with a wide growth rate in Costa Rica. A disc was cut from each tree at DBH. The wood density parameters and fiber dimensions were determined in each growth ring. Some wood density parameters and fiber dimensions were related with growth rate. The minimum and mean density, cell wall thickness, fiber width and lumen diameter decreased with increase in growth rate. Intra-ring wood density variation increased with growth rate but the weak correlation was established. Maximum wood density was not found correlation with growth rate. A pronounced decrease was presented in minimum and mean density from 0 to 20 mm/year and after to 45 mm/year. A pronounced decrease and increase with increase in growth rate were presented in the fiber length and intra-ring wood density, respectively. Lumen diameter and fiber width presented few variations, until 40 mm/year; however, they showed decrease after this growth rate value.

Highlights

Gmelina arborea was introduced in large tropical areas due to the well known silvicultural techniques and wood quality produced by fast growth trees that were managed in short rotation systems (Dvorak, 2004)
The melina results agreed with Zobel and Van Buijtenen’s (1989) theory that studied growth rate in temperate and tropical species, establishing that tropical plantation species under fast-growth conditions show a superior growth rate, especially in young trees
Growth rate was related tree age, that was expected in many wood species growing in tropical conditions, like Eucalyptus sp (Wilkins and Horne, 1991) and Tectona grandis (Varghese et al, 2000) or tropical species growing in Costa Rican conditions

Summary

Introduction

Gmelina arborea (melina) was introduced in large tropical areas due to the well known silvicultural techniques and wood quality produced by fast growth trees that were managed in short rotation systems (Dvorak, 2004). This species is considered a useful multi-purpose species and its wood is used as raw material for cellulose (Foelkel et al, 1978), firewood (Lugo et al, 1988), polewood (Moya, 2004a), particleboard (Chew and Ong, 1989), veneer (Sicad, 1987) and structural uses (González et al, 2004). Wood density and fiber dimensions are related to many structural, physical and chemical properties in wood. The variation may be due to genetic, physiological or silvicultural treatments (Muller-Landau, 2004)

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Conclusion