Relation Between Dendrometric Variables and Growth Stress in Eucalyptus

The objective of this study was to identify eucalyptus clones for the production of sawed timber based on dendrometric variables and longitudinal residual deformation (LRD), analyzing the correlation between these characteristics. 20 Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla clones with 13 years of age were analyzed. The crown size, diameter at breast height (DBH) and bark thickness were measured. There was a significant difference between the clones for DBH, LRD and bark thickness. There was no significant correlation between DBH and DRL. The correlation was significant between DBH and crown size, its being possible to affirm that crown size affects the diametrical growth of trees. DBH and bark thickness were also significantly correlated, in so far as trees with a wider diameter possess thicker bark. It was possible to select clones with better potential for sawed timber production, that is to say, elevated DBH with a reduced LRD.

Keywords:
breast height diameter; crown size; longitudinal residual deformation