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Geographic variation in tree growth and wood density of Guazuma crinita Mart. in the Peruvian Amazon

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Abstract

Guazuma crinita Mart. is a fast-growing timber tree in the Peruvian Amazon. A trial of 11 Peruvian provenances was established in three planting zones. Tree growth at 6, 12, 18 and 30 months and wood density at 32 months were analyzed across and within zones. Zones accounted for more variation than provenances. Density varied significantly due to provenances in the analysis across zones, whereas growth exhibited strong provenance by zone interactions. The local provenance grew well and produced relatively dense wood in all zones. The relative magnitude of variation due to provenances depended on the planting zone. Density was greater in the lower than in the upper stem. Density increased with longitude from the more humid to the drier part of the sample region. In general, correlations indicated that larger trees had lower density and a larger difference in density between the lower and upper stem, but the strength of these relationships depended on the provenance and zone. Results suggest that fast-growing provenances can be selected at an early age without significantly reducing wood density. The local provenance is recommended for reforestation pending future research demonstrating the superiority of foreign provenances. Some practical implications for tree-improvement programs are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants to the World Agroforestry Centre from the Inter-American Development Bank; the Government of Spain; the Governments of Netherlands and Norway as part of the CGIAR Global Initiative for Alternatives to Slash and Burn; the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom; and Winrock International as part of the USAID Alternative Development Program. The authors sincerely thank the farmers and technicians who worked on this project; Nancy Mandel (U.S.D.A. Forest Service) for statistical advice; and three anonymous reviewers for their useful comments and suggestions.

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  1. John C. Weber

    Present address: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), B.P. 320, Bamako, Mali

  2. Carmen Sotelo Montes

    Present address: Consultant, Lima, Peru

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  1. World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Apartado Postal 1558, Lima, Peru

    John C. Weber & Carmen Sotelo Montes

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Correspondence to John C. Weber.

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Weber, J.C., Sotelo Montes, C. Geographic variation in tree growth and wood density of Guazuma crinita Mart. in the Peruvian Amazon. New Forests 36, 29–52 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-007-9080-5

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