Abstract

GOCHE TELLES, José Rodolfo et al. Radial variation of basic density in Pinus patula Schltdl. et Cham. in three locations from Hidalgo state. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.7, pp.71-78. ISSN 2007-1132.

Variation of wood density may be very important in radial direction. This variation not only may be related to tree species, but also to tree age and form, genetic differences, growth rates and historic evolution. In this study, the radial variation of wood density for Mexican red pine ( Pinus patula) from three sites (Ejido el Reparo, Tres Fracciones of Fondones and El Aguaje)- all of them, located in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico- is presented. In each location, 20 trees were randomly selected and wood increment cores with 12 mm in diameter were obtained at 1.3 m height over the stem. Wood density was determined with the maximum moisture content method in each growth ring of the cores. ANOVA and Tukey test were applied. The best fitted models were tested to determine trends of basic density radial variation. Results showed a mean of 0.4602 g cm^-3 with ranging variation from 0.2241 g cm^-3 to 0.6856 g cm^-3. Wood density variation of Mexican red pine presented two patterns of radial variation in the three locations, the first one increases from the pith to the bark and the second one, also increases from the pith up to a maximum and then decreases when it reaches the bark.

Keywords : Basic density; Hidalgo State; Pinus patula Schltdl. et Cham.; physical properties; radial variation; Zacualtipán.