Growth Stress in Peltophorum dubium and its Correlation with the Growth Variables

ABSTRACT The exploitation of valuable native timber species in forest restoration projects has emerged as a promising strategy to make restoration financially viable. There are few studies regarding the quality of timber from restoration plantations. The aim of this study was to analyze growth stresses by determining the longitudinal residual strain (LRS) and evaluate their correlation with the growth variables in the species Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub in a 14-year old restoration plantation. Eighteen individuals were evaluated, determining the following variables: diameter at breast height (DBH), bark thickness, average annual growth in diameter (IMA) and annual periodic growth in diameter (IPA 2012-2015 ). The LRS was determined by the extensometer (CIRAD-Forêt), on DBH height and in the north-south direction of each tree. The LRS average was 0.072 mm, within the range of expected wood values for sawmilling. There was a significant positive correlation between the LRS, DBH and IMA.