Specific Gravity Variation in a Lower Mississippi Valley Cottonwood Population

Abstract

Specific gravity varied from 0,32 to 0.46, averaging 0.38. Most of the variation was associated with individual trees; samples within locations accounted for a smaller, but statistically significant, portion of the variation. Variation between locatians was not significant. It was concluded that individual high-density trees' should be sought throughout the population. Wood near the cambium was more dense than that near the pith or middle of stems; this position effect was influenced by location and samples within locations. Relatively low correlations between density of juvenile and more recently formed wood indicate that selection for specific gravity at 'an early age may not be efficient. A slight negative relationship was observed between specific gravity and mean annual diameter increment.

Keywords

Populus deltoides, Populus, Hardwoods, Density, Growth Tissues (plant), Plant anatomy, Wood structure

Citation

Farmer, R. E., Jr.; Wilcox, J. R. 1966. Specific Gravity Variation in a Lower Mississippi Valley Cottonwood Population. Tappi 49(5):210-211.