Variation in volume overbark, stem straightness and longest intermode length at five years of age between ten provenances of Pinus caribaea Morelet and two provenances of Pinus oocarpa Scheide in Costa Rica

Abstract

This paper details the variation of volume overback, stem straightness and longest intermode length, observed after five years growth, between ten provenances of Pinus caribaea Morelet and two provenances of Pinus oocarpa Scheide in a provenance trial replicated over four sites in Costa Rica, Central America. The variable survival and the lack of adequate protection against cattle and fire damage has placed considerable constraints on the interpretation of the data. A test was made to assess the consistency of the measurements taken in the field. This was not found to be a statistically significant source of error. The two provenances of P. oocarpa exhibited superior volume growth compared to both varieties of P. caribaea and in addition the Yucul origen showed excellent stability in its branching habit. A combined analysis failed to show a significant provenance x environment interaction for any of the three traits examined. The Yucul origen, which may belong to a new taxon, Pinus patula subsp tecumumaii (Schwerdft). Styles, would appear to have considerable potential as plantation material on those sites where growth was assessed