Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Growth data and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 11 different pine species and hybrids were
examined at six sites in three different regions in South Africa. Tests were measured
approximately three years after planting. Growth traits and three different MOE variables
were assessed in order to see if there were pine species more suitable than the current
commercial species. Average survival across sites was 61.8 % and varied from 26.4 % to 87.8 %.
Most sites exhibited significant species differences for growth traits. There were significant
interaction effects for species within the regions for growth traits. There were significant
species differences for all three MOE variables at all of the four sites that were included in
the analysis of wood properties. When combining the four sites that were used for the wood property analyses, there were significant species differences for the three different MOE variables. Across all four sites where wood properties were analyzed the MOE variable ranged from 3.03 to 6.40 GPa.
Based on the results from this study, despite the high mortality rates that were experienced on many sites, there are alternative pine species that are showing comparable growth rates to the current commercial species. For approximating MOE, it is concluded that assuming a constant green density does not affect the species ranking but if the aim is to find the “true” MOE, sampling in the field is needed.