Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Provenance trails allow to test tree growth differences and meet current
requirements for timber quality in a particular experimental site. The aim of this
manuscript was to distinguish the differences in growth and timber quality features
between European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances at its natural northern
European margin – in southern Sweden. Data was obtained from a provenance
experiment established in 1995 in Rånna to evaluate the growth and timber quality
features of 36 European beech provenances. Statistical analysis was conducted
using generalized and linear mixed models, and a post-hoc Tuckey´s test to check
provenance differences on quantitative (diameter at breast height, tree basal area
increment, height increment, total height) and qualitative features (crookedness,
classification of stem morphology, spike knots above 0.5 meters and below 0.5
meters).
Results show, that the German provenance number 37 (Deister, Lower Saxony)
reached the best growth outputs in following variables: diameter at breast height
2020, basal area increment, height increment and total height. German provenance
number 39 (Seelzerthurm, Lower Saxony) shows the absolute best performance
within classification of stem morphology and within spike knots below 0.5 meters
abundance. Romanian Provenance number 150 (Sovata (25)) accomplished the best
results within crookedness and spike knots above 0.5 meters abundance. German
provenance number 51 (Eitorf 1502/262a – North-Rhine-Whestfalia) was evaluated
worst in the following tree characteristics: crookedness, classification of stem
morphology and spike knots below 0.5 meters abundance. Swedish and Danish
beech provenances showed stable growth without any relevantly negative timber
quality features, although they did not differ significantly from other provenances
in their growth.
The results demonstrate that the genetic background of studied provenances has an
important role in building stand development for numerous timber quality features.
New provenance experiments establishment may better understand different
provenances responses to the climate change as well as to determine the best
provenance for high quality timber on the Swedish market.