Evaluation of stem straightness in six provenances of Pinus pinaster Ait.

Abstract

Stem straightness was analyzed in six Spanish provenances of Pinus pinaster Ait.. Three methods were used: subjective punctuation by three different observers, type of curvature and “equivalent curvature” method (based on curvature dimensions). Straightness was evaluated in provenance test at two different sites, with 22 and 35 year-old trees respectively. Stem straightness was considered at three different heights, with the basal section showing the largest and more frequent curvatures. Results with the three methods are very similar in as far as the classification of the six provenances, although they differ in the time required and the information obtained. Large differences in stem straightness have been detected in the studied provenances.