Relationship between Released Strain and Growth Rate in 39 Year-Old Tectona grandis Planted in Indonesia

Abstract

Summary In order to clarify the growth stress mechanism of tree species in tropical forest, peripheral and internal longitudinal released strains in 39 year-old teak (Tectona grandis) trees planted in West Java, Indonesia were investigated using the strain-gauge technique. Results showed that both of the peripheral and internal longitudinal released strains were not affected by the rate of growth of the trees. However, released strains distribution inside tree stem, from pith to periphery, were significantly affected by growth rate; slow growing trees generate steeper released strain gradients.