Radial basic density variation in different provenances of Grevillea robusta Cunn

Abstract

The aim of this work was to estimate radial basic density variation in wood samples of different provenances of Grevillea robusta Cunn. The samples were taken from seven years old trees, from a provenance test in Itaipu Binational area located in the State of Parana, according to volumetric growth, considering excellent, intermediate and slow growth. The samples were taken bark to bark from the central board, from the first log, making sub samples of 1cm in radial direction. Basic density was determinate to each sub sample, and it was established the radial variation percentage, considering the smallest and biggest basic density value in the same ray. The average basic density was 0.47g/cm³, and percentage of radial variation was 12.9%. There were variation of the radial basic density among provenances and progenies, but no correlation between radial variation of basic density and trees diameter was detected. More conclusive results should be obtained with a wider sample.