Dendroecology of Cedrela fissilis from Araucaria Forest

Abstract

Although the wood from Cedrela fissilis Vell. has great commercial interest, its use is limited due to the lack of information regarding forestry of the species. The aim of this study was to evaluate growth and its correlations with climate variables in six districts at the eastern border of Paraná and Santa Catarina states. Radial wood samples were collected from 42 individuals. Once dried and sanded the annual growth rings were marked, measured and evaluated. The average diameter increment was 1.1 cm year^-1. Considering a cutting diameter of 40 cm it was estimated rotations of 30 to 36 years to the species. From the 42 individuals sampled, it was possible to cross date 28 growth series, which presented an inter-correlation of 0.551. Pearson correlation analysis between radial growth and climate data did not show significant values for most of the variables. However, the relative humidity of the air in December was significant and inversely proportional to the radial growth.