Variation in wood anatomical properties and specific gravity in relation to sexual dimorphism in Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh

摘要

This study deals with intra- and inter-ramet, and inter-clonal variation in dimensions of wood elements and specific gravity of 6-year-old Populus deltoides based on sexual dimorphism of a female clone (G48) and male clone (G3). The origin of both the clones is USA. The trial used uniform spacing (5 m x 5 m). Variance ratio (F) test revealed that both clones differ significantly in fibre length and diameter, wall thickness, vessel element length and diameter, and specific gravity. The G48 clone showed higher fibre and vessel element dimensions but lower specific gravity than G3 clone, suggesting better fibre dimensions for G48 and specific gravity for G3. It showed female dominance on wood anatomical properties. Fibre length and specific gravity increased with height. Dimensions of wood element and specific gravity also increased from pith to periphery. Non-significant intra-ramet variations for both the clones indicated that homogeneous wood properties could be achieved from the single bole. Intra-clonal variations in 648 revealed nonsignificant differences, suggesting stable wood properties in the clone.