WOOD DENSITY VARIATION IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF Pinus oocarpa SCHIEDE EX SCHLTDL. FROM THE STATE OF CHIAPAS, MÉXICO

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine wood density (dry weight/fresh volume) variability among three populations of Pinus oocarpa Schiede ex Schltdl. located in the State of Chiapas, México. Wood samples were obtained at a 1.30 m height from five to 17 trees from each population. Results showed an average wood density of
0.56 g cm^-3, which is considered as heavy wood, whit a standard deviation of 0.078 g cm^-3, and variability (P ≤ 0.05) among populations. The Cintalapa population showed a higher density (0.61 g cm^-3) than those from Motozintla and Las Margaritas (0.47 and 0.53 g cm^-3). The variability observed indicate that wood density might be used as selection criterion in breeding programs.