Variation in growth traits and wood density in whitewood (Endospermum medullosum): A major timber species in Vanuatu

J Doran; D Bush; Tony Page; K Glencross; M Sethy; I Viji

doi:10.1505/146554812804715946

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Variation in growth traits and wood density in whitewood (Endospermum medullosum): A major timber species in Vanuatu

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Variation in growth traits and wood density in whitewood (Endospermum medullosum): A major timber species in Vanuatu

J Doran, D Bush, Tony Page, K Glencross, M Sethy and I Viji

International Forestry Review, Vol.14(4), pp.476-485

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1505/146554812804715946

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Abstract

volume

diameter

height

form

heritabilities

genetic correlations

A breeding program aimed at increasing economic value of whitewood plantations in Vanuatu and conserving declining genetic resources will take direction from the results of this study. Genetic parameters for stem diameter breast height over bark (DBHOB), straightness and branching were estimated in an 11.4-year-old whitewood breeding population on Espiritu Santo Island. Wood density variation in one subpopulation was also studied. Trees with the fastest growth and best form were from Espiritu Santo. Growth and form trait heritability estimates (= 0.10-0.16) were low to moderate, with moderate phenotypic variation (CV = 17-36%). DBHOB at 11.4-years and 4-years were very closely genetically correlated ( = 1.00±0.17). Mean unextracted wood basic density at breast height was 330 (SD±21) kg/m, or similar to mature-tree densities. Economic gain in growth traits can be expected from a recurrent selection and breeding program given the heritable genetic variation indicated in this study. Conserving genetic diversity in this species is a high priority.

Details

Title: Variation in growth traits and wood density in whitewood (Endospermum medullosum): A major timber species in Vanuatu
Authors: J Doran (Author) - CSIRO Plant Industry
D Bush (Author) - CSIRO Plant Industry
Tony Page (Author) - James Cook University
K Glencross (Author) - Southern Cross University
M Sethy (Author) - Department of Forests Vanuatu, Vanuatu
I Viji (Author) - Department of Forests Vanuatu, Vanuatu
Publication details: International Forestry Review, Vol.14(4), pp.476-485
Publisher: Commonwealth Forestry Association
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1505/146554812804715946
ISSN: 1465-5489
Organisation Unit: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451039702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Forestry

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