Possibility of tree selection and breeding for genetic improvement of wood properties of Gmelina arborea

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · For. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5863924

Akachuku, A E

Wood samples of Gmelina arborea were collected from Nigerian plantations. The wood density was measured with an X-ray densitometer. Fiber length was measured with a modified map measurer. Fiber proportion was determined with a modification of Ladell's (1959) randomized dot technique. Considerable between-tree differences were observed in wood density, fiber length, fiber proportion, and sizes of trees of the same age, planted at the same spacing within the same environment. The magnitude of within-tree variations in these wood properties was different in trees within the same plot. Some individual trees combined comparatively high density, fiber length, and fiber proportion with fast growth rate and uniform wood. There was sufficient phenotypic variation to encourage genetic improvement of the wood properties and growth rate by selecting and breeding trees with higher values of these traits. Tree selection should be based on a preliminary screening for tree form and volume growth followed by a second selection for the desired wood properties.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Ibadan, Nigeria
• OSTI ID: 5863924
• Journal Information: For. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: For. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 30:2; ISSN FOSCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AFRICA
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
DENSITY
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
FIBERS
GENETIC VARIABILITY
GROWTH
NIGERIA
PHENOTYPE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
POPULATION DENSITY
SCREENING
SPECIES DIVERSITY
TREES
WOOD