SURVIVAL, GROWTH, STEM FORM AND WOOD BASIC DENSITY OF FIVE <em>PINUS</em> <em>MERKUSII</em> PROVENANCES AT BUHINDI, MWANZA, TANZANIA

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the performance of five Pinus merkusii provenances (Phayao, Phai, Maisot and Surin from Thailand and Pekalongan from Java, Indonesia) planted at Buhindi, Mwanza, Tanzania, in terms of survival, height and diameter growth, stem form and wood basic density. Previous assessment data were obtained from the Lushoto Silviculture Research Centre, Tanzania. Final assessment was made at age 21.3 y. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) between provenances in survival at ages of 0.7,11.2 and 21.3 y; in height on all assessment dates except at 0.7 y; and diameter at breast height and basal area at 11.2,14.8 and 21.3y. At 11.2 y, Phai provenance had the highest survival (80%) while Maisot provenance had the least survival (62.0%). At 21.3 y of age, Pekalongan and Phayao provenances had the highest and lowest survivals of 64% and 34% respectively. Pekalongan gave the highest mean height (22.1 m) and greatest basal area (53.7 m² ha^-1), while Phai had the least mean height (14.8 m) at 21.3 y. Stem form and wood basic density did not differ significantly (p>0.05). An ordinal ranking of the provenances using all parameters showed that the Pekalongan and Surin provenances had the best performance. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the two provenances be planted on a limited scale at Buhindi and similar environments following a reconciliation of production objectives and size of individual area(s) to be planted.