Variation in Growth, Wood Basic Density and Fiber Characters in Selected Clones of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex benth

Abstract

The study aimed to screen and shortlist superior Acacia auriculiformis clones for desirable growth and wood properties. Twenty clones stem volume, wood basic density and fibre characters were studied at age of four. Significant variations were recorded in tree volume and wood properties among the clones, the stem volume of the clones was ranging from 0.022 to 0.073 m3 and the maximum tree volume was noticed in clones IFGTBAA 7 and followed by IFGTBAA 27 and 18, the studied clones average stem volume was 0.039 m3. The average wood basic density of the clones was 469 kg/m3 and this trait was ranging from 406 to 509 kg/m3. The screened A. auriculiormis clones average fibre length was ranging from 785.4 µm to 1140.6 µm and a maximum fibre length above 1000 µm was recorded in clones IFGTBAA 18, 23, 26 and 62. The average Runkel Ratio of all the clones was 0.91 and it was ranging from 0.7 to 1.1. There was no significant positive correlation noticed between growth, wood basic density and fibre properties except stem volume and fibre lumen diameter. Hence, it was decided to select superior clones, IFGTB 7,18,20,23 and 27 based on combined traits of Stem Volume, Wood Basic Density and Fibre Length to establish large scale commercial pulp wood plantations and clones which were having higher density and fibre properties had scope to utilize as parents in A. auriculiformis improvement programme to enhance tree volume and wood quality.