Variation of tracheid biometry and wood properties of Pinus caribaea morelet var caribaea barret and golfari

The variability of wood properties for a certain species could be influenced by several factors such as: provenance and growth conditions, age, height, growth rate and silvicultural practices. Thus, the objective of the present work is related to the determination of the variations of tracheid biometric characteristics and wood properties of Pinus caribaea var caribaea Morelet in dependency of the provenance. Thirty 29-year-old trees from three provenances in the province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba (Malas Aguas, Cajalbana and Marbajita) are used. The biometry of the tracheid and wood properties are determined from logs obtained at a height of 1.30 m from each tree. Measurements were made in three different radial positions in direction pith to bark. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the biometric dimensions of the tracheid and the physical-mechanical properties vary between provenances and Malas Aguas provenance presents the best indicators. A strong effect of the distance parameter from pith to bark is appreciated in all the studied wood characteristics. As the dimensions of the tracheids increase, the physical and mechanical properties increase. There is an important positive relationship between the strength properties and wood density.