VARIATION AND PREDICTION OF BASIC WOOD DENSITY IN Cedrela odorata L.

In this study we determined the pattern and the magnitude of wood density variation for Cedrela odorata in four locations in the State of Chiapas, Mexico, and we developed a predictive model for whole tree density from density at one sample height. The density of the wood was determined with an empiric method. The variation was determined by an analysis of variance analysis and by the variance components. C. odorata showed a basic density average of 0.34 g cm(-3), with differences (P <= 0.05) among localities and among trees inside the localities. In the locality of Reforma C. odorata presented higher wood density than in Dr. Manuel Velasco Suarez II. There was significant variation also (P <= 0.05) across axial and radial positions in the trees. The adjusted model to estimate the density average of the tree was: dm = 0.0930 + 0.7835 dn(1/30), with an R-2 of 0.78. According to the correlation analysis, the trees with bigger ICAD or diameter tend also to have a higher wood density.