Caracterización fenotípica de la población de teca (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) existente en la Estación Experimental Tropical Pichilingue-INIAP, provincia de los Ríos

Abstract

This investigation proposes: to characterize quantitatively and qualitatively the population of Teak (Tectona grnadis Linn. f.) existing in the Tropical Pichilingue Experimental Station, as a strategy to identify potential material to initiate a Genetic Improvement Program; it was evaluated quantitative variables such as total height, commercial height, and the diameter at breast height, trough the last two the volume variable was calculated; in addition on the qualitative variables such as the quality and straightness of the stem, degree of insertion of the branches, thickness of the branches, spiral grains and prawns. With the data of the quantitative variables were created frequency distribution tables and combining several proposals was created a methodology to validate the superiority of each tree against the rest of the stand by weighting the qualitative variables of each one. It was verified that in spite of presenting an individual volumetric development, 95% of individuals do not have morphological characteristics required for the industrial use of T. grandis wood. The phytosanitary status of the evaluated trees is relatively good, since they did not present a degree of attack of pest or disease considerable from the economic point of view but due to the different uses realized in the stands without considering the identification and conversation of trait individuals Genetics of interest for the production of high value solid wood, genetic material of superior quality has probably been lost. The 5 % of individuals evaluated presented superior features within its population, within their population, both in quantitative and qualitative variables, that could be used for cloning and evaluation in clonal test, to confirm that they superiority observed is genetic and an environmental one.

KEYWORDS: TEAK, GENETIC IMPROVEMENT, QUALITATIVE VARIABLES, QUANTITATIVE VARIABLES.