Annual tree rings in Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F.Macbr. in a restoration experiment in the Atlantic Forest: potential for dendroecological research

Abstract

ABSTRACT The tree Piptadenia gonoachantha is widely used in forestry and in forest restoration projects, which require methods for evaluating tree growth. Long-term studies are necessary to determine patterns and detect changes in species growth rhythms. Tree ring analysis provides a precise method for determining age and documenting long-term growth trends in tropical tree species. The present study evaluated the periodicity of tree ring formation and radial growth dynamics of P. gonoachantha from a population of known age in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve. Two radii from six trees were sampled using non-destructive methods. Tree rings were counted and measured to estimate age and to calculate diametric increment. All samples had 16 tree rings, which matched the known plantation age and confirmed the annual formation of rings. The individuals sampled had a mean annual diametric increment of 9.5 mm / year. Results showed a trend towards decreasing growth rate with increasing age. Individuals of P. gonoachantha in Ombrophilous Dense Forest produce annual tree rings, which holds potential for future dendroecological studies.

Keywords

• Atlantic Forest
• dendrochronology
• growth rhythm
• growth rings
• Leguminosae
• Ombrophilous Dense Forest
• pau-jacaré
• Piptadenia gonoacantha
• reforesting
• restoration