Evaluation of the IUFRO provenance plot with grand fir in the Habr locality (Western Bohemia) at the age of 31 years

Abstract

In the framework of an international IUFRO provenance research of grand fir (Abies grandis/D. Don/ Lindl.), a series of research plots was established in the Czech Republic in 1980-1982. This paper focuses on an evaluation of experimental plot No. 213 - Habr (Western Bohemia), where 24 provenances of grand fir are investigated. Results of the evaluation of height, diameter at breast height, volume of large timber (diameter outside bark > 7 cm), and some qualitative parameters are presented for the age of 31 years. Results of the plot evaluation showed the best growth in provenances originating from the Washington state coastal region. Individuality of growth pattern was confirmed for different Vancouver provenances and those from Idaho and Montana states. These areas cannot be considered as homogeneous. The growth of all provenances originating from the Cascades, Washington, is below average.The lowest growth rates were documented for the Cascades, Oregon state provenances; superior characteristics of some of them probably result from the high mortality of others at earlier stages and larger growth space available at present.

Keywords

• abies grandis
• provenance research
• experimental plot
• production