EARLY GROWTH OF IMPROVED ACACIA MANGIUM AT DIFFERENT PLANTING DENSITIES
ABSTRACT: Integrating tree
improvement into silvicultural practices is essential in forest plantation.
Concerning this fact, Acacia mangium spacing trial planted using genetically
improved seed was established in West Java. This study was aimed to evaluate
the impact of ages and planting density on early growth of improved seed A.
mangium in the spacing trial. Improved seed from 2 seed orchards (SSO-5 and
SSO-20) and a control of unimproved seed from seed stand (SS-7) were tested
together in spacing 3 × 3 m and 2 × 2 m. Height, diameter, stem volume, and
stand volume were observed at 3 ages. The results showed that improved seed
consistently outperformed to unimproved seed. Ages were highly significant for
all traits, but the significant difference varied among traits and seed sources
for planting density and the interactions. High density performed better growth
than low density at first year, and they were varied in subsequent ages
depending on traits and seed sources. Improved seed from less intensity
selection orchard was less tolerance to high density than that from high
intensity selection orchard, but the tolerance was reversed in low
density. Improved seed A. mangium from
different level of genetic selection has responded differently in behavior to
the changes of planting density.
KEYWORDS: Acacia mangium; tree
improvement; silviculture practices; spacing trial
Penulis: Arif Nirsatmanto
Kode Jurnal: jpkehutanangg160013
