Growth, stem quality and age-age correlations in a teak provenance trial in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the growth and stem straightness variation between teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) provenances in a 30-year-old field trial in the coastal lowland of Tanzania. The results are compared with earlier results. The findings demonstrate that it is possible to find large height and yield differences between teak provenances. The best performing provenance grows some 10% (height) to 40% (volume) better than the average. The provenance Topslip, India, consistently proved to be outstanding in terms of growth and stem quality confirming earlier evaluations at age 5 and 17 years. Tanzanian land races also proved to be superior, especially as regards stem straightness.