Assessing the performance on phenotypic traits of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) provenances across two trial sites in Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the variation and growth performance among eight and nine provinces at age 15 years in two trial sites in Myanmar. At the Ngalaik Reserved Forest (Ngalaik RF), the survival rates of provenances ranged from 62.4 % to 80.8 %. The Kanbalu followed by the Oaktwin and Nattalin provenances had the best survival rates at 80.8 %, 79.2 %, and 77.6 % respectively. Likewise, the survival rates ranged from 25.6 % to 74.4 % at the Yenwe Reserved Forest (Yenwe RF). The Nattalin followed by the Bago and Oaktwin provenances had the best survival rates at 74.4 %, 65.6 %, and 63.2 % respectively. The differences in stem form were found to be significant at both sites, whereas 36.24 % of teak in Ngalaik RF and 20.23 % in Yenwe RF were recorded in the class of straight tree. Based on the overall assessment of traits, teak trees in the provenances of Ngalaik RF had much better traits quality than that of Yenwe RF. According to analyses, the Bago provenance was outstanding among the provenances, followed by Phyu, Nattalin, and Paukkhaung provenances at both sites. The best-performing Bago provenance likely grew 10 % betterthan the average volume at Ngalaik RF, 1.4 % more than the average at the Yenwe RF. Among all provenances at both sites, the Thabeikkyin provenance was likely to separate as the poorest one. Based on the results, the selection of mother trees (plus trees) would make a great contribution to the application of future tree improvement programs in Myanmar.