The density of Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) wood from diverse origins in a provenance trial in Rogów

<ns3:p>Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), a valuable coniferous species, demonstrates significant variability in wood density, directly influencing other properties such as mechanical properties and industrial applications. This study investigates the density variations of silver fir wood originating from six different genetic provenances (Goszcz, Nieskurzów, Stary Sącz, Świętokrzyski Park Narodowy, Schwarzwald, and Kobiele Wielkie), all grown under identical environmental conditions at the Rogów LZD experimental area in Poland. Through a controlled experimental setup, samples were sectioned radially (from center to outer regions) and directionally (north and south), and their density was analyzed based on ISO 13061-2 standard. The results reveal distinct radial and directional density patterns, with higher densities consistently observed in the juvenile wood near the center compared to the mature wood in the outer part of the trunk. Wood of silver from the original origin, Schwarzwald, exhibited the highest average density among the other origins, while origins Goszcz and Kobiele Wielkie displayed more significant variability. These findings underscore the dominance of genetic factors over environmental influences in determining wood density in controlled conditions. The study’s outcomes have practical implications for forest management, breeding programs, and industrial applications, offering insights into the genetic potential for optimizing wood quality in silver fir</ns3:p>