Dendroclimatic potential of Pinus hartwegii Lindl. and its relationship with precipitation and temperature in the Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico

Objective: To assess the dendroclimatic potential of Pinus hartwegii Lindl in the Sierra Juárez region of the state of Oaxaca and to describe the relationship between tree-ring width and regional precipitation and temperature patterns. Methodology: A total of 66 samples were dated, in which chronologies of total ring (RWI), early wood (EWR) and late wood (LWR) were developed covering a period of 201 years (1818 to 2019). Results: Significant associations were found between ring growth (RWI, EWR, and LWR) and precipitation during the December–April period (p < 0.01), with correlation coefficients of r = 0.54, r = 0.23, and r = 0.25, respectively. These findings indicate that precipitation is the climatic variable most strongly associated with the radial growth of P. hartwegii. Conclusions: P. hartwegii demonstrates strong dendrochronological potential, supported by the results of the present study where it provides chronological information of 201 years (1818 to 2019) on the radial growth of the species, determined by climatic variables, precipitation and temperature.