Quality of <i>Eucalyptus</i> spp. wood for sawing using dendrometric assessments and growth stresses: effect of the combination of genetic material and planting spacing

Abstract This study focused on the characterization of Eucalyptus spp. raw materials to produce sawn wood, considering four genetic materials planted at different spacings. Seven-year-old forest stands were evaluated in the Nelder arrangement. Three hybrids of E. urophylla × E. grandis and one variety of E. saligna were selected, planted at three spacings (3.0 m × 3.0 m; 6.0 m × 3.0 m; and 8.5 m × 3.0 m). Trees were evaluated for size, shape, deformations, heartwood, bark, and quality. Tree and log characteristics were influenced by genetics, spacing, emphasizing selection for quality and sustainability in sawn wood production. E. urophylla × E. grandis had greater height and volume but more stress and cracks than E. saligna . Among the genetic materials tested, E. urophylla × E. grandis II showed superior characteristics for sawn wood production. The 3.0 m × 3.0 m spacing yielded higher wood volume per area, albeit with smaller tree dimensions. The 6.0 m × 3.0 m spacing resulted in trees with shapes like the 8.5 m × 3.0 m spacing, producing logs with comparable taper, bark thickness, heartwood percentage, and volume per area. Therefore, one of these larger spacings is recommended to produce Eucalyptus spp. wood for sawmills.