Initial growth of Pinus canariensis on dry lands in Maule’s VII Region, Chile

Abstract

This study evaluated the survival and growth of seedling of Pinus canariensis, two years and a half of age in experimental plots in three localities of the dry land of the Maule's Region, Chile: San Javier, Chanco and Constitución. Seedlings were propagated with seeds obtained three local sources: Llico, Chanco and Talca. The experimental design was random blocks. The results indicated that there are no significant statistical differences (P <0.05) among each sources of the three local seed provenance, which may lead to the conclusion that all of them belong to the same population. The best results were obtained in San Javier, characteristic locality of the inner dry land with an 88.7% of survival and 18 mm and 96 cm of collar diameter and height of stem, respectively, in spite of unfavorable conditions of site. Results could be better if more intensive techniques of establishment are applied and variables that control the fertility of the soil are handled in more extensive trials of provenance.