ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify eucalyptus clones for the production of sawed timber based on dendrometric variables and longitudinal residual deformation (LRD), analyzing the correlation between these characteristics. 20 Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla clones with 13 years of age were analyzed. The crown size, diameter at breast height (DBH) and bark thickness were measured. There was a significant difference between the clones for DBH, LRD and bark thickness. There was no significant correlation between DBH and DRL. The correlation was significant between DBH and crown size, its being possible to affirm that crown size affects the diametrical growth of trees. DBH and bark thickness were also significantly correlated, in so far as trees with a wider diameter possess thicker bark. It was possible to select clones with better potential for sawed timber production, that is to say, elevated DBH with a reduced LRD.

RESUMOO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do espaçamento do plantio da madeira de eucalipto, quanto às suas características dendrométricas e a deformação residual longitudinal (DRL) da madeira e as relações entre essas variáveis. O material utilizado foi o Eucalyptus benthamii aos 5 anos de idade nos espaçamentos 2 × 3, 3 × 3, 3 × 4 e 4 × 4 m, a projeção da copa foi determinada através da medição de oito raios com ângulos variáveis, sendo elaborados mapas da distribuição e projeção da copa. As medições da DRL foram à 1,30 m do solo nas quatro direções cardinais, em árvores vivas, com o auxílio de extensômetro (Growth Strain Gauge), pelo método CIRAD-Fôret. Nos resultados houve grande variabilidade das variáveis de crescimento e dos níveis de tensão de crescimento para os diferentes espaçamentos. Os menores valores médios de DRL foram observados na direção sul, o aumento do espaçamento não alterou significativamente os valores da DRL. As correlações de maiores magnitudes ocorreram entre os valores máximos de DRL e as variáveis de crescimento árvore.

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of planting eucalyptus wood with respect to its dendrometric characteristics and longitudinal residual strain (LRS) of the wood, and the relationships between these variables. The material used was Eucalyptus benthamii at five years of age in 2×3, 3×3, 3×4 and 4×4 m spacing. The projection of the crown was determined by measuring eight spokes with variable angles, and maps of crown distribution and projection were prepared. Measurements of LRS were taken 1.30 m above the ground in the four cardinal directions in living trees, with the aid of strain meters (Growth Strain Gauge) by the CIRAD-Forêt method. There was great variability in the results of the growth variables and levels of growth stresses for different spacing. The lowest average values of LRS were observed in the south direction, and increased spacing did not significantly alter the LRS values. Correlations between LRS and growth variables were only found with maximum LRS values for each tree.

A complexidade dos processos de formação, estruturação e orientação do lenho de reação origina estudos buscando relacionar implicações tecnológicas da madeira. Em coníferas e folhosas, a madeira de reação é reflexo das diferenças químicas, físicas e anatômicas, recebendo denominações específicas. As diferentes características peculiares ao lenho de reação influenciam nas propriedades físicas, químicas, anatômicas e mecânicas, podendo limitar seu uso, com tais implicações ainda sendo ignoradas.

The complexity of the formation, structure and orientation of reaction wood is the reason for studying the interaction between technological properties. In both softwoods and hardwoods, reaction wood reflects the chemical, physical and anatomic differences, receiving specific denominations. The specific characteristics of reaction wood influence the physical, chemical, anatomical and mechanical properties of wood and may be a limiting utilization factor - this fact is still often ignored.