Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to analyze the genetic variation patterns of heartwood traits in Castanopsis hystrix and to identify superior families for timber production.
Methods The study was performed in a 23-year-old C. hystrix family experimental plantation, including 32 families. Standard samples were collected from the main trunk of selected dominant trees below 4 m in height. Physicomechanical properties of heartwood were measured, and their genetic variation patterns were analyzed. A Superior families for timber-use were implemented by the Breggin multi-trait evaluation method.
Results The mean values of chrominance (a*), wood density, tangential shrinkage of air-dried wood, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of C. hystrix heartwood were 14.60, 0.70 g/cm3, 0.53, 43.66 MPa, and 10.63 GPa, respectively. Family effects were significant or highly significant for all traits, with corresponding family heritabilities of 0.47, 0.47, 0.40, 0.46, and 0.51, respectively. Three superior families for timber-use, F7, F21 and F27, were selected. The genetic gains for elastic modulus, tangential shrinkage of air-dried wood, density and a* were 9.66%, 3.16%, 5.41%, 3.57%, and 18.93%, 6.86%, 13.53%, 7.59%, respectively.
Conclusion This study systematically elucidated the effects of genetic factors, environmental factors, and their interactions on heartwood properties of C. hystrix. The results provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive evaluation and precise selection of superior timber-use families, and contribute to the genetic improvement and efficient cultivation of C. hystrix.