Potential of Cedrela odorata for dendroclimatological and dendroecological studies in the Selva Central of Perú

MANUEL J. PEREYRA ESPINOZA; GABY J. INGA GUILLEN ; MARIANO S. MORALES; RODOLFO RODRÍGUEZ ARISMÉNDIZ

Tucson

Conferencia; Second American Dendrochronology Conference; 2013

University of Arizona

Despite the progress made during the past 20 years searching dendrochronological potential in tropical and subtropical tree-species, tropical dendrochronology is still in a development stage. The aim of this research was to determine the potential of Cedrella. odorata for dendrochronological studies in the Selva Central of Peru. The tree-ring anatomical characteristics were carefully examined and we were able to develop a 207 year tree-ring chronology and correlate it with precipitation records. Tree-rings are clearly delimited by larger pore diameters in earlywood and smaller pore diameter in latewood associated with marginal and paratracheal parenchyma. The tree-ring chronology was related to precipitation records from Satipo and significant correlations were found with the previous rainy season and late dry season. The good discrimination of annual rings, strong relationship with precipitation, the wide range and longevity of trees (200 years) makes C. odorata a very promising species for dendrochronological studies in tropical forest of America.