AGE AND GROWTH RATES OF SOME GYMNOSPERMS OF PAKISTAN: A DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Dendrochronological techniques were used in 49 different mature stands of 39 gymnosperms forests of Pakistan. Wood samples were obtained from 218 trees including Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson, Pinus roxburghii Sargent, Picea smithiana (Wall) Boiss., Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Donf., Abies pindrow Royle and Taxus wallichiana Zucc., using Swedish Increment Borer to obtain age and growth rates of these trees. It showed that largest tree is not necessarily the oldest tree. Highest overall growth rate (2.65 ± 0.19 y/cm) was recorded in Cedrus deodara from south facing slopes while slowest growth was observed in Taxus wallichiana, from East facing slope. Except in Pinus roxburghii, Dbh and age showed no significant relation. In addition no significant relation was found between elevation and growth rates. Statistics of some selected species and sites are also presented and it is suggested that growth rings of these species could be used in dendrochronological research.