Effect of Thinning Intensity and Crown Class on Narrow-Leaved Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl.) Epicormic Branching

• Main Authors: Emrah Çiçek, Faruk Yılmaz, Ali Kemal Özbayram, Tarık Çitgez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi 2012-04-01
• Series: Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Dergisi
• Subjects: ash; Fraxinus angustifolia; water shoot; thinning
• Online Access: http://ofd.artvin.edu.tr/issue/2264/29831
• ISSN: 2146-698X; 2146-698X

Thinning has an important role in silviculture practice for quality and thick stem production. But, epicormic branches decrease the value of the trunk or timber as a result of thinning, especially in broadleaved species. In this study, the effect of thinning intensity and crown class on epicormic branching were investigated in narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) plantation, Adapazarı-Turkey. The plantation was 36 years old established at 3x2 m initial spacing (1666 trees/ha). Prior the thinning mean stand diameter, top height, basal area and stem number were 31 cm, 34 m and 32 m2/ha and 416 stem/ha, respectively. Thinning intensities were removal of basal area 0% (control), 22% (moderate) and 38% (heavy). Results showed that; thinning intensity, crown class (dominant and co-dominant trees) and thinning intensity x crown class interaction had no significant effect on epicormic branching after four years of growth. Very few (<1 number per stem) new epicormic branch were formed on stems of dominant and co-dominant trees represent final crop. Consequently, narrow leaved ash has very low epicormic branching risk in reaction to thinning and this can be an advantage for species in producing thick and valuable stems.