Radial growth dynamics and climate –growth relationships of Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham. in the northeastern Peruvian Andes

Portocarrero-Portocarrero N.; García-Bravo W.A.; Payeza-Tuesta G.; Grandez-Piña E.A.; Portal-Cahuana L.A. · Trees, Forests and People (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101475

Resumen

Pinus patula plantations in the Andes exist, but their growth dynamics under local hydroclimatic variability and limited silvicultural management remain poorly documented. This study evaluated radial growth dynamics and climate–growth relationships in a 15-year-old P. patula plantation established at 3 × 3 m spacing without subsequent thinning or pruning in Huancas, Amazonas, northeastern Peru. Dendrochronological methods were used to develop a tree-ring width chronology and evaluate its relationship with precipitation and temperature during the period with the highest series replication (2013–2023), together with large-scale oceanic variability through sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The chronology showed a coherent common signal among trees, with an inter-series correlation of 0.485, and anatomical plasticity evidenced by intra-annual density fluctuations. Annual diameter increment showed marked variability, with values generally close to 1 cm year⁻¹ during early and intermediate stages of stand development. Mean growth increased between approximately cambial ages 9 and 13 and declined toward the end of the evaluated period, while cumulative growth trajectories indicated sustained diameter accumulation and increasing differentiation among trees. Growth showed positive associations with precipitation mainly at the beginning of the rainy season, particularly in November and January, while temperature showed positive associations during several months. Negative associations between radial growth and Equatorial Pacific SST anomalies during the wet season suggest potential links between Pacific Ocean variability and growth fluctuations. Overall, the stand remains in an active growth phase, as current annual increment exceeded mean annual increment, although recent diameter decline suggests increasing density-related competition without silvicultural management.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas