Specific Gravity and Fiber Length Variation in a European Black Alder Provenance Study

Specific gravity and fiber length variation among 13 provenances of Alnus glutinosa were studied. Based on mean provenance values, specific gravity varied from 0.37 to 0.42, and fiber length varied from 0.68 mm to 1.01 mm. Single-tree maximum values were slightly higher. Analysis of variance indicated no significant differences among provenances for either trait. Patterns of variation from pith to bark and from the base to top of the tree are presented. The potential for genetic improvement of these traits is discussed