Tropical tree age estimation by direct and indirect methods
Speaker : Dr. Cheryl D. Nath, Researcher, IFP
Organiser : Department of Ecology, French Institute of Pondicherry.
Abstract: Methods for establishing the age of trees have been classified as "direct" and "indirect". Direct methods are exemplified by the counting of growth rings, while indirect methods involve modeling growth measurements. The suitability of these methods for various tropical tree species is not well established. Here we present a comparison of different methods of age estimation for three species monitored in the Western Ghats. The species previously were described as having "indistinct or absent" growth rings.
Our study revealed that annual growth rings were characterised by different anatomical features in the three species. Growth rates measured in the field showed annual periodicity, and reflected annual rainfall-drought cycles in two species. Similarity between direct and indirect age estimates differed between species, and may reflect growth behaviour as well as limitations of the methods. The results indicate that direct methods of age estimation are appropriate for tropical species with distinct and reliable annual growth rings. For other species indirect age estimation methods are of use.
Venue : Main Indology Hall, French Institute of Pondicherry, 11, Saint Louis Street, Pondicherry - 605 001.