Evaluation of the growth of Cedrela odorata L. under the terms of the Yaqui Valley, Mexico

Abstract

This work was conducted in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, Mexico, in order to evaluate on the growth of Cedrela odorata L., as an alternative to the sustainability and diversification of the Yaqui Valley. We used germplasm from CATIE genebanks, Costa Rica. During 4 months the seedlings were maintained under nursery conditions. We established two experimental plots (3x3 m), one in Isleta de Hornos with alluvial soil and other in Cett 910 with compacted clay soil. We marked and prepared the plots, as well as installed a drip irrigation system. The base diameter and total height were measured from 2009 until the beginning of 2011. The results indicate that high temperatures influence the growth of Cedrela odorata in nursery stage, reaching a mean height of 54 cm after 4 months. Moreover, it was shown that climatic variations between 2009 and 2010 influenced the growth of the species. The warmest temperatures of the first year favored the growth in height and diameter,: plants in Isleta de Hornos, with alluvial soil, showed the best growth. The study recognizes the ecological amplitude of the species, showing, in the Yaqui Valley, a better development between maximum and minimum temperatures of 40°C and 20°C respectively, at constant humidity conditions. The species tolerates temperature of -2 °C for six continuous hours in three days. However, meristems were damaged when temperatures reached -5ºC.