Publicação on-line; Bibliography p. 9-12 (79 ref.); 3 tables; 5 illus.; Summary (En)

ABSTRACT

We examined the climatic response of Cedrela fissilis radial growth based on precipitation, air
relative humidity, temperature and monthly thermal amplitude. It was intended to assess how the
secondary growth of C. fissilis is influenced by the climatic variables and which one are the best
growth predictors in Ombrophilous Mixed Forest, southern Brazil. Wood cores were processed
using classical dendrochronology methodology. Principal Components Analysis, Generalized
Linear Models and correlation were used to explore the relationship between radial growth and
climate. Our results indicated that the best radial growth predictor is the temperature: the seasonal
behavior, under well-watered conditions, seems to have a dominant effect on growth responses.
Changes in tree growth corresponding to an increase in temperatures suggest a sensitivity of
the species to climate changes. These results are important to help understand how the global
warming may influence long-lived pioneer tree growth.

Keywords: dendrochronology; climate changes; dendroecology; Araucaria forest.