PERBEDAAN SIFAT FISIS-MEKANIS DAN ANATOMI KAYU TUSAM (Pinus merkusii) STRAIN TAPANULI DAN STRAIN ACEH (Differences in Physical-Mechanical and Anatomical Properties Of Pine (Pinus merkusii) Originated from Tapanuli and Aceh Strains)

Tusam (Pinus merkusii) is one of Sumatra endemic tree species which originally spread from Aceh, North Sumatra to Kerinci (Jambi). In Java, this species has been cultivated intensively by Perum Perhutani. Indonesian Pine has three strains, namely Aceh, Tapanuli and Kerinci. The Tapanuli strain has several similarities with the Kerinci strain. The Aceh strain has been known widely in many aspects, whereas the Tapanuli and Kerinci strains have been observed limitedly. This paper describes the comparison of Tapanuli and Aceh strain based on their wood characteristics. General tree characteristics of Tapanuli strain are better than the other strain; having straight cylinder trunk, thinner bark and fewer branches. The results showed that physical properties of Aceh and Tapanuli strains were significantly different. Wood specific gravity of the Aceh strain is 0.54 higher than 0.48 of the Tapanuli strain. Volumetric shrinkage of the Aceh strain is 12.38 % much lower than 7.89% of the Tapanuli strain. This indicates that wood dimensional stability of Tapanuli strain is better than the Aceh strain.