Effects of biotopes on the quality of cherry wood (Prunus avium) in Tunisia

Cherry (Prunus valium (L.) Rosaceae) is native to Europe, Afghanistan and North Africa. Its native range extends from the British Isles to Morocco and Tunisia down south, to the region of Norway in the north, the Caucasus in the east and northern Iran, Anatolia, Maghreb, and Western Asia in the west. There is also a small, isolated population located in the western Himalaya. The plant has been extensively farmed in other parts of the world and is now native to Australia, New Zealand, and North America. This species is exploited in forestry for its quality of wood. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of cherry wood and to investigate the influence of growth sites to provide value-added assessment pathways. The study was carried out within the Tabarka and Ain Draham stations. In each site, we selected 75 dominant P. avium specimens. The dendrometric characteristics, the observations of the degree of infection, the straightness of the stems, and the physico-mechanical properties were studied. The result of the statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the dendrometric parameters according to the stations. The results obtained showed that 66% of the trees inventoried in Tabarka have straight stems. The number of trees affected by rot varies according to the stations, with 44% in Ain Draham. The rate of decay varies with age, so most infected trees are old (diameter at breast height > 30 cm). The wood is characterized by a density of 627 to 629 kg/m3 and is classified as medium hardwood with a Monnin hardness of approximately 4.3. Moreover, the values of the static bending breaking stress and the axial compression vary respectively from 94.95 to 99.85 MPa and from 44.5 to 51.7 MPa. These values vary according to the sources and have a significant effect at the 1% level. Accordingly, we classify cherry wood as having moderate strength.Cherry was cultivated for its noble uses such as interior carpentry and cabinet making as an excellent alternative to very expensive precious woods. Thus, in order to improve the condition of the trees, careful monitoring of the plantations must be carried out.Cherry was cultivated for its noble uses such as interior carpentry and cabinet making as an excellent alternative to very expensive precious woods. Thus, in order to improve the condition of the trees, careful monitoring of the plantations must be carried out.