Variaçáo da porosidade da cortiça ao longo do tronco dosobreiro

The within tree variation of cork quality has practical relevance when considering the methodology for estimating the quality of production using a field sampling. Samples are usually taken at breast height and an indication how quality at this level might relate to the overall average quality would help to improve estimates for the overall stand cork quality. The porosity of cork was analysed for whole stems. A total of 12 trees were evaluated, from six sites (Mora, Palma, Porto Alto, Grandola, Azaruja and Chamusca). The porosity was measured using image analysis techniques in tangential sections and in transverse sections. The cork for the different trees observed had different average porosities, ranging from 2.7% to 14.5% in the transverse section at b.h .. Within tree variatíon of cork porosity was found, with a average pattern of decreasing porosity within tree height. However a umque pattern of variation could not be established.