BASIC DENSITY IN NORWAY SPRUCE .1. A LITERATURE-REVIEW

The literature review establishes the background for a series of paper s relating environmental influence to basic density of Norway spruce ( Picea abies). The four independent theories of wood formation given in dicate that crown development acts as a primary regulator of wood stru cture and basic density in conifers. The review focuses on variables c onnected to crown development and basic density. Models of basic densi ty in Picea abies were based on variables dependent on crown developme nt, such as stem taper and growth ring width. It is suggested that mod els accurately predicting basic density should be based on a set of va riables closely related to crown development.