Chiang Mai Journal of Science

 Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.), which grows naturally in the northern parts of Thailand, is widely used to determine linkages between modern and palaeo-climates. But the knowledge about climate inducing growth of teak planted in other sites of Thailand is still limited. This research attempted to investigate the effect of climate on teak growing in a non-native distributed site with non-silviculture management in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand, using the techniques of cambial marking and annual ring analysis. The results showed a strong negative correlation between the annual ring formation and the mean temperature (Tmean) in March to August and illustrated a weak correlation between the teak annual growth and regional climates of the Equatorial Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature (SST). Climate components of Temperature, Precipitation, and Soil Moisture derived from the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) directly induced teak growth through the occurrence of mature dark green leaves. The association of climate components with the occurrence of mature dark green leaves induced increments in teak stem diameter, both of wood and bark. Therefore, it can be concluded that teak growing at the non-native distributed site can be used for investigating climate-growth relationship and climate reconstruction as describe in the principle of dendrochronology.