Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) exhibits substantial variation among provenances in growth and wood properties. This study investigated provenance-related variation after nearly six decades of growth under common-garden conditions and examined relationships between tree growth, wood properties and climatic characteristics of provenance origins. The study was conducted in a provenance experiment established in 1966 at the Rogów Forest Experimental Station in central Poland, comprising 16 provenances and five experimental replicates. Tree height, crown length, trunk volume, diameter at breast height (DBH), wood density, dynamic and static modulus of elasticity (MOE_dyn and MOE_st), modulus of rupture (MOR) and compressive strength (CS) were analysed. Provenance significantly affected all traits except MOE_dyn, whereas experimental replicate significantly affected most traits. Correlations calculated across individual trees were generally weak, while provenance-specific relationships varied substantially in strength and direction. At the provenance level, tree height and DBH showed the strongest associations with climatic characteristics of the provenance origins, particularly altitude, mean annual temperature, precipitation, aridity and growing season length. Selected mechanical properties also showed moderate climatic associations. The results demonstrate persistent provenance-related differentiation under common environmental conditions and indicate that growth performance alone cannot reliably predict wood quality. However, the climatic associations should be considered exploratory and do not constitute direct evidence of local adaptation.

The staining influence of iron (II) sulphate on Norway spruce wood The paper presents the results ofresearch on the colour change of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) wood under the influence of iron (II) sulphatewater solution at three different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%). The tests were perfomed wood showing defectstypical of coniferous wood. The aim was to determine the possibility of increasing the usefulness of wood withdefects (blue stain, reactive wood). Measurements of color parameters and their changes based on the CIELabcolor space were carried out. The influence of natural weathering on further staining effect was also determined.On the basis of the tests carried out, it was shown that iron (II) sulphate causes greying of Norway spruce (Piceaabies L.) wood and that the concentration of the solution does not have a major effect on color changes. The surfaceof the aged wood was clearly stained and darkened, with the greatest difference in the samples modified with a3% solution.