Varying strength of the relationship between tree-rings and summer month moisture index (April–September) over Central India: A case study

Ring-width chronologies (AD 1919–2000, 1827–2000 and 1857–2001) of teak (Tectona grandis) from three different tree sites in Central India were developed. The site chronologies show the influence of a common forcing factor, which could be climate, largely the moisture index. Correlation between April–September moisture index with tree-ring chronologies shows a significant positive relationship for the period 1901–2000. Regional tree-ring chronologies revealed a strong association with moisture index since the late 20th century. Multi-decadal variation in tree-ring chronologies exhibits a similar pattern to those of chronologies of adjacent areas, suggesting that summer (April–September) moisture index might be one of the parameters limiting the growth of teak trees over a large spatial scale.