Ring shake in some hardwood species: The individual tree approach

Abstract

AbstractThe formation of ring shake, a tangential separation of xylem tissue, is being studied in selected red oaks, white oaks, and black walnut. Previous studies have indicated that it is frequently necessary to make detailed analyses throughout one tree in order to evaluate correctly possible stages of development of this defect for the sample under investigation. In the present study, anatomical and chemical analyses both along the shake zone and for a normal zone within a black walnut tree are discussed. Anatomical investigations formed the basis for selection of xylem subdivisions for subsequent chemical analyses. The ring shake was tangentially confined to a single annual increment. This increment was radially subdivided into eight consecutive portions from earlywood through latewood. Each portion was used for determinations of specific gravity, extractives (ether, alcohol, hot water), methoxyl, and certain inorganics. Similar analyses were made on a “control” increment. The possible development of ring shake within the sample tree is presented in terms of resultant chemical and anatomical data.