High Extractives Content Research Articles

Characterization of Beer Produced with the Addition of Brown Macroalgae Fucus virsoides

Marine macroalgae are organisms rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and various minerals. Macroalgae are increasingly being added to the human diet precisely because they contain useful compounds that can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Previous research describes their addition to meat products, yogurt, bread, and baby food. However, data on the addition of algae to beer have been scarce. The goal of this work was to produce beer with the addition of brown macroalgae (Fucus virsoides) from the Adriatic Sea. In addition, the basic physical–chemical parameters (color, pH, ethanol, extract, and polyphenols) were determined. The most important premise is the transfer of selenium (Se) to beer, since Se is deficient in human food chain. The transfer of different metals, namely, S (sulfur), Mg (magnesium), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), Cr (chromium), Mn (manganese), Fe (iron), Co (cobalt), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), As (arsenic), Se (selenium), Mo (molybdenum), Cd (cadmium), Hg (mercury), and Pb (lead), from algae to beer was determined using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP−MS). The results, however, were not satisfactory regarding metal transfer. In particular, Se was detected in beer, but other metals such as As, Cd, and Pb were not. Alga addition contributed to extract values, and the original extract reached 14.3 °P in wort with alga addition, as opposed to 12.8 °P in the control sample. Such high extract content, however, resulted in beer with low alcohol content, <4% v/v for both beers. This could be explained by the high levels of unfermentable extract. pH values showed statistical difference between samples, meaning that the addition of algae significantly affected the pH value of beer, reducing acidity by almost 5%.

Valorization of Pineapple Core Waste for Sequential Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Carotenoids: Optimization Through Ultrasound-Assisted Method and Box–Behnken Design

AbstractIn this study, a pioneering cascade method involving ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was optimized to valorize pineapple core waste by the sequential extraction of, firstly phenolic compounds and, secondly, carotenoids. The effectiveness of the extraction was evaluated based on total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity using 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Characterization of the carotenoids was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC–DAD). The initial characterization of dry pineapple core (DPC) samples revealed their nutritional composition, including protein, lipid, and carbohydrate weight percentages of 1.20 ± 0.05%, 5.3 ± 0.4%, and 88.6 ± 0.5%, respectively. The high extractives content (40.0 ± 4.5%) suggests a substantial presence of phenolic compounds, making the pineapple core a valuable source of natural antioxidants. The optimal UAE conditions for phenolic compound extraction were 70% amplitude, 5 min extraction time, and 2 cycles, yielding an antioxidant extract rich in phenolic compounds with a desirability value of 81.2%. Therefore, DPC was considered a valuable source of natural antioxidants. The extraction of β-carotene also showed promising results with optimal UAE conditions of 20% amplitude, 3 min extraction time, and 2 cycles. This research promotes the sustainable use of pineapple waste and demonstrates the potential to obtain valuable additives for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, encouraging a more circular and efficient use of resources in the pineapple processing industry.

Development of Wood-Based functional composites for advanced sensing and energy conversion applications

With the low carbon-driven development of modern intelligent, research towards novel materials is concentrating on the sustainable biomass-based advanced functional composites. The advanced functionalized wood toward sensing, optoelectronic devices, and energy conversion has been contributed to fast electron transport upon temperature or photo stimulus. Fast electron transport has been highly depended on the interfacial adhesion between the functional layer and wood matrix as well as graphitization degree during carbonization, which promote the electronic excitation and jumps. Here, we develop wood-based functional composites for advanced fire warning and energy conversion by loading metal–insulator transition (MIT) function factor (Ti3O5) onto different woods via liquid crosslinkers, and systematically establish the interfacial adhesion-carbonization-electron transport processes and their relationships on the sensing and photothermal conversion properties. Firstly, balsa with high porosity (pore diameter ≈50 μm), low density (0.16 g/cm3) and extractives content (total extractives content 16.27 %) facilitates crosslinker penetration due to the more holding space and lower nonpolar components. A favorable permeation can promote better interfacial adhesion, and the formation of a continuous conductive network of char-layers during carbonization. Secondly, the crosslinker (chitosan) with excellent adhesion (1 level) and char-forming ability (char residues is 21.7 %), facilitates the formation of a compact network of highly graphitized char-layers (ID/IG=0.81), which increases the electrical conductivity (highest conductivity 5.52 × 10-4 S/m). We found that the most sensitive flame trigger time (0.86 s) for fire warning and the highest evaporation flux (1.63 kg m-2h−1) for desalination can be obtained by using balsa which coupled the chitosan as well as the Ti3O5.

Cultivating black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on coconut endosperm and soybean curd residue: Impact on growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and larval nutritional composition

AbstractBlack soldier fly larva (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), presents an attractive waste management solution that not only addresses the issue of waste but also generates alternative proteins and fats. Substrate quality and pre‐treatment by fermentation may play a crucial role in waste reduction efficiency and larval quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and nutritional composition of BSFL rearing using different ratios of coconut endosperm (CE) and soybean curd residue (SC) with pre‐treatment by self‐fermentation (F), fermentation with baker's yeast (Y) and without pre‐treatment (C). Seven‐day‐old larvae were randomly separated into 15 experimental groups with three replicates. The experiment ended when the prepupae appeared. Based on the results, the larvae fed a diet with a high percentage of fresh SC exhibited the highest weight and growth rate, whereas the shortest development time was observed in larvae reared on Y. Pre‐treatment of the substrate with fermentation proved effective in waste reduction. The nutritional composition of the larvae showed that the highest crude protein was produced in larva reared on fresh 100% SC, and the highest ether extract was found when fed CE at 100% with pre‐treatment with F or Y. In conclusion, it is recommended to employ a fresh diet with a high SC content to optimise protein production, whereas a high level of CE with F or Y may be performed to obtain a high ether extract content. However, incorporating yeast fermentation with an SC content exceeding 25% provided high efficiency in waste reduction. Therefore, the selection of the ratio between CE and SC and of pre‐treatment techniques depends on the producer's objective.

Physical-mechanical properties and microstructure changes in mortars with chemically treated coir fibers

Due to their high tensile strength and toughness, natural fibers have been proposed as reinforcing material in mortars to reduce cracking. Coir fiber has excellent potential for reuse in cementitious matrices among the various fiber types. However, this material is hydrophilic and has a high extractive content, including wax, oils, and other components in the structure. Different chemical treatments are used to remove contaminants from the fiber surface of the coir to minimize the presence of these elements. This study evaluated chemically treated coir fibers in mortars based on cement and lime. The effects of two levels of coir addition (1% and 2% relative to cement mass) treated with oxalic acid at a concentration of 5% w/w for 2 h and sodium bicarbonate at 10% w/w for 120 h were evaluated. The effect of these variables on compressive and tensile strength, capillary water absorption, accelerated carbonation, and microstructure analysis using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy were investigated. The results showed that with the addition of 2% coir treated with oxalic acid, mortars increased compressive strength by 8% and 22% in the tensile strength. Moreover, it was found that the treatment minimizes the carbonation rate in mortars with coir fibers, whose pore size distribution is also affected by the presence of the fibers and the treatment type. It can be concluded that the fiber's chemical treatment improves its properties for use in mortars, considering a synergistic analysis, and can be used as an alternative for composite material production.

Physicochemical characterization of briquette fuel produced from cocoa pod husk case of Cameroon

This paper aims to prepare and evaluate the physicochemical and energetic properties of briquette fuel made from cocoa pod husk. For briquette preparation, cocoa pod husk was dried, carbonised, crushed, mixed using binder, compacted, and finally the briquettes obtained were dried. The briquettes produced were characterised by proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) standards. The results from the proximal analysis obtained (10.5%), (6.5%), (34.7%), and (58.8%), respectively, for moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon, are satisfactory values. The results from the ultimate analysis found are 53.2%, 5.2%, and 34.4%, respectively, for carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen content, while H/C and O/C gave 1.17 and 0.48, respectively. The Higher Heating Value (17.941 MJ/kg) proved high thermal stability, with the highest mass loss of 32.50% at 361°C due to the high extractive content and the aromatic structure of the polymer. The presence of C-O, CC, CHx, and OH groups was noticed, while the fuel value index (FVI) and impact resistance index (IRI) showed 1104% and 125%, respectively. These results indicated that the abundance of these residues in landfills could serve as an alternative fuel energy source with environmental friendly features and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Grain and malt quality of selected winter barley genetic resources

The present study evaluated the agronomic and malting quality of 18 selected winter barley varieties. The varieties were obtained from the Gene Bank of the Crop Research Institute in Prague-Ruzyně. The varieties were tested under field conditions in three-year trials of basic evaluation. After the harvest, grain was malted and malting quality was determined according to international methods (EBC and MEBAK). The highest extract content was found in the Atlantick variety (80.6%). Proteolytic modification of the varieties Absolut, KWS Ariane and the line QK19/08030A_18 was at an optimal level. Values of diastatic power were high in all varieties, which is typical for winter barley varieties, similarly as low levels of cell wall degradation (friability) and high β-glucan content in the sweet wort. The lowest β-glucan content in the sweet wort was recorded in the two-row winter barley variety KWS Ariane (241 mg/l). Of the six-row varieties, the line QK19/08030A_18 had the lowest β-glucan content in the sweet wort (382 mg/l).

Depiction of the In Vitro and Genomic Basis of Resistance to Hop and High Hydrostatic Pressure of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Isolated from Spoiled Beer.

Among the beer-spoiling microorganisms, the dominant ones belong to the genera Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, and Pediococcus. It is assumed that resistance to hop bitters correlates with resistance to other factors and can significantly impact the brewing industry. Beer preservation with high hydrostatic pressure eliminates the spoiling microorganisms while preserving all desired properties of the beer. Here, we present comprehensive in vitro and genomic analysis of the beer-spoiling Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KKP 3573 capacity to resist hop and high hydrostatic pressure. Lp. plantarum KKP 3573 is a strain isolated from spoiled beer. Our finding suggests that the growth rate of the strain depends on the medium variant, where a small concentration of beer (5 IBU) stimulates the growth, suggesting that the limited concentration has a positive effect on cell growth. At the same time, increased concentrations of 20 IBU, 30 IBU, and pure beer 43.6 IBU decreased the growth rate of the KKP 3573 strain. We observed that higher extract content in the pressurized beer increased microbial survivability. The wort and Vienna Lager beer can stimulate the baroprotective effect. The taxonomy of the novel strain was confirmed after whole genome sequencing (WGS) and comparative genomic analysis. More specifically, it contains a chromosome of 3.3 Mb with a GC content of 44.4%, indicative of the Lp. plantarum species. Accordingly, it possesses high genomic similarity (>98%) with other species members. Annotation algorithms revealed that the strain carries several genes involved in resistance to stress, including extreme temperature, hop bitters and high pressure, and adaptation to the brewing environment. Lastly, the strain does not code for toxins and virulence proteins and cannot produce biogenic amines.

Production of gluten-free beer brewing from sorghum malts mashed without external enzyme preparations

One of the main substrates for beer production is barley malt. Due to that fact, consumption of the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world is limited for the population suffering from celiac disease and other disorders. However, there are various cereals and pseudocereals which are gluten-free and could possibly be utilised for the malt and beer production. In this study, we have determined that it is possible to produce gluten-free beer from two sorghum varieties (GK Emese and Anggy) without the use of external amylolytic enzymes, only by application of malting and decoction mashing procedures. Sorghum beers were characterised with lower alcohol and higher extract content than control barley malt beer sample. Concentration of various volatiles, such as so-called fusel alcohols, was also lower in the sorghum beers produced in this study.

Wound Dressings Based on Sodium Alginate-Polyvinyl Alcohol-Moringa oleifera Extracts.

Biopolymers have significant pharmaceutical applications, and their blending has favorable characteristics for their pharmaceutical properties compared to the sole components. In this work, sodium alginate (SA) as a marine biopolymer was blended with poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) to form SA/PVA scaffolds through the freeze-thawing technique. Additionally, polyphenolic compounds in Moringa oleifera leaves were extracted by different solvents, and it was found that extracts with 80% methanol had the highest antioxidant activity. Different concentrations (0.0-2.5%) of this extract were successfully immobilized in SA/PVA scaffolds during preparation. The characterization of the scaffolds was carried out via FT-IR, XRD, TG, and SEM. The pure and Moringa oleifera extract immobilized SA/PVA scaffolds (MOE/SA/PVA) showed high biocompatibility with human fibroblasts. Further, they showed excellent in vitro and in vivo wound healing capacity, with the best effect noted for the scaffold with high extract content (2.5%).

A Review: Effect of Heartwood Proportion in Wood Properties

This study aims to examine the effect of heartwood proportion on wood properties for construction materials by reviewing 98 journal articles and non-articles. The data were collected through an online search using seven keywords: heartwood proportion, heartwood effect, physical properties, mechanical properties, wood dimensional stability, wood gluing, and wood preservation. By eliminating the irrelevant papers, 45 journal articles and non-articles were selected. The review shows that the proportion of heartwood has a positive correlation with wood density and dimensional stability. High wood density will have a positive correlation with the mechanical properties of wood. However, the dimensional stability is not only affected by the proportion of the heartwood but also the microfibril angle and the arrangement of the wood cells. Further, sapwood has a higher moisture content than heartwood. The high moisture content causes the wood drying process to take longer and require more energy. However, it should be noted that the heartwood in some Acacia species has a higher moisture content than that in the sapwood, which is commonly called wet heartwood. Therefore, a suitable treatment is needed to minimize the moisture content in the heartwood. In addition, heartwood is difficult to preserve because of the high extractive content in the lumen. The color of the wood is another important indicator to determine the quality of wood, especially the heartwood color, because it is related to the aesthetic value and durability of the wood. Meanwhile, a better understanding of the acid and alkaline properties of extractive substances is necessary to perfectly conduct the wood gluing process.

Three Varieties of Grape Pomace, with Distinctive Extractable:Non-Extractable Polyphenol Ratios, Differentially Reduce Obesity and Its Complications in Rats Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet.

Grape pomace is a commonly discarded by-product characterized by high extractable (EPP) and non-extractable (NEPP) polyphenol contents which exhibits anti-obesogenic effects. However, the relevance of each fraction needs to be elucidated. In this work, we examined the effects of three pomaces with different concentrations of EPPs and NEPPs on metabolic alterations associated with obesity. The NEPP:EPP ratio of the grape pomaces was 1.48 for Malbec, 1.10 for Garnacha, and 5.76 for Syrah grape varieties. Rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet supplemented with Malbec grape pomace (HFFD + MAL) Syrah grape pomace (HFFD + SYR) or Garnacha grape pomace (HFFD + GAR) showed significantly less weight gain: 20%, 15%, and 12% less, respectively, compared to HFFD controls. The adiposity index was also significantly decreased by 20% in the HFFD + MAL and HFFD + SYR groups, and by 13% in the HFFD + GAR group. Serum triglycerides were significantly decreased by 46% in the HFFD + MAL group and by 31% in the HFFD + GAR group, compared to the HFFD group, but not in the HFFD + SYR group. All pomace supplementations regulated postprandial glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test. Therefore, grape pomaces containing both EPPs and NEPPs exert beneficial effects on body weight and glucose homeostasis, while EPPs seem to control triglyceride levels more effectively.

Insights on the acetic acid pretreatment of wheat straw: Changes induced in the biomass properties and benefits for the bio-oil production by pyrolysis

This work discloses how the pretreatment of wheat straw with acetic acid (AA) solutions modifies the biomass composition, strongly affecting the pyrolysis product distribution. AA in diluted solutions is a renewable and eco-friendly reagent, being also one of the main components of the pyrolysis bio-oil* (water-free basis). In comparison with water and diluted ammonia treatments, AA washing leads to a higher removal degree of alkali and alkaline-earth elements (AAEMs) from the biomass ash. In addition, the AA pretreatment reduces the content of char and gas precursors, as is the case of soluble lignin and extractives. Consequently, the bio-oil* yield is drastically increased up to ∼53 wt% during the pyrolysis of the AA washed wheat straw, being much higher than the value obtained for the raw biomass (∼35 wt%). Likewise, the bio-oil* composition is highly improved by the pretreatment with AA, dramatically increasing the concentration and yield of levoglucosan, which is a valuable precursor to produce both advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals. In contrast, the opposite occurs during the pyrolysis of the extracted matter samples, recovered from the washing solutions, since its high content of AAEMs, lignin and extractives promotes the formation of char and gases in the detriment of the bio-oil fraction. Based on a preliminary techno-economic analysis, it is concluded that pretreatment with AA solutions may improve significantly the economic performance of the wheat straw pyrolysis process. This is due to the increased incomes coming from the higher yield of both bio-oil* and levoglucosan that largely compensate the additional capital and fresh AA costs.

Preliminary assessment of hazelnut shell biomass as a raw material for pellet production

We evaluated the use of hazelnut shell (HS) for pellet production. The investigation of chemical properties, such as the calorific value, low ash, nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine content as well as low heavy metal contents, reveals that the proposed biomass is suitable. However, fuel agglomeration is complicated possibly by some chemical (high content of extractives and lignin) and mechanical properties (spherical shape of particles). Therefore, the blend of HS with pine sawdust is examined in an iterative study, and pellet production is feasible only for percentages of HS lower than 30% in semi-industrial pelleting. The produced pellets exhibit properties compatible to those of industrial and domestic standards; however, as expected the mechanical durability and bulk density needs to be improved. Further studies to identify the optimal operating conditions for the evaluated blend can provide strategies to satisfy the projected increase in pellet demand.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SPRING BARLEY VARIETIES INTENDED FOR MALTING PROCESS

The suitability of a barley grain for malt production depends upon a large number of quality parameters that are crucial for the identification of high-quality malt varieties. The grain and malt technological quality parameters of five samples of four spring malting barley varieties were studied in order to estimate their malting potential. Selected barley varieties proved to be of satisfactory malting quality in terms of analyzed technological parameters. First-class grain percentage in the analyzed samples ranged from 84.9 to 94.6 %. Hectoliter weight reached values from 634.2 to 737.1 g.dm-3. Barley samples also contained a relatively high starch content of 63 to 68 %. Nitrogenous substances ranged from 9.9 to 11.3 % and all tested varieties met the requirement for nitrogen content. These samples were micro-malted and resulting malt was analyzed. All tested malt samples achieved high and satisfactory extract content of 82.4 - 84.3 %. Statistically significant (p<0.05) the highest extract content was confirmed in variety LG Tosca (84.3 %) which was found to be relatively the best technological quality also for its kernel size and optimal starch and protein content. The average value of friability was 98 %. The intensity of proteolytic modification among varieties was satisfactory (Kolbach index 39.18 - 47.17 %). The viscosity of the wort reached values from 1.41 to 1.47 mPa.s-1, varieties provided clear wort in all cases. Based on the results of grain and malt quality parameters it can be concluded that all tested spring barley varieties are suitable for malting process.

Analysis of the main physical and chemical characteristics of the vine shoots of three vine varieties from Veneto (Italy)

In Italy the agricultural residues resulting from pruning of vineyards represent a potential energy resource, in particular for the Veneto region which is the second Italian region by vineyard area. This study is aimed at analyzing the main physical and chemical characteristics of vine shoots from the annual pruning of vineyards. This is for their possible use as wood chips in small-medium size power plants. International and European standards for the analysis of biofuels were used to determine the moisture content, heat value, ash content, micro and macro elemental and fibrous fraction (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and extractives). The samples were collected from three different vineyards in the Vicenza area. The varieties analyzed were Chardonnay, Glera and Merlot. For each variety, the three different components of vine shoots were compared: internode, node and pith, to investigate in which part of the vine shoot the greatest accumulation of metallic elements deriving from plant protection products occurs. The results show significant differences among the energy parameters of the three varieties and three vine shoot components. In particular, the pith shows low heat value and high ash content while the woody components are characterized by higher energy values. Analysis of the chemical elements showed a high content of Cu and Zn in the wood components, node and internode, causing the high ash content found. In particular, Cu content exceeds the limits set by the reference standard. As regards the analysis of the fibrous fraction, a high content of extractives was found in the pith. These extractives could be one of the explanations why the pith of the three varieties analyzed, especially in Chardonnay, have less lower heat value on dry basis (LHV0) values and high ash contents. On the contrary, the node and internode components have a higher content of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Overall, the vine shoots analyzed have characteristics suitable for a possible energy use. However, due to the high ash and Cu content, according to EN ISO 17225-9:2021 standard these can only be used as wood chips for industrial purposes in large power plants.

Tobacco fractionation and its effects on pyrolysis chemistry

Tobacco is a major cash crop in the world market. As a special biomass, it has relatively high extract content and particularity of mainly using its volatile components. The degrading of tobacco extractives may influence the reactant surface, the reaction energy and the product distribution during tobacco pyrolysis. However, the interplay among the tobacco extractive components and others during pyrolysis and its influence on the pyrolysis product distribution is not clear enough. Hence, the water-soluble tobacco fractionated component and ethanol-soluble tobacco fractionated component as well as the remaining solid phase component was obtained, followed by a comparative analysis of weighted product distribution (by weighted calculation of fractionated components, Weighted) and actual pyrolysis product distribution (Raw). Results indicates that polycondensation to 2,2'-methylenebis-phenol and volatilization of (S)− 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl) pyridine were both free from the interplay among components. The generation of CO2 was inhibited and the decomposition to produce furans, phenols and toluene was promoted to different degree by the interplay among components. Pyrolysis kinetic results showed that the conversion of 40% was a dividing line, below which the activation energy of Weighted was lower than Raw, above which, the activation energy of Weighted surpassed Raw, indicating that the synergistic pyrolysis between the components failed to play a significant role in promoting the devolatilization or the depolymerization, dehydration, and decarboxylation of small molecules, but could significantly promote the depolymerization of macromolecules and the subsequent decomposition reactions. Such results are critical to the advancement of tobacco utilization, improving reuse efficiency of tobacco extractives.

Do not forget the classical catalyst poisons: The case of biomass to glycols via catalytic hydrogenolysis

AbstractThe conversion of herbaceous biomass to glycols via tungstate catalyzed hydrogenolysis is challenging owing to its high content of extractives, inorganics and S/N, compared with woody biomass. We tested the hydrogenolysis performance of hay in batch autoclave experiments in the presence of soluble sodium polytungstate and Raney Ni at 245°C, both in excess of catalyst as well as under catalyst‐starving conditions. By this method, we found that additional tungstate and Raney Ni poisons, or at least their much higher concentrations, are present in the hay feedstock compared with woody biomass. It turns out that N‐ and in particular S‐containing components present in hay are the root cause for deactivation of the hydrogenation catalyst. From the experimental data we have derived feedstock criteria for N and S that should be targeted in terms of catalyst consumption for operation in an industrially relevant window. These challenging criteria urge the development of effective pretreatments for S/N removal or the employment of S/N‐tolerant catalysts in the field of catalytic biomass conversion. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Analysis of quantitative and qualitative extractive components extracted from hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and yakal (Shorea astylosa Foxw.) wood

The aim of the study was analysis of quantitative and qualitative extractive components extracted from hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and yakal (Shorea astylosa Foxw.) wood. Two wood species similar to each other in terms of microscopic structure and physical properties, the native wood of Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and the yakal wood (Shorea astylosa Foxw.) endemic to the Philippines, which is still little understood, were investigated. Wood is a material composed mainly of polymers called lignocellulose which includes: (cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses), but also contains many extractive and mineral substances. . The extractive content of wood in temperate climates is approximately for up to 5% by weight of wood. Their identification is difficult because of the wide variety and multiplicity of compounds present. However, extractive compounds are important for the resistance of trees and wood to biological agents such as fungal infestation or insect infestation. Usually the zones of dead wood (heartwood or cored wood) are characterized by a higher content of extractives. The understanding of the chemical composition of extractives in wood can contribute to the development of wood preservative products and environmentally friendly and would be part of the green chemistry policy.

Genetic variation in wood properties of mid-rotation age Eucalyptus globoidea

Background: Eucalyptus globoidea Blakely produces ground-durable (Class 2) and stiff wood and has the potential to be grown in New Zealand to supply high-value environmentally-friendly timber for use as posts in the agricultural sector and stiff veneers for the LVL industry. The New Zealand Dryland Forests Initiative (NZDFI) has established a breeding programme for this species. The objective of this study was to identify trees with superior wood properties for commercial propagation enabling the establishment of a domestic plantation resource of ground-durable timber. Methods: The genetic variation in wood properties at mid-rotation age (8-year-old) of 141 E. globoidea families was assessed for the following traits: heartwood diameter, diameter under bark at ~0.5 m height, combined sapwood diameter, heartwood collapse, sapwood collapse, standing tree acoustic velocity and extractive content in the heartwood. Families were ranked and genotypes with large heartwood diameter, high extractive content and stiffness as well as low collapse were identified. Results: Heartwood diameter (h2 = 0.51) and extractive content (h2 = 1.16) showed good heritability, which in combination with high variation are promising traits for a breeding programme. The high heritability for extractive content indicated a closer relatedness within the population than the assumption of unrelated families of half-siblings. The unfavourable correlation between the heartwood diameter and extractive content (genetic correlation (rg) = −0.45) indicated that a compromise is required for simultaneous improvement of both traits. Heritability estimates for heartwood collapse (h2 = 0.30) and acoustic velocity (h2 = 0.36) were moderate. Conclusions: Genetic selection for wood quality traits of E. globoidea is practically feasible. Superior individuals with above average performance for multiple traits were present in the breeding populations, however, this was dependent on the intended end use of the timber.