Wood Populus Research Articles

Cellulose nanofibers-based UV resistant and hydrophobic wood coatings

Wood and wood-based products are regarded as sustainable building materials, nonetheless, they frequently need the addition of protective coatings due to their susceptibility to abiotic and biotic degrading elements. Among the coating systems, water-borne coatings are a better choice since the majority of popular wood coatings are solvent-based and release volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were isolated from eucalyptus wood pulp using a chemo-mechanical method and used as the base substrate for wood coatings. The effect of CNF dispersion with varying concentrations (0.5 and 1 wt.%) of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on UV-resistance of Pinus radiata and Hevea brasiliensis after 500 hrs of exposure was assessed. Wood surfaces without coating exhibited severe discolouration after 500 hrs of UV exposure. Only CNF-coating results in slight protection of wood surfaces from weathering but significantly increased water wettability of the surface. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles significantly reduced the colour change of the wood surfaces. As the concentration of ZnO increased, the colour stability and hydrophobicity of both the wood increased.

ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Machine learning for sustainable wood sourcing and species Identification: Applications to wood forensics

Wood forensics, a vital tool in addressing global concerns surrounding illegal logging and the authenticity of wood products, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable forestry practices. The integration of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and machine learning presents a potent approach to streamline identification processes and enhance responsible wood sourcing. ATR-FTIR facilitates the detailed characterization of wood components by analyzing spectral data, revealing unique chemical signatures associated with different wood species. This study focuses on Eucalyptus, Dalbergia, and Populus wood species in India, revealing common peaks related to cellulose, flavones, hemicellulose, and lignin constituents. Isolation Forest (iForest) identifies outliers, subsequently removed for supervised modelling, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduces dimensionality effectively. Tree-based supervised machine learning algorithms, including Decision Tree, Extra Tree, Random Forest, and CatBoost classifiers, enhances the accuracy of wood species discrimination by deciphering complex patterns within ATR-FTIR spectra. Further, evaluation through various performance metrics supports the comparative analysis. The outcomes of this study hold significant value for law enforcement agencies in combating illegal logging and timber trade, and potential applications in quality control for timber industries. This research substantiates its real-world applicability, marking a noteworthy advancement in the evolving field of wood forensics.

Heterologous expression of Arabidopsis laccase2, laccase4 and peroxidase52 driven under developing xylem specific promoter DX15 improves saccharification in populus

BackgroundSecondary cell wall holds considerable potential as it has gained immense momentum to replace the lignocellulosic feedstock into fuels. Lignin one of the components of secondary cell wall tightly holds the polysaccharides thereby enhancing the recalcitrance and complexity in the biomass. Laccases (LAC) and peroxidases (PRX) are the major phenyl-oxidases playing key functions during the polymerization of monolignols into lignin. Yet, the functions of laccase and peroxidases gene families remained largely unknown. Hence, the objective of this conducted study is to understand the role of specific LAC and PRX in Populus wood formation and to further investigate how the altered Lac and Prx expression affects biomass recalcitrance and plant growth. This study of heterologous expression of Arabidopsis Lac and Prx genes was conducted in poplar to avoid any otherwise occurring co-suppression mechanism during the homologous overexpression of highly expressed native genes. In the pursuit of optimizing lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production, the present study focuses on harnessing the enzymatic potential of Arabidopsis thaliana Laccase2, Laccase4, and Peroxidase52 through heterologous expression.ResultsWe overexpressed selected Arabidopsis laccase2 (AtLac2), laccase4 (AtLac4), and peroxidase52 (AtPrx52) genes, based on their high transcript expression respective to the differentiating xylem tissues in the stem, in hybrid poplar (cv. 717) expressed under the developing xylem tissue-specific promoter, DX15 characterized the transgenic populus for the investigation of growth phenotypes and recalcitrance efficiency. Bioinformatics analyses conducted on AtLac2 and AtLac4 and AtPrx52, revealed the evolutionary relationship between the laccase gene and peroxidase gene homologs, respectively. Transgenic poplar plant lines overexpressing the AtLac2 gene (AtLac2-OE) showed an increase in plant height without a change in biomass yield as compared to the controls; whereas, AtLac4-OE and AtPrx52-OE transgenic lines did not show any such observable growth phenotypes compared to their respective controls. The changes in the levels of lignin content and S/G ratios in the transgenic poplar resulted in a significant increase in the saccharification efficiency as compared to the control plants.ConclusionsOverall, saccharification efficiency was increased by 35–50%, 21–42%, and 8–39% in AtLac2-OE, AtLac4-OE, and AtPrx52-OE transgenic poplar lines, respectively, as compared to their controls. Moreover, the bioengineered plants maintained normal growth and development, underscoring the feasibility of this approach for biomass improvement without compromising overall plant fitness. This study also sheds light on the potential of exploiting regulatory elements of DX15 to drive targeted expression of lignin-modifying enzymes, thereby providing a promising avenue for tailoring biomass for improved biofuel production. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in synthetic biology and plant biotechnology, offering a sustainable solution to address the challenges associated with lignocellulosic biomass recalcitrance.

Ultrasound-Assisted Cold Alkaline Extraction: Increasing Hemicellulose Extraction and Energy Production from Populus Wood

Alkaline pretreatments are considered highly effective for the separation of the different components of lignocellulosic biomass. However, cold alkaline extraction (CAE) exhibits minimal modification/degradation of hemicellulosic fraction and successfully accomplishes efficient delignification. In this research, the fast-growing clone AF2 of Populus x euramericana wood was utilized as the raw material and subjected to ultrasound-assisted CAE. The objective of incorporating ultrasound into cold alkaline extraction is to increase the yield of a hemicellulosic-rich liquid phase that can be used to produce high-value products such as furfural or xylitol. Simultaneously, it aims to obtain a solid phase with a higher calorific value compared to the raw material. The results, obtained from a central composite factorial design, demonstrated that the CAE process for 90 min at a sodium hydroxide concentration of 100 g L−1, a temperature of 30 °C, and with ultrasound assistance maximized hemicellulose extraction in the liquid phase (60.8% was extracted) and improved the heating value of solid phase.

Atomistic, macromolecular model of the Populus secondary cell wall informed by solid-state NMR.

Plant secondary cell walls (SCWs) are composed of a heterogeneous interplay of three major biopolymers: cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Details regarding specific intermolecular interactions and higher-order architecture of the SCW superstructure remain ambiguous. Here, we use solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) measurements to infer refined details about the structural configuration, intermolecular interactions, and relative proximity of all three major biopolymers within air-dried Populus wood. To enhance the utility of these findings and enable evaluation of hypotheses in a physics-based environment in silico, the NMR observables are articulated into an atomistic, macromolecular model for biopolymer assemblies within the plant SCW. Through molecular dynamics simulation, we quantitatively evaluate several variations of atomistic models to determine structural details that are corroborated by ssNMR measurements.

Developing A Solid Termite Bait Matrix and Conducting Efficacy Trials Under Lab and Semi Field Conditions

The study on development of solid termite bait matrix and its efficacy against the Heterotermes indicola was performed in Peshawar, during 2023. The study was performed with completely randomized design (CRD) with different treatments i.e., developed bait, patent bait, popular wood and blotting paper. Each treatment was replicated three times. The laboratory experiment consisted of no-choice, free choice and aggregation test. While the semi-field experiment consisted of free choice test. During the no-choice test of the laboratory experiment, H. indicola showed a consumption rate of 6.29% for the popular wood and developed bait. However, in the blotting paper treatment, the termites consumed only 2.81%. In terms of choice test conducted in the lab, the popular wood exhibited the highest weight consumption percentage of 2.87%, while the patent bait displayed the lowest weight consumption percentage of 2.25%. Under the choice test maximum number of termites were attracted towards popular wood (77.00 Number of termites) while minimum number of termites were attracted towards patent bait (54.66 Number of termites). Whereas, in aggregation test, of the lab experiment, maximum number of termites were also aggregated towards popular wood (37.77 Number of termites) while minimum termites were aggregated for patent bait (25.22 Number of termites). In the case of free choice under semi-field conditions, the highest number of termites were observed on popular wood i.e., 380.00 followed by the developed bait, which recorded 293.50 termites. On the other hand, the lowest number of termites were recorded on the patent bait i.e., 231.50. Similarly, when considering the maximum consumed weight in percentage, popular wood exhibited the highest value at 16.24%, closely followed by the developed bait at 15.67% while the patent bait displayed minimum consumed weight percentage of 12.89%. In overall experiments it is concluded that among all the tested treatments, termites mostly consumed popular wood and developed bait. Since the developed bait showed promising results in attracting termites, it is recommended to continue refining its formulation. Conduct additional research to identify the key components or additives that enhance its attractiveness and consumption by termites. This optimization process can help maximize the effectiveness of the bait as a termite control strategy. Adding more popular wood saw dust in the bait may achieve more significant and desired results and can also prove to be cost efficient rather than adding more cellulosic material.

Tendencies of Termites of the Genera Anacanthotermes Jacobson to Damage the Wooden Parts of Buildings

We have focused our research on determining whether the timbers used as a building material by the population today are resistant or nonresistant to termite damage. The main purpose of this was to learn which types of trees cannot be used as building materials for houses or other structures. In this, we used Salix, Populus, Aleagnus, Ulmus, Pinus, and Betula wood species. We carried out research both in the laboratory and in the field (termite nests and residential buildings). In this case, damage by termites of these pieces of wood placed around termite nests accounts for one year. Salix and Populus wood materials were 86.6±6/50.0±4 percent in laboratory conditions, 93.3±5/90±5 in home, and Pinus and Betula wood materials were 6.6±0.7/0 in laboratory conditions and 13, 3±2/3.3±0.8 percent in home were damage noted. The causes of serious damage to wooden materials by termites are mainly due to the increase of humidity and the growth of fungi. When fungal cultures were isolated from damaged wood and their morphological characteristics were studied, it was found that wood decay fungi belonging to the genera Alternaria and Cladosporium were present. When studying the content of substances difficult to decompose by enzymes and microorganisms in the wood materials, it was found lignin that 20.1±0.3% was present in Salix and 41.2±0.3% in Betula wood. It has been found that in areas with high humidity, wood materials are decomposed by fungi and other microorganisms and the microorganisms multiply faster, As a result, wood more damage by termites. Lignin and some of its compounds prevent the growth of microorganisms. Wood materials made from trees belonging to the genera Pinus and Betula are resistant to termite damage due to their high lignin content.

Effect of the Fungus Neoscylitiadium dimidiatum Penz. Reduction of Dry Weight and Specific Weight of Sapwood and Heartwood of the Trunks of Populus and Eucalyptus Trees

The study was carried out in the Forest Diseases Laboratory, Department of Forest Sciences, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Al Mosul. During the academic year 2021-2022, the Sakla wood is available in the wood stores in the city of Mosul. The study aimed at the effect of decay fungi on some local commercial woods, including populus and Eucalyptus The results of the field survey of wood stores in the city of Mosul showed that most of the wood was infected with brown rot fungus. As the severity of the infection varied in different proportions, the percentage of infection of populus wood columns was 75%, and the percentage of infection of Eucalyptus wood columns was 40%. The fungus Neoscylitiadium dimidiatum penz. caused a decrease in the dry weight of populus wood and Eucalyptus columns from the first month of incubation and continued gradually until the fifth month As the percentage of loss in the fifth month was 4.41% for the populus poles, and the percentage of loss was 3.33% for the Eucalyptus poles. The increase in the losses in the weight of the sap wood continued during the incubation stages and to a greater degree than the increase in the loss percentages in the heart wood.

Cell wall response of field grown Populus to Septoria infection.

Due to its ability to spread quickly and result in tree mortality, Sphaerulina musiva (Septoria) is one of the most severe diseases impacting Populus. Previous studies have identified that Septoria infection induces differential expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes. However, more extensive characterization of changes to lignin in response to Septoria infection is lacking. To study the changes of lignin due to Septoria infection, four field grown, naturally variant Populus trichocarpa exhibiting visible signs of Septoria infection were sampled at health, infected, and reaction zone regions for cell wall characterization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and acid hydrolysis were applied to identify changes to the cell wall, and especially lignin. FTIR and subsequent principal component analysis revealed that infected and reaction zone regions were similar and could be distinguished from the non-infected (healthy) region. NMR results indicated the general trend that infected region had a higher syringyl:guaiacyl ratio and lower p-hydroxybenzoate content than the healthy regions from the same genotype. Finally, Klason lignin content in the infected and/or reaction zone regions was shown to be higher than healthy region, which is consistent with previous observations of periderm development and metabolite profiling. These results provide insights on the response of Populus wood characteristics to Septoria infection, especially between healthy and infected region within the same genotype.

A multi-function bamboo-based solar interface evaporator for efficient solar evaporation and sewage treatment

Bamboo-based interfacial solar evaporation (B-BISE) is leading a new generation of biomass-based materials for solar-driven water purification. Compared with the popular wood, the variety, growth rate and unique channel structure of bamboo make it a research hotspot. Herein, inspired by bamboo transpiration, we manufactured an easily obtained solar evaporator. The TA/Fe3+ particles were successfully loaded onto the surface of bamboo by dipping it in tannic acid (TA) and Fe (III) solution. The acquired evaporator (TA/Fe3+-bamboo) has a unique structure that allows it to transport water horizontally and vertically, simultaneously low heat loss and outstanding light absorption can improve its evaporation performance. The evaporator exhibited evaporation performance with the rate of 1.152 kg m−2 h−1 and efficiency of 78.86 % at 1 kW m−2. Moreover, the device also exerted excellent decontamination function in sewage treatment, which was expected to obtain freshwater in sewage for human daily use. This research offers a new approach for effectively utilizing bamboo resources and provides a new direction for seawater desalination by using clean energy and biomass materials.

Discomycetes of the Livadiysky Ridge (Primorye Territory, Russia)

The article presents the results of a revision of the collection of discomycetes found in plant communities of the subalpine belt of the Livadiysky Ridge. The ridge is located in the south of Primorye Territory and is characterized as an area with well-preserved southern indigenous Far East vegetation in its lower belt. In the volume of the studied 118 specimens, 62 species were identified, among which are both widespread and new to Primorsky Krai. To date, 79 species of discomycetes are known to occur in the plant communities of the Livadia ridge. The list of species known in the mycobiota of Primorye Territory was supplemented by five taxa, of which three are new for the Far East region of Russia (Ciborinia candolleana, Paragalactinia michelii, Sphaerosporella hinnulea). For a number of rare species, new locations were noted. Thus, the second collection point in the region was indicated for Cenangium ferruginosum (on dead wood of Quercus mongolica) and for Sclerencoelia fascicularis (on dead wood of Populus sp.).

Woodworkers’ Demographic Characteristics and Perceptions of Popular Wood Preservatives in the Ghanaian Housing Industry

Woodworkers’ Demographic Characteristics and Perceptions of Popular Wood Preservatives in the Ghanaian Housing Industry

The artistic properties of rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.) as a reference for the development of decorative veneers and synthetic vinyl.

Research on the basic characteristics of sonokeling wood ( Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.) has not been carried out widely. These properties include texture, pattern and color. This research aims to study and recognize these characteristics as a consideration of potential utilization of sonokeling wood to be developed widely. One simple technique in diversifying beauty of this wood was by drying treatment and visual photography technology combination. The research results showed that sonokeling wood had a very clear difference between heartwood and sapwood, and the growth rings are clearly visible. The wood texture is rather rough, especially at sapwood. The texture is rather smooth and shiny on heartwood. The pattern is very clear with beautiful black lines. The pattern is an embodiment of anatomical, chemical characteristics and radial section appearance of sawn wood. In production of decorative veneer, pattern will appear maximal in veneer slicing technique. Average color value ( E ) of sapwood = 63.54 (brown-yellowish brown) while heartwood = 32.28 (dark brown-blackish brown). Sonokeling wood is worthy to be widely developed considering of its beautiful patterns and colors, especially for product diversification of decorative veneers and synthetic vinyl. So that sonokeling wood become one of popular wood, especially in Java Island.

Effect of Grain Husk Microfibers on Physicochemical Properties of Carboxymethyl Polysaccharides-Based Composite

Preparation of the novel biodegradable composites based on carboxymethylated starch and cellulose matrix containing plant fillers has been described. Adding the natural filler into polysaccharide derivatives allows remaining the biodegradable character of the final composite. As a filler milled cereal husks of various origins: rye, spelt, and rice were used. Rye and spelt fillers have not been used in biocomposite materials so far. Additionally, softwood flour was used for comparison. The grain husks are the waste products, and could be an alternative for popular wood fibers preserving wood resources. Introducing natural filler beneficially affected the mechanical parameters of the CMS/CMC system, as moisture absorption, as well as solubility in water decreased (e.g. by ca. 7% and 6%, respectively for CMS/CMC with rice husk filler when compared to the neat system). Moreover, the mechanical properties, i.e. Young’s modulus, and tensile strength increased. The chemical composition and size of natural fillers are essential factors determining the physicochemical properties of obtained composites, and cereal husks are promising raw materials for filling hydrophilic polysaccharide matrices. The obtained composites met the sustainability requirements as they were made from renewable resources, contributing to a lower environmental footprint.

Oil in Water Nanoemulsions Loaded with Tebuconazole for Populus Wood Protection against White- and Brown-Rot Fungi

Eugenol in water nanoemulsions loaded with tebuconazole appear as a very promising alternative formulations for wood protection against xylophagous fungi that are the main species responsible for different rots in wood structures. The dispersions as prepared and upon dilution (impregnation mixtures) were characterized by the apparent hydrodynamic diameter distribution of the oil droplets loaded with tebuconazole and their long-term stability. The impregnation mixtures were applied on wood of Populus canadensis I-214 clone by using a pressure-vacuum system, and the effectiveness against fungal degradation by Gloeophyllum sepiarium and Pycnoporus sanguineus fungi was determined. The retention of tebuconazole in wood was about 40% of the amount contained in the impregnation mixtures. The results showed that the impregnation process leads to a long-term antifungal protection to the wood, with the mass loss after 16 weeks being reduced more than 10 times in relation to the control (untreated poplar wood) and the reference wood (untreated beech wood).

Oil in Water Nanoemulsions Loaded with Tebuconazole for Populus Wood Protection against White- and Brown-Rot Fungi

Oil in Water Nanoemulsions Loaded with Tebuconazole for Populus Wood Protection against White- and Brown-Rot Fungi

Wood Utilization During the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age in the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang, China, With Special Emphasis on Betula (Betulaceae)

As a very important plant resource, wood played varied and important roles in the lives of ancient people. In the present study, wood was discovered in the Yanghai cemetery of the Turpan Basin, which belonged to the Subeixi culture (~1300BC–200AD). By using traditional classification techniques of wood anatomy, four taxa of wood, viz. Populus sp., Salix sp., Picea sp., as well as Betula sp., were identified. Woods of Populus, Salix, and Picea were mainly used for tomb construction, with Poplus sp. also used for tub and plate-making. Furthermore, the wood of Betula sp. was selected for dipper-making. Previous studies have shown that the ancient Yanghai people once led an agro-pastoral lifestyle, engaging in both agricultural activities in the local oasis and animal husbandry practices in the Tianshan Mountains. As trees adapted to the cold, wood of Picea sp. and Betula sp. could have been cut in the Tianshan Mountains during transhumance. Conversely, wood of Populus sp. and Salix sp. could have been cut either locally in the oasis of the Turpan Basin or in the river valleys of the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains far from Yanghai settlements.

Love It or Leave It: What Do Millennials Really Think of Wood Products?

Abstract In the past, the wood products industry has often struggled with effectively marketing products to the public. With the increase of globalization and wood substitutions, the industry may need new ways to attract customers. Targeting younger customers who have recently joined the buyer's market may be a way to increase the industry's market share and customer base. A study was conducted to understand the millennial generation's (individuals born from 1980 to 2000) knowledge and perception of wood products. In 2018, an online survey was distributed to over 1,500 millennial-aged individuals and 1,479 usable survey responses were returned. Results indicate that respondents have a favorable perception of wood products and that there is potential to change uncertain or negative perceptions by providing informative facts about wood products. Approximately 71 percent of millennials indicated paper and pulp to be the most popular wood product, followed by lumber (51%) Responses also showed that 84 percent of respondents perceived wood as beautiful and 54 percent indicated it appealed to their sense of style. In terms of strength and durability, 46 percent of the respondents did not perceive wood to be as strong as steel. They were unaware of cross-laminated timber (74%) and its structural benefits and did not feel it was a safe product to use in tall buildings (54%). Millennial females and all millennials ages 18–20 held particularly stronger attitudes about wood products. The information gained from this research can be valuable when developing strategies to promote products and attract new customers.

Extractives elucidation of Taiwania cryptomerioides sapwood

Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) has long been regarded as a living fossil from the Tertiary period of Mesozoic Era for its distinguished yellowish-red color with purplish-pink streaks presented in its heartwood. With this elegant appearance that matches the color “red” for good fortune in the Taiwanese culture, Taiwania is supposed to be a popular wood in Taiwan where it is a native species of. Extractives contribute to the properties of wood. It is a fascinating subject to investigate extractives biosynthesis in the process of heartwood formation. Up to date, there is no phytochemistry study of Taiwania sapwood. In this study, three new sesquiterpenoids, Taiwania A (1), Taiwania B (2), and Taiwania C (3), together with 75 known compounds in the Taiwania sapwood. The structures of extractives were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the literatures. This study supported secondary reaction lignans could be found in sapwood that confirmed our previous research on the Taiwania-type of heartwood formation.

Comparative studies on lignin structures in normal and tension wood of Populus × euramericana cv. “74/76”

Tension wood is a type of defect of wood, however, it has some especial character and structure. In this study, cellulase lignin structures in normal and tension wood of Poplar 107 (Populus × euramericana cv. ‘74/76’) were compared using ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman and magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and elemental analysis. The results showed that the lignins in both normal and tension wood were dominated by syringyl units, followed by guaiacyl and p-hydroxyphenyl units. The FT-IR result presented that the relative intensity of syringyl units in normal and tension wood were 0.87 and 0.90. The contents of aliphatic hydroxyl, methoxyl, condensed phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl of lignin in tension wood were higher than those of phenolic hydroxyl groups and β-5. The contents of β-O-4, β-β and β-1 in tension wood were similar with those in normal wood. The average per-C9-unit formulae of the lignin in normal and tension wood of Poplar 107 were C9H7.21O1.79 (OH)1.17_x0001_(OCH3)1.55 and C9H7.23O1.76(OH)1.25_x0001_(OCH3)1.62, respectively.