Stem Quality Research Articles

Hemp harvest time impacts on the dynamics of microbial colonization and hemp stems degradation during dew retting

Dew retting, a selective microbial degradation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) stems occurring after harvest under local climatic conditions, is an important field process for plant fibre uses. We investigated how the crop harvest time, which depends on the hemp valorization strategy envisaged by the farmer, affected the initial stem quality and the subsequent microbial degradation dynamics of retting. We used simulated rains and dews to carry out retting under laboratory conditions for 42 days at 15 °C with hemp stems harvested at different times (flowering and seed maturity stage). The microbial colonization and changes in the bast tissue architecture were tracked from day 0 to day 42 using colorimetry, surface infrared spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The early changes in the microbial colonization and color of the stem surface and the degradation of the bast tissue parenchyma followed the same pattern during retting for the two stem qualities. However, the kinetic of these processes was 7–14 days faster for the flowering stems, which had higher initial soluble and lower lignin contents than the mature stems. The results suggest a promising potential use of colorimetry and surface infrared spectroscopy data as candidate indicators for the dew retting progress in the field. Besides the results of this study indicate that differences in hemp stem chemical composition due to different crop harvest time significantly impacted microbial colonization, biofilm formation and eventually dew retting duration.

Genomic Predictions Using Low-Density SNP Markers, Pedigree and GWAS Information: A Case Study with the Non-Model Species Eucalyptus cladocalyx.

High-throughput genotyping techniques have enabled large-scale genomic analysis to precisely predict complex traits in many plant species. However, not all species can be well represented in commercial SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) arrays. In this study, a high-density SNP array (60 K) developed for commercial Eucalyptus was used to genotype a breeding population of Eucalyptus cladocalyx, yielding only ~3.9 K informative SNPs. Traditional Bayesian genomic models were investigated to predict flowering, stem quality and growth traits by considering the following effects: (i) polygenic background and all informative markers (GS model) and (ii) polygenic background, QTL-genotype effects (determined by GWAS) and SNP markers that were not associated with any trait (GSq model). The estimates of pedigree-based heritability and genomic heritability varied from 0.08 to 0.34 and 0.002 to 0.5, respectively, whereas the predictive ability varied from 0.19 (GS) and 0.45 (GSq). The GSq approach outperformed GS models in terms of predictive ability when the proportion of the variance explained by the significant marker-trait associations was higher than those explained by the polygenic background and non-significant markers. This approach can be particularly useful for plant/tree species poorly represented in the high-density SNP arrays, developed for economically important species, or when high-density marker panels are not available.

Radiological evaluation of cementing quality in femoral stem arthroplasty, by free hand versus gun technique

Background: The objective of the study was evaluate radiologically the cementing quality of femoral stem in replacement of hip by free hand versus gun technique of cementing, using grading system of Barrack’s and to find out intra observer agreement and inter observer agreement of grades for femoral stem cementation in hip replacement.Methods: In the present experimental randomized study, 50 cases of hip arthroplasty were evaluated for cementing quality of femoral stem by free hand versus gun technique of cementing. Standard anterio-posterior radiographs of hip with thigh was taken in 15 degree internal rotation and lateral view was taken in shoot through lateral projections. The radiographic evaluation of same radiographs was done at post op day one and after 6 weeks. All the subjects included in the study were subjected to comparison of cementing quality of femoral stem by using Barrack’s cement grading system. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 24.0; SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA. Interpretation and analysis of obtained results was carried out by descriptive method and data presented as summary statistics. The Kappa coefficient was calculated by statistical analysis, which assessed the agreement among tests with categorical variables.Results: The most frequent gradings were grade A in the hip replacements done by Gun technique and grade B in the cases done by Hand technique. We verified the Kappa coefficient for intra observer agreement (0.40 to 0.52), which represented modest to moderate strength of agreement and Kappa coefficient for inter observer agreement (0.45 to 0.55) which reported modest to moderate strength of agreement. Conclusion: We conclude that the Gun technique of cementing is superior to the hand cementing technique. Simple radiographic evaluation is not suitable for the assessment of cementation quality, which support previous studies recommendation not to use radiographic grading systems alone as a marker for defining the longevity of the arthroplasty.

Genetic parameters of growth and quality traits in open-pollinated silver birch progeny tests

Genetic parameters of growth and stem quality traits were estimated for open-pollinated silver birch Roth progenies in Latvia at the age of 10 and 14 years. Tree height and stem volume were found to be under strong genetic control at both inventories (narrow-sense heritabilities varied from 0.41 to 0.66). Mainly low heritabilities were found for stem defects, yet genetic control of branch diameter, stem straightness and overall stem quality varied from low to high depending on study site. High additive genetic coefficient of variation was found for stem volume (25.3–32.5%). Genetic correlations among growth traits were strong and positive (0.90–0.99). Mainly weak genetic correlations between growth and quality traits implied simultaneous improvement. Still, strong negative correlations between branch angle and stem straightness might result in enlarged knot size for straighter logs. The genetic age-age correlations were strong. Weak genotype by environment interaction and stability of best genotypes over different sites was indicated by strong genetic correlations between trials. Each growth or quality trait alone showed substantial improvement in terms of estimated genetic gain (up to 62% over trial mean for stem volume). Therefore, selection index combining both growth and stem quality may be developed.Betula pendula

Phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum

Abstract The chemical profile of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum has been indicated as the botanical origin of Brazilian red propolis, an apicultural product with proven therapeutic properties. However, few studies have investigated this plant species. This study evaluated and compared microbiological quality, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of stem and leaf samples of D. ecastaphyllum. The samples were collected in February 2015, in the southern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. We performed the microbiological analyses, determined the contents of fatty acid, total phenol and flavonoid, and identified the chemical profile and antioxidant activit. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and sulfite reducing clostridial spores were not detected in the samples. Acids of the family ω3 were recorded in the stems and ω6 in the leaves. The leaves presented better nutritional quality of the fraction, better antioxidant capacity in the tests by the DPPH method and β-carotene bleaching. There were 49 chemical compounds, of which 38 belonged to the class of flavonoids. The results indicate that stems and leaves of D. ecastaphyllum have biological properties. Leaves particularly are better for functional food formulation and as natural antioxidant.

Sawlog quality and tree dimensions of Scots pine 34 years after artificial moose browsing damage

Moose ( L.) browsing causes severe damage in Scots pine ( L.) seedling stands. The effects of this damage on the quality of sawlogs were studied in a long-term controlled experiment. This article reports the stem size and external quality characteristics of Scots pine stems 34 years after artificial moose browsing damage. Damaging the trees by clipping the main stem at the seedling stage reduced the diameter, height, and tree volume of the trees at the end of the experiment. The tree growth reduction was dependent on the severity of clipping. The differences between the damaged and the control trees were more obvious in diameter than in height at the time of final felling. Stem form defects and vertical branches were the most typical externally detectable defects caused by clipping. Defects in the butt logs were detected in 71–89% of the damaged trees, depending on the clipping treatment severity. The stronger the clipping treatment, the more likely the stem form was defected and the more commonly were vertical branches and crooks detected in the stems. The results indicate that both tree dimensions and stem quality suffer from moose browsing. The findings of this controlled experiment more likely underestimate than overestimate the damage in comparison to real moose browsing. Further analyses are required to assess the effects of browsing damage on the internal quality of sawlogs and subsequent economic outcomes.Alces alcesPinus sylvestris

Результати 20-річних випробувань кандидатів у сорти-популяції синтетичні сосни звичайної в умовах ДП «Зміївське ЛГ» на Харківщині

Висвітлено результати дослідження сортовипробних культур сосни звичайної в ДП «Зміївське ЛГ» Харківської області, де представлено потомства дев’яти клонових насінних плантацій та однієї постійної лісонасінної ділянки – кандидати у сорти-популяції синтетичні та їхні регіональні контрольні варіанти (Харківська, Київська, Рівненська й Волинська області). Оцінено ростові (висота, діаметр), якісні (прямизна стовбура) показники та стан насіннєвих потомств у 5- та 20-річному віці. Відзначено добру збережуваність потомств у сортовипробних культурах (46,7 %). Кращими за результатами комплексного балового оцінювання потомств у 5-річному віці визнано кандидати у сорти-популяції з Харківщини 'Прихилки-2' та 'Географічний', у 20-річному віці – 'Географічний'. Потомства з Харківської та Київської областей за сумою отриманих балів не поступаються місцевому контролю, а деякі випереджають його; до групи з гіршими за контроль результатами віднесено потомства з Волинської та Рівненської областей.

Optimal sowing time and planting density for selected field grown cut Antirrhinum and Matthiola

A field study was conducted on selected cultivars of Antirrhinum majus L. and Matthiola incana L. at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to determine the best planting time and density to develop optimal planting protocols to grow these species as cut flowers in the sub-tropics. Antirrhinum and Matthiola seeds were sown five times at 15 or 16 d intervals on 15 Sept., 01 Oct., 15 Oct., 01 Nov. or 15 Nov. In a separate study, the optimum planting density was determined by transplanting seedlings at 15 × 15, 15 × 22.5, 22.5 × 22.5, 22.5 × 30 or 30 × 30 cm apart. For planting time, both species demonstrated shorter crop time with delayed sowings, but delayed sowing reduced stem quality. Cultivars of both species sown on 15 Sept. had the tallest plant height, 104.2 and 58.6 cm for Antirrhinum and Matthiola, respectively, along with the greatest number of leaves (176.7 and 28.9), leaf area (13.7 and 35.0 cm2), number of florets (32.8 and 14.8), floret diameter (41.3 and 47.3 mm), raceme length (27.2 and 14.6 cm) and stem diameter 14.8 and 9.9 mm for Antirrhinum and Matthiola, respectively, compared to those sown on 15 Nov. Moreover, vase life of stems of both species decreased (4.0 d for Antirrhinum and 5.5 d for Matthiola) with delayed sowing time. Among all tested cultivars of Antirrhinum, ‘Admiral White’ flowered the earliest, ‘Potomac Orange’ and ‘Potomac Yellow’ flowered mid season, and ‘Potomac Rose’ and ‘Potomac White’ took longest to produce flowers, while all Matthiola cultivars produced flowers at similar times for each sowing date. Antirrhinum and Matthiola planted at 30 × 30 cm spacing had greatest number of leaves (198.1 and 31.4 for Antirrhinum and Matthiola, respectively), leaf area (14.3 and 40.1 cm2), number of florets (32.4 and 15.4), floret diameter (36.1 and 47.7 mm), raceme length (26.2 cm of Antirrhinum only) and stem diameter (14.1 and 14.7 mm for Antirrhinum and Matthiola, respectively) compared to those planted at 15 cm × 15 cm. In summary, for extending harvest season, Antirrhinum cultivars may be sown at same time, but Matthiola cultivars should be grown using staggered sowing times. Antirrhinum and Matthiola cultivars may be sown on 15th September to 1st October and transplanted at 22.5 × 22.5 cm spacing for best cut stem quality.

In vitro digestibility assessment of banana stem silage (Musa paradisiaca) inoculated with EM-4 and different accelerators added as ruminant feed

Utilization of banana (Musa paradisiaca) stem as ruminant feed is limited by low crude protein and high crude fiber content. High water content of banana stems accelerates the decay process. Implementation of ensilage technology with the addition of inoculants and accelerators is intended to increase the nutritional value of the banana stem and its storability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro digestibility of banana stem silage inoculated with EM-4 and different accelerators addition as ruminant feed. This study was design as a completely randomized design consisted of 4 treatments, namely R0 (control without accelerator), addition of rice bran (R1), cassava (R2) and sago (R3) with 4 replications each. Parameters measured in this study were in vitro pH value, N-NH3 concentration, dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility. The result showed that cassava added silage produced the lowest (P<0.01) pH value compared to other treatments and increased (P<0.01) in vitro N-NH3 concentration, DM and OM digestibility compared to control. It was concluded that addition of cassava as accelerators improved the fermentation quality of banana stem, as shown by the lowest pH value and the highest in vitro N-NH3 concentration, DM and OM digestibility.

Anatomical Characteristics of Six Calamus Species of Kalimantan Barat

The stem anatomy of six species of Calamus from Kalimantan Barat was studied to explore the anatomical character to distinguish the rattan at the species level. The Calamus species has been used as the raw material of plaited art by the indigenous people of the Dayak Iban-Desa. The anatomy character was observed from the transversal section, radial section, and maceration. The main aspect has observed from this research are epidermis, vessel, and fiber dimension. Epidermis cell type, epidermis lumen type, and the number of hypodermis layer were observed as the important character to distinguish the Calamus based on epidermis character. Type of ground parenchyma, present of the canal resin, number of protoxylems, and vessel density are the important characters based on vessel character. Fiber length and fiber wall thickness are the important characters to identify the rattan species and also to predict the quality of rattan stem. The tentative identification key to rattan species has been prepared using the combination of the anatomical character.

KUALITAS KAYU SUNGKAI (Peronema canescens) DAN SENGON (Paraserianthes falcataria) PADA HUTAN RAKYAT DI KABUPATEN TABALONG KALIMANTAN SELATAN (Wood Quality of Peronema canescencs and Paraserianthes falcataria in the Community Forest of Tabalong, South Kali

ABSTRACTCommunity forest has a big value to be developed in the scrubs and degraded land thatgone the round of land in Indonesia. Developing community forest is able to increase product ofdomestic wood, moreover, community forest also can improve social earnings. This research wasaimed to know the history of community forest using species of Peronema canescens andParaserianthes falcataria in Tabalong District, South Kalimantan Province and also to knowexpectation and constraint met. The result of this research indicates that density of plans are lowand mixed with other plant. The densities of sengon and sungkai area are 158 trees/ha and 132trees/ha, respectively. Stem quality of Peronema canescens and Paraserianthes falcataria isstill low. Empowerment and construction in order to develop the community forest are veryimportant to be done.Keywords : Community forest, Peronema canescens, Paraserianthes falcataria

Intraspecific Competition Affects Crown and Stem Characteristics of Non-Native Quercus rubra L. Stands in Germany

Accurate guidelines for silvicultural management of exotic tree species in Germany are sparse. For example, northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is the most commonly planted exotic deciduous tree species in Germany, but its response to varying levels of competition intensity has not yet been adequately explored. Here, we used terrestrial laser scanning to non-destructively examine the responses of stem and crown characteristics of Quercus rubra to intraspecific competition. A total of 100 dominant red oak trees were investigated in ten pure red oak stands, located in five federal states of Germany. The external stem quality characteristics namely stem non-circularity and bark anomalies decreased with increasing tree competition. Also, the crown characteristics crown volume, crown surface area, maximum crown area, crown length, and branch length declined by the degree of individual tree competition. We conclude that individual tree properties can be controlled by competition intensity, resulting in improved timber quality as shown for other tree species.

STEM Leader Excellence: A Modified Delphi Study of Critical Skills, Competencies, and Qualities

With the push by government and business leaders for greater emphasis on STEM education at all grade levels, STEM leaders (i.e., educational leadership and teacher leaders) are challenged to pioneer integrative praxes that prepare students for success in a scientifically and technologically driven society. Additionally, these STEM leaders must transverse the barriers of developing transformative educational experiences that involve diverse stakeholders. This study utilized a modified Delphi technique to investigate what STEM leader skills, competencies, and qualities are identified as critical by STEM professionals within integrative STEM education. Findings are presented for the following seven themes: mission and culture, equity and social responsibility, infrastructure and programming, curriculum and instruction, professional growth, evaluation and assessment, and extended learning. These findings may inform the development of courses and programs that prepare or provide professional development for STEM leaders.

Does the application of silvicultural management models drive the growth and stem quality of sweet chestnut coppices towards sustainability?

The coppice is a very flexible cultural system producing several calibers adapting to the demands of the market. Small-caliber roundwood from sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) coppices, formerly in great demand, is now less interesting for the market. Thus, the improvement of coppices management by applying alternative silvicultural models in order to obtain benefits and sustainability is essential. For this purpose, four permanent plots (P1–P4) were established in 1994 to monitor different coppice management systems. The plots were installed in a coppice which resulted from the final clear cut of a sweet chestnut high-forest stand in 1992, at 50 years old. Three silvicultural management models were tested in order to produce roundwood of small (P1), medium (P2), and large (P4) diameters. A control plot was established without any type of silviculture which corresponds to most of the existing chestnut coppices (P3 = without intervention). Thinnings were applied in the plots according to the respective management model. Twenty-four years after the sprouting of the coppice, the silvicultural models were evaluated according to their objectives in terms of growth, yield, and quality of the sawlogs. This assessment period corresponds to the end of the rotation period for P1, and the results are in accordance with expected values. In P2 and P4 the observed growth closely matches expectations for this growth stage of the coppice. The quality of the sawlogs is clearly superior to that of the plot without intervention. Comparing the mean dendrometric values, higher values were observed in plots where the models were applied. The results also show that when roundwood is used for saw-timber, silvicultural management is essential.

Growth and stem quality of hardwood trees planted 18–29 years ago on abandoned farmland following recommended silvicultural practices

The objective of this study is to provide an account of the growth results of valuable hardwood plantations several decades old which have received silvicultural treatments recommended for planting hardwoods on abandoned farmland. Diameter growth and stem quality of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) and red oak (Quercus rubra L.) are analysed. Data were from 15 plantations located in south-western Quebec. The mean annual diameter increments were highest for red oak (0.83 cm yr-1) and black walnut (0.75 cm yr-1), and lowest for bur oak (0.55 cm yr-1) and sugar maple (0.51 cm yr-1). These values are comparable to, or exceed, the best rates in the literature. A mean proportion of 78% to 95% of the first log without defects were produced, depending on the species. Tree mean densities (640 trees/ha) will allow a selection of better stems by thinning. Elite trees have diameters that are 17% to 23% above the average. These results lead us to believe in the potential for the production of quality hardwood timber in plantations in Québec.

Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) biomass production on a former coal mine site: positive effects of coppicing on rapid recovery of growth and yield

Ten-year-old bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) saplings established on the exposed, infertile, treeless barrens of a former coal mine site in New Brunswick, Canada, were harvested to assess the effects of subsequent coppicing on regrowth parameters and biomass production. Two years after harvesting, coppice height growth exceeded that of the original 10-year-old saplings by 20%. Mean stem numbers were 1.2 and 6.7 for 10-year-old and coppiced trees, respectively. Mean dry mass recovered after 2 years with 214, 112, and 207 g for 10-year-old saplings and the 1- and 2-year-old coppices, respectively. Site quality of the broken shale rock overburden was similar across four of the five sites, with the exception that one site had twice the soil nitrogen (N) at 0.123% than the other four site types, which had an average of 0.064% N. This high N site had 2.3-fold the productivity of the mean for the other four sites. Mean coppice stem height showed the strongest predictive relationship to total coppice dry mass when compared with the greatest stem height, greatest or mean stem basal diameter, or coppice stem number. The most dramatic result of this bur oak coppicing experiment was the rapid recovery of height growth, biomass production, and observable stem quality within coppices over the 2-year period following harvesting of the original, 10-year-old saplings.

Photosynthetic capacity, nutrient and water status following precommercial thinning in Anatolian black pine

Changes in gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, midday xylem water potential (Ψmd) and needle nutrient status of the trees and environmental conditions following precommercial thinning (PCT) in the naturally regenerated Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe stand was studied in forest districts of the western Mediterranean region of Turkey. An experiment involving two PCT treatments (spacing varied between 3.0 to 3.5 m and between 2.0 to 2.5 m) and one control (unthinned) was established in late April 2015. Different physiological responses to environmental changes following thinning were observed during the next three growing seasons. The soil water content (SWC) and temperature, Ψmd, chlorophyll pigments, needle N, P, and K concentrations, and gas exchange parameters were affected by PCT and the season. Compared to the unthinned plots, PCT increased the SWC and the soil temperature. The SWC was higher in the 3–3.5 m spaced plots. Increases in soil temperatures were generally similar between PCT treatments. The Ψmd, net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) of the trees in the thinned plots increased significantly compared to unthinned trees. This increase was attributed to increases in the SWC and decreases in soil temperature. The PCT with 3–3.5 m spacing had the highest Ψmd and A or similar to the 2–2.5 m spacing. However, the A, E, and gs was higher at 2–2.5 m spacing in the dry period (July) of the second and third years after PCT. Needle N (May 2015), P (September 2015), and K (July 2016) concentrations increased after the PCT with 3–3.5 m spacing compared with the unthinned and the 2–2.5 m spacing. Needle K concentration was negatively correlated with Ψmd and positively with WUE. A, gs and E were positively correlated with needle P concentration but not correlated with needle N concentration. The chlorophyll content of the unthinned trees remained high in the spring, similar to the 3–3.5 m spacing in the summer. The Ψmd, A, gs, and E varied seasonally in both unthinned and thinned plots, with the higher values in the spring and lower values in summer. According to the short-term results, the PCT with the 2–2.5 m spacing appeared more appropriate when the 3–3.5 m spacing might negatively impact soil, water, and photosynthetic parameters in extreme drought years and management objectives such as improvement of stem quality are considered.

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of stalk cell wall components and digestibility in maize recombinant inbred lines from B73 × By804

The cell wall composition and structure of the maize stalk directly affects its digestibility and in turn its feed value. Previous studies of stem quality have focused mostly on common maize germplasm, and few studies have focused on high-oil cultivars with high grain and straw quality. Investigation of the genetic basis of cell wall composition and digestibility of maize stalk using high-oil maize is desirable for improving maize forage quality. In the present study, a high-oil inbred line (By804) was crossed as male parent with the maize inbred line B73 to construct a population of 188 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The phenotypes of six cell-wall-related traits were recorded, and QTL analysis was performed with a genetic map constructed with SNP markers. All traits were significantly correlated with one another and showed high broad-sense heritability. Of 20 QTLs mapped, the QTL associated with each trait explained 10.0%–41.1% of phenotypic variation. Approximately half of the QTL each explained over 10% of the phenotypic variation. These results provide a theoretical basis for improving maize forage quality by marker-assisted selection.

Environmental factors and wood qualities of African blackwood, Dalbergia melanoxylon, in Tanzanian Miombo natural forest

African blackwood (ABW) (Dalbergia melanoxylon) mainly occurs in the coastal areas of East Africa, including in Tanzania and Mozambique, and its heartwood is commonly known to be one of the most valuable materials used in the production of musical instruments. Although the heartwood is one of the most expensive timbers in the world, very low material yield has recently resulted in the significant reduction of natural individuals. This might have serious impact on local communities, because this tree is apparently the only species that can support their livelihood. Therefore, a solution to the problem is urgently needed in terms of the sustainable development of communities. In this study, we survey environmental factors (stand structure and soil properties) in the Miombo woodlands of southern Tanzania, where ABW was once widely distributed, to clarify the factors affecting growing conditions of ABW. Three community forests located in Kilwa District, Lindi, Tanzania, were selected as the survey sites, and 10–13 small plots (0.16 ha/plot) were randomly established at each site. In addition, the stem qualities of standing trees were evaluated by visual inspection rating and a non-destructive measurement of stress-wave velocity, for understanding the relationship between environmental factors and growth form. It was found that ABW was widely distributed under various environmental conditions with intensive population, and that their growth form depended on environmental factors. Since there was no significant difference of stress-wave velocities among the site, our findings suggest that the dynamic properties of ABW trees does not depend on growth conditions, which is generally influenced by various external factors. These results present important information regarding the sustainable forest management of ABW.

Phenological forms of aspen in the Central Black Earth region of European Russia

The main purpose of this work is to define the biological and economic features of various phenological forms of aspen. The research objectives were to visualize the early budbreaking (E), the late budbreaking (L) and the intermediate budbreaking (I) aspen phenological forms and to study the differences in prevalence of heart rot attack, productivity and quality of wood stock, and timber density. The research methodology included stationary and route observations. Stationary surveys were conducted on 4 pairs of trial areas in the C2 and D3 forest types. It is observed 620 allotments (total area 823.1 ha). It was found that budbreaking of the E-forms began in for 7-14 days earlier than of the L-forms. The prevalence of heart rot attack among the L-forms was by 30-40 % less, than among the E-forms. The stem quality of the L-forms was higher by 14-50 %. The timber density of the L-forms is reliability higher than of the E-forms.