Timber Quality Research Articles

Sissoo, its Pathogenic Constraints and their Management in Nepal: A review

Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) is a deciduous tree, native to Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. The tree is traditionally used for making furniture, fodder and herbal medicine. It is also used as shelter-wood, and in conserving soil in degraded areas. This review focuses on the health management practices against pathogenic constraints in sissoo. Literature published till June 2020 was considered to understand the biology of the tree species and associated pathogens apart from understanding the management practices to treat the diseases. Despite the massive significance of this tree, available publications on the pathogenic risks and the strategies to cope with them are unnoticed so far. This article expects to bring together information on sissoo tree’s biology, pathogen attacks and its management. Of various fungal diseases in sissoo, this article deals with only two of the fungal diseases, Fusarium solani and Ganoderma lucidum, which cause dieback and root rot in sissoo, respectively. The findings highlighted can further reinforce the current sissoo management and pathogen control strategies and improve its health to augment high quality timber.

ANALYSIS OF SOUND SPEED IN LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION AT REFERENCE MOISTURE CONTENT (w = 12 %) IN SAWMILL ASSORTMENTS (FAGUS SYLVATICA, L.)

This paper explores the analysis of sound speeds in the longitudinal direction and their reduction to the reference moisture content w = 12 %. The sound speed cw was determined with Sylvatest Duo device. Moisture content of beech sawmill assortments (round timber: N = 16, logs: N = 2 × 16, structural boards: N = 54) in the range of 12 – 72 % was measured. For the analysis purposes, the sound speed was converted to reference conditions (c12, uref = 12%). A second-degree polynomial (parabola) with a regression equation of the form: c// = 5649 - 27,371 × w + 0.0735 × w2 was used to convert cw to c12, and correction of measured and calculated values was used as well. The sound speeds c12 in sawmill assortments (c12,round, c12,log, c12,board) were evaluated by linear dependences. Dependence was not confirmed for c12,round and c12,board1 (r = 0.168), in contrast for c12,round and c12,log2 the dependence is statistically very significant (r = 0.634). The results of testing showed that the most suitable procedure for predicting quality of structural timber is the first step round timber – log2, the second step: log2 - board2. More exact results of the construction boards were obtained from log2 than from log1. The sound speed is used in the calculation of dynamic modulus of elasticity (Edyn). EN 408 mentions the possibility of using dynamic modulus of elasticity as an alternative method in predicting the quality of structural timber.

Ungulate-adapted forestry shows promise for alleviating pine browsing damage

High densities of ungulates can increase human-wildlife conflicts. Where forestry is an important economy, intensive browsing can lead to browsing damage, resulting in volume losses, poor stand regeneration, and reduced timber quality. The forestry industry thus looks for practical, long-term measures to mitigate browsing damage. We tested the effect of two mitigation measures on moose (Alces alces) browsing behaviour and damage to Scots pine (Pinus sylvetris): (1) ungulate-adapted slash piles (i.e., palatable species only) created during felling to increase short-term food availability and (2) intensified soil scarification to increase long-term food availability (collectively, ‘ungulate-adapted forestry’). Our study occurred in southern Norway where we established fixed vegetation and moose faecal pellet plots at varying distances from conventional and ungulate-adapted slash piles and scarified stands. We evaluated the effects of ungulate-adapted slash piles and intensified scarification on the density of undamaged Scots pine, moose bite diameters, browsing pressure, and moose faecal pellet density. To assess the effect of spatial scale, we created 250 m, 500 m, and 1000-m radius buffers centered on each plot. We found that ungulate-adapted logging near our plots increased the density of undamaged pines, as compared to no and conventional logging. We found that logging in general led to smaller bite diameters. We also found that plots near conventional logging had higher browsing pressure, whereas browsing pressure near ungulate-adapted logging was similar to unlogged stands. For scarification, density of undamaged pine increased when the ungulate-adapted stand aged whereas undamaged pine decreased as conventional scarification stands aged. Browsing pressure showed a response at the smallest spatial scale only for ungulate-adapted scarification. Peak moose habitat use near conventional and ungulate-adapted scarified stands differed by stand age and distance from scarification. The overall effects of ungulate-adapted forestry were most pronounced at the smallest spatial scale (250 m). Our results support ‘ungulate-adapted’ forestry as a practical solution to mitigate browsing damage but uncertainty in some of our estimates suggest further research on the area treated is needed.

Genetic structure of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens [D. Don] Endl.) populations in and outside of the natural distribution range based on nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers.

Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) naturally growing in southern Oregon and northern California is one of the few conifer tree species that are polyploid. Despite its unique ecological and economic importance, its population genetic structure is still insufficiently studied. To obtain additional data on its population genetic structure we genotyped 317 samples collected from populations in California (data set C) and 144 trees growing in a provenance trial in France (data set F) using 12 nuclear (five random nuclear genomic nSSRs and seven expressed sequence tag EST-SSRs) and six chloroplast (cpSSRs) microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, respectively. These data sets were also used as reference to infer the origin of 147 coast redwood trees growing in Germany (data set G). Coast redwood was introduced to Europe, including Germany as an ornamental species, decades ago. Due to its fast growth and high timber quality, it could be considered as a potential commercial timber species, especially in perspective to climate warming that makes more regions in Germany suitable for its growing. The well performing trees in colder Germany could be potential frost resistant genotypes, but their genetic properties and origin are mostly unknown. Within the natural range in southern Oregon and northern California, only two relatively weak clusters were identified, one northern and one southern, separated by the San Francisco Bay. High genetic diversity, but low differentiation was found based on the 12 nuclear SSR markers for all three data sets F, C and G. We found that investigated 147 German trees represented only 37 different genotypes. They showed genetic diversity at the level less than diversity observed within the natural range in the northern or southern cluster, but more similar to the diversity observed in the southern cluster. It was difficult to assign German trees to the original single native populations using the six cpSSR markers, but rather to either the northern or southern cluster. The high number of haplotypes found in the data sets based on six cpSSR markers and low genetic differentiation based on 12 nuclear SSRs found in this study helps us study and better understand population genetic structure of this complex polyploid tree and supports the selection of potential genotypes for German forestry.

Added values of the local timbers materials for main bridge frame structures utilizing laminating composites technology

The objectives of this article are to seek the opportunity to enhance the local Indonesia timber material physical performances (encompassing the low-class quality of III and IV timbers with the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) = 5,000 - 9,000 MPa) utilizing laminated composite technology to become higher-class timber quality (class II) with the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)> 15,000 MPa so that it can be used as an alternative material for constructing the bridge mainframe structures (girder beams) especially for the Indragiri Hilir regency, Riau Province, Indonesia. This regency needs several hundred small-medium bridges for connecting 20 districts, 39 wards, and 197 villages using local materials such as local timbers. This laminating technology is not a new technology but the utilization of this technology for constructing the main bridges structures is challenging and limited to the implementation in the civil construction industrial sector. This study composed 2 types of the low-class quality (lcq) of timber materials (such as Shorea sp and Shorea peltata Sym) and 2 types of medium class-quality (mcq) ones (Dipterocarpus and Calophyllum) for constructing the main bridge structures. Based on the laboratory test results utilizing 80% of lcq materials and 20% mcq ones, these composite timber materials may increase the timbers MOE by 145% to 166% from the existing MOE value of the mcq solid timbers. Based on the simulations these laminated composites wooden bridge girders 2 x (70x20) m2, these timber materials have passed all the tests and the application of this technology may improve the lcq timber values and it could be used for an alternative material of the bridge girder's main structures.

Multi-tree cut-to-length harvesting of short-rotation poplar plantations

Small tree size represents the main challenge when designing a cost-effective harvesting system for European short-rotation plantations. This challenge is further complicated by the need to obtain 4-m logs for high-end products, which rules out the possibility of deploying whole-tree chipping. Both challenges can be met through mass or multi-tree handling (MTH), which must begin at the time of felling and continue uninterrupted along the whole supply chain. The objective was to: (1) gauge the productivity and the cost of CTL harvesting applied to these plantations; (2) assess log yield and capacity to match dimensional specifications; (3) determine if MTH applied to CTL technology offers a real benefit compared with conventional single-tree handling. The authors conducted a time study using a block design with a two-machine cut-to-length harvesting system (i.e. harvester and forwarder) in single- and multi-tree handling operations on the clear cutting of a hybrid poplar plantation in Poland, as well as we manually measured the produced volumes of the study. Higher productivity (+ 8%) was achieved under the multi-stem handling mode. The MTH system proved capable of containing harvesting costs below € 15 per green ton, while fulfilling set timber quality requirements in terms of value recovery and log quality specifications. A new, software-based, MTH system is recommended to be used in short-rotation poplar plantation for logs and biomass harvesting. When the coppicing season is over, the system can be deployed for the conventional thinning operations.

The Influence Of Massage On Sleep Quality In Children's Pre-School

Introduction: Sleep disturbance is one of the problems that is often encountered in preschool children. About 44,2% of preschoolers experience sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can affect children's behavior and emotions, cause drowsiness during the day, reduce children's attention at school, get tired easily, reduce physical activity, reduce memory, children become fussy and temper tantrums. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of giving massage to sleep quality in preschool children in a Kindergarten in Lawang Hospital.
 Methods: The design in this study is the Pre-Experiment (Pre and Post-test design). The Affordable population is all preschool age children in a Kindergarten in Lawang who have 45 sleep disorders, the sample in this study amounted to 35 children. The sampling technique used was Simple Random Sampling. Analysis of paired data (pre and post-test) on sleep quality variables used the Wilcoxon test. If the statistical test results obtained p <0.05, then H1 is accepted, it means the research hypothesis is accepted.
 Results: The results showed the quality of sleep before giving massage mostly poor, the quality of sleep after giving massage is mostly good, there is an effect of giving massage to the quality of sleep in preschool children in a Kindergarten in Lawang.
 Conclusion: The study concludes that there is an effect of giving massage to the quality of timber in preschool children in a Kindergarten in Lawang.

Correction to: Effects of chemical sterilization of the culture media, porous membranes and luminosity on in vitro culture of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla

Hybrid combinations of Eucalyptus have increased due to expansion of plantations into unconventional areas and to the search for higher quality timber. However, most of these species have difficulties surviving in vitro cultivation. Active chlorine and sealing systems are often used to reduce contamination and increase gas exchange. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the establishment, multiplication, elongation and adventitious rooting of E. grandis × E. urophylla. Two clones (C1 and C2) and four active chlorine concentrations (0.000%, 0.001%, 0.003%, and 0.005%) were tested in the establishment and multiplication phases. Three sealing forms (W/M, 1/M and 3/M) and the same four active chlorine concentrations were applied to the elongation phase. Two luminosities (dark and light) and three sealings (W/M, 1/M and 3/M) were tested during adventitious rooting. Active chlorine concentration of 0.005% led to the lowest fungal contamination rate and to the highest in vitro establishment. Active chlorine concentration of 0.003% resulted in the greatest length and highest number of shoots per explant in the multiplication phase. There were no phytotoxicity problems and the quality of plants grown in an environment with active chlorine was maintained in comparison with those grown in an autoclave. The increase in gas exchange in ventilation systems had a positive impact on the in vitro growth and development of plants.

Control techniques and evaluation of pathogen influence on African mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola C. Dc.) infected by Lasiodiplodia theobromae Pat.

The constant demand by society for quality timber associated with reduced exploitation of native forests has promoted the use of alternative species such as the African Mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola C. Dc.). The production cycle of this species began with the introduction of seeds in the 1970s and good silvicultural performance of the first planted matrix trees, then spreading throughout several Brazilian regions and resulting in increased occurrence of pest insects and diseases, such as African mahogany canker (Lasiodiplodia theobromae Pat.). In this context, this work aimed to identify control methods and to analyze the damage caused by canker in symptomatic African mahogany trees. Scraping and chemical treatments were carried out in different concentrations to analyze the best method to prevent an increase of lesions caused by the pathogen. The anatomical characteristics and basic density of wood with and without canker were evaluated. It was observed that scraping until reaching the healthy tissue is an effective method of control which stimulates the healing process after a certain period. For the chemical treatment without scraping, Nativo® fungicide is efficient through direct application. The presence of canker promoted an increase in wood density and changes in anatomical characteristics.

Phenolic compound concentrations in Picea abies wood as an indicator of susceptibility towards root pathogens

AbstractQuantification of total phenolic compounds in the heartwood of Picea abies using the Folin–Ciocalteu methods showed that concentrations of phenolic compounds in the heart‐ and sapwood of Picea abies varied, depending on the decay class to which boles were allocated. In the heartwood, mean phenolic concentration was 3.28 mg/g, compared with 2.44 mg/g in sapwood. Experiments using different concentrations of phenolic compounds showed that Heterobasidion parviporum is more sensitive to the effects of phenolic compounds found in sapwood, and less sensitive to phenolic compounds found in heartwood. The high concentration of phenolic compounds extracted from spruce stimulated the decomposition of wood by Armillaria ostoyae. This demonstrates the great ability of A. ostoyae to metabolize phenolic compounds. This is confirmed by natural conditions, where A. ostoyae attacks mainly sapwood and H. parviporum attacks heartwood of P. abies. In heartwood, the average antioxidant activity was approximately 10% higher than in the sapwood. The extraction process and presence of amino acids and reducing sugars might influence on the results. The results suggest that timber quality monitoring in spruce stands could be partly based on measurements of phenol compound concentrations in sapwood, as the technique enables prediction of the potential impact of decay fungi early in succession.

Wood Properties Characterisation of Thermo-Hydro Mechanical Treated Plantation and Native Tasmanian Timber Species

Thermo-hydro mechanical (THM) treatments and thermo-treatments are used to improve the properties of wood species and enhance their uses without the application of chemicals. This work investigates and compares the effects of THM treatments on three timber species from Tasmania, Australia; plantation fibre-grown shining gum (Eucalyptus nitens H. Deane and Maiden), plantation saw-log radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) and native-grown saw-log timber of the common name Tasmanian oak (which can be any of E. regnans F. Muell, E. obliqua L’Hér and E. delegatensis L’Hér). Thin lamellae were compressed by means of THM treatment from 8 mm to a target final thickness of 5 mm to investigate the suitability for using THM-treated lamellas in engineered wood products. The springback, mass loss, set-recovery after soaking, dimensional changes, mechanical properties, and Brinell hardness were used to evaluate the effects of the treatment on the properties of the species. The results show a marked increase in density for all three species, with the largest increase presented by E. nitens (+53%) and the smallest by Tasmanian oak (+41%). E. nitens displayed improvements both in stiffness and strength, while stiffness decreased in P. radiata samples and strength in Tasmanian oak samples. E. nitens also displayed the largest improvement in hardness (+94%) with respect to untreated samples. P. radiata presented the largest springback whilst having the least mass loss. E. nitens and Tasmanian oak showed similar dimensional changes, whilst P. radiata timber had the largest thickness swelling and set-recovery due to the high water absorption (99%). This study reported the effects of THM treatments in less-known and commercially important timber species, demonstrating that the wood properties of a fibre-grown timber can be improved through the treatments, potentially increasing the utilisation of E. nitens for structural and higher quality timber applications.

Genome-wide identification of candidate genes related to disease resistance and high biomass in tetraploid Paulownia

Polyploidization is an important feature of speciation that results from genome doubling. Tetraploid plants often have better physical characteristics than their diploid counterparts, and Paulownia is no exception. In our previous studies, several genes related to timber quality and abiotic stress resistance were identified in Paulownia tomentosa and Paulownia fortunei. However, the genes related to disease resistance and high biomass were not confirmed. In this study, small RNA and transcriptome sequencing were performed to analyze changes in microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression levels in tetraploid Paulownia tomentosa × Paulownia fortunei and Paulownia australis and their diploid counterparts. A total of 930 common differentially expressed genes and 66 (19 known and 47 novel) common differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in the two tetraploid vs. diploid comparisons. Twenty-two miRNA target genes were predicted, and the regulatory functions of the miRNA–target gene pairs were analyzed, of which the novel miR327- SGT1 HOMOLOG PROTEIN At5g65490 (PAU019930.1) and pau-miR2111a-MYB-RELATED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR (PAU011118.1) interacting pairs were predicted to co-regulate disease resistance in tetraploid Paulownia. The pau-miR157i-SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 15 (PAU009402.1) and novel miR10-PUTATIVE PENTATRICOPEPTIDE REPEAT-CONTAINING PROTEIN At5g65820 (PAU012281.1) interacting pairs were predicted to co-regulate high biomass in tetraploid Paulownia. The expression trends of the miRNA and candidate target genes were validated by qRT-PCR. The results will help to accelerate genetic gain in Paulownia breeding programs to develop superior varieties.

Experimental optimization of thermochemical pretreatment of sal (Shorea robusta) sawdust by Central Composite Design study for bioethanol production by co-fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC-36) and Pichia stipitis (NCIM-3498)

Production of bioethanol was attempted using sawdust of sal (Shorea robusta), a hardwood tree species known for its excellent quality timber. Sawdust, a lignocellulosic biomass waste is generated in plenty from the furniture industry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses design of experiment (DoE) approach for enhancing total reducing sugar (TRS) from thermochemically pretreated sal sawdust (SS) biomass. Statistical optimization of thermochemical pretreatment was performed using Central Composite Design (CCD) tool of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using three process parameters (biomass loading, chemical concentration and incubation time). It resulted in about 2.05-fold more reducing sugars (7.0 g L-1) at 121 °C, 1 bar pressure and 30 min incubation time as compared to OVAT approach (3.4 g L-1). Enzymatic hydrolysis carried out by commercial cellulase and pectinase (enzyme loading 5U/g biomass) enzymes facilitated liberation of 19.09 g L-1 TRS. The optimum delignification percentage obtained was 27.27 ± 0.20% under optimized thermochemical conditions. Delignification estimation studies were done using Folin-Ciocalteu (F–C) and phloroglucinol-HCl test. Further analysis involved Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) data which clearly confirmed the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose, removal of lignin and morphological changes in the pretreated SS biomass. Fermentation using co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC-36) and Pichia stipitis (NCIM-3498) at 30 °C, pH 5.0 resulted in 9.43 g L-1 bioethanol concentration after 24 h with a conversion efficiency of 97%. These results indicate that sal sawdust can serve as a promising feedstock for bioethanol production.

Hevea brasiliensis coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (HbCAld5H) regulates xylogenesis, structure and lignin chemistry of xylem cell wall in Nicotiana tabacum

Key messageThe HbCAld5H1 gene cloned from Hevea brasiliensis regulates the cambial activity, xylem differentiation, syringyl–guaiacyl ratio, secondary wall structure, lignification pattern and xylan distribution in xylem fibres of transgenic tobacco plants.Molecular characterization of lignin biosynthesis gene coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (CAld5H) from Hevea brasiliensis and its functional validation was performed. Both sense and antisense constructs of HbCAld5H1 gene were introduced into tobacco through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation for over expression and down-regulation of this key enzyme to understand its role affecting structural and cell wall chemistry. The anatomical studies of transgenic tobacco plants revealed the increase of cambial activity leading to xylogenesis in sense lines and considerable reduction in antisense lines. The ultra-structural studies showed that the thickness of secondary wall (S2 layer) of fibre had been decreased with non-homogenous lignin distribution in antisense lines, while sense lines showed an increase in S2 layer thickness. Maule color reaction revealed that syringyl lignin distribution in the xylem elements was increased in sense and decreased in antisense lines. The immunoelectron microscopy revealed a reduction in LM 10 and LM 11 labelling in the secondary wall of antisense tobacco lines. Biochemical studies showed a radical increase in syringyl lignin in sense lines without any significant change in total lignin content, while S/G ratio decreased considerably in antisense lines. Our results suggest that CAld5H gene plays an important role in xylogenesis stages such as cambial cell division, secondary wall thickness, xylan and syringyl lignin distribution in tobacco. Therefore, CAld5H gene could be considered as a promising target for lignin modification essential for timber quality improvement in rubber.

Short-term reaction of European beech stem taper due to weather extremes

This study analyses a tree’s short-term allocation pattern under varying weather conditions. Based on a sample of 311 stem discs of the stem boles from 92 European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees, the annual stem taper was calculated retrospectively over multiple decades and linked to the annual weather conditions. The bole shape results from long-term local density and stand structure. A general understanding of short-term tree allometry due to weather conditions is even more relevant as future climate developments are assumed to cause drought stress in Central-Europe more frequently.Taper was computed by linear regression analysis and normalized with a medium-stiff spline that considers mid-term impacts of thinning, other disturbances such as insect attacks and age, but neglected short-term impacts of weather conditions. Subtracting the standardized taper by one, the percentage change of taper was confronted with the temperature and precipitation of the vegetation period.Compared to years of normal weather conditions, median taper changed by +0.090% in favorable and −0.080% in unfavorable years. In particular, rainfall influenced significantly annual taper change by +4.15 × 10−4% mm−1, i.e. larger amount of precipitation during the vegetation period accelerated bole taper.Bole taper sums up many past aspects of tree environment like competition situation and growing conditions over time. Even when the annual weather impact on taper demonstrated in this study was small, it relates to tree stability and timber quality, such as fiber deviation in boards.

Dar dikim aralıklarında kurulan kavak (P.x euramericana ve P. deltoides klonları) ağaçlandırmalarının ekonomisi

At present, majority of commercial poplar plantations aimed at producing quality timbers with larger dimension are established in wider planting spacings in Turkey. The experimental poplar plantations in closer spacings were established for this study purposes in order to investigate the prospects for producing mass quantity of small dimensioned chip wood relatively in shorter period of plantation rotation rather than producing quality timber of larger dimension in longer period of rotation. Along with five various planting spacings, five different poplar clones such as “I-214”, “I-45/51”, “Samsun (I-77/51)”, “İzmit (S.307-26)” and “89.M.060” were sampled in the experimental plantation blocks which were repeated on sites of three different growth conditions. The criteria of “Net Present Value (NPV) and “Internal Rate of Return” (IRR) were used for economic analyses. The results of the analyses showed that the most suitable spacing for producing mass quantity of chip wood is “3m x 1,5m” (4,5 m2 / plant) and most promising poplar clone is “89.M.060”. The plantation rotation periods were also determined in accordance with the criteria of NPV and IRR. The period of rotation varied by the variation of the discount rate involved when the NPV criterion is used for the evaluation. The periods of rotation determined in accordance with the IRR criterion are shorter than the period determined in accordance with the NPV criterion. Therefore, the IRR criterion should be preferred for the evaluation of industrial plantation investments. According to the results of the analyses, the recommended period of plantation rotation varies between 6 to 8 years on good sites, 7 to 9 years on medium sites and 8 to 10 years on poor sites.

The Usefulness of Pine Timber (Pinus sylvestris L.) for the Production of Structural Elements. Part I: Evaluation of the Quality of the Pine Timber in the Bending Test.

The study assessed the quality of pine lumber by marking the modulus of elasticity in the horizontal system. The research material was a plank with the following dimensions: 137 mm wide × 39.50 mm thick × 3485 mm long. The pine wood was obtained by sawing timber in the form of logs with round cross sections and originating from the Forest Division Olesno (50°52′30″ N, 18°25′00″ E). Each long log was sawn to provide four logs of about 3.5 m, which were marked as butt-end logs (O), middle logs (S)—2 items, and top logs (W). The origin of the logs from the trunk (Pinus sylvestris L.) has a significant impact on the physical and mechanical properties of the wood from which they are made. Only butt-end logs (log type O) allows for the production of high-quality timber elements. The pine timber that was evaluated in this paper had a high density of about 570 kg/m3 and a high percentage of timber items were assigned to class C24 and higher (above 50%). The adopted horizontal model of evaluation of the modulus of elasticity gave similar results to those obtained in an evaluation according to the EN-408.

Proteometabolomic characterization of apical bud maturation in Pinus pinaster.

Bud maturation is a physiological process that implies a set of morphophysiological changes that lead to the transition of growth patterns from young to mature. This transition defines tree growth and architecture, and in consequence traits such as biomass production and wood quality. In Pinus pinaster Aiton, a conifer of great timber value, bud maturation is closely related to polycyclism (multiple growth periods per year). This process causes a lack of apical dominance, and consequently increased branching that reduces its timber quality and value. However, despite its importance, little is known about bud maturation. In this work, proteomics and metabolomics were employed to study apical and basal sections of young and mature buds in P. pinaster. Proteins and metabolites in samples were described and quantified using (n)UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap. The datasets were analyzed employing an integrative statistical approach, which allowed the determination of the interactions between proteins and metabolites and the different bud sections and ages. Specific dynamics of proteins and metabolites such as histones H3 and H4, ribosomal proteins L15 and L12, chaperonin TCP1, 14-3-3 protein gamma, gibberellins A1, A3 and A8, strigolactones and abscisic acid, involved in epigenetic regulation, proteome remodeling, hormonal signaling and abiotic stress pathways showed their potential role during bud maturation. Candidates and pathways were validated employing interaction databases and targeted transcriptomics. These results increase our understanding of the molecular processes behind bud maturation, a key step towards improving timber production and natural pine forests management in a future scenario of climate change. However, further studies are necessary using different P. pinaster populations that show contrasting wood quality and stress tolerance in order to generalize the results.

Effect of breeding technology and trunk axial position on shrinkage and quality of 10 year old teak wood as a furniture’s raw material

Shortage on teak wood availability as material for furniture industry has been solved by developing tree breeding technology and decreasing on cut rotations. Three types of teak forest breeding technology being developed is called APB, KBK and JPP-PHT-1. Breeding technology was developed as an effort to get productive and hight quality of teak stands. Decreasing on cutting rotation encourages to increase young wood utilization. This study was aimed to determine the effect of breeding technology and axial stem position on teak wood shrinkages and wood quality of 10 years old. Nine trunk of 10 years old teak trees were harvested on forest areas of Nganjuk Forest District, East Java Province. These trees consisted of seedling grown by APB, KBK and JPP-PHT-1 breeding technology of which consisted of three trees on each kind of breeding technology. Three disks were taken from each trunk, namely from the butt, middle and upper parts. Wood shrinkages on tangential and radial and its ratio were measured based on British Standard method. Data were analyzed by using variance analysis arranged in blocked factorial and further testing were performed by using HSD Duncan. Wood quality was determined by using Suranto method. Results showed that interaction of twoo factors did not affect on tangential and radial shrikages and also tangential-radial ratio. Tree breeding technology very significantly affects on tangensial shrinkage and significanty effect on radial shrinkage. APB breeding technology produces the greatest tangential shrinkage (8.46), followed by KBK (6.62) and JPP-PHT-1 (6.59%). APB breeding technology produces the greatest radial shrinkage (5.51), followed by KBK (5.08) and JPP-PHT-1 (4.42%). The axial tree trunk position affects only on tangential and radial ratio. The stem base has a largest T/R ratio (1.84), followed by middle part (1.45) and upper part (1.26). In term of wood shrinkage, Breeding technology affects the wood quality. APB breeding technology produces the lowest timber quality (3.30), followed by JPP-PHT-1 (2.85), and KBK (2.78).

Water yield variation with elevation, tree age and density of larch plantation in the Liupan Mountains of the Loess Plateau and its forest management implications

Large scale afforestation mainly for erosion control or timber production and a very strict logging ban policy in recent decades led to many over-dense stands and remarkable water yield reduction in the dryland region of the Loess Plateau in northwest China. To guide the integrated forest-water management at stand level, a study on the response of water yield from larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) plantations to key stand structure and site factors was carried out in the Liupan Mountains. Models of leaf area index (LAI) of forest canopy and stand evapotranspiration (ET) in the growing season were developed and fitted. The growing season water yield was calculated based on water budget. The results showed that: (1) The LAI increases with rising tree density firstly quickly and then slowly and finally tending to its maximum; but firstly increases and then decreases with rising tree age and elevation. The LAI model coupling the effects of tree density, age, and elevation works well. (2) The ET model reflecting the coupled effects of precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, LAI and soil moisture can well predict the ET variation. (3) The water yield decreases gradually with rising tree density, but firstly decreases and then increases with rising tree age and elevation. The lowest water yield appears at the age of 30 years and at an elevation of 2420 m. (4) The implications of this study for integrated forest-water management are: defining water yield as the dominant forest service at high or low elevations, but quality timber production as the dominant service at medium elevations; arranging rational thinning for dense forests around the age of 30 years; designing a mosaic distribution of forest ages within watersheds. Applying the study outcomes can promote the integration of water yield management with traditional forest management to ensure the sustainability of water supply in dryland regions.