FT-NIR spectroscopy in predicting the decay resistance related characteristics of solid Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) heartwood

Abstract

FT-NIR spectroscopy equipped with a fiber optic probe was used to predict the mass loss caused by a brownrot fungus (Coniophora puteana) in Scots pine heartwood. Because decay tests are impractical for generating reference data for the calibration of prediction models, the possibilities of using the concentration of heartwood extractives as a reference variable instead of mass loss was studied. The material investigated covered a wide range of natural variation in durability and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra were recorded from the cross section of 41 pines. The partial least square (PLS) regression models were found to be satisfactory for prediction of the mass loss and the concentration of extractives (total phenolics, resin acids, pinosylvin and pinosylvin monomethyl ether). It was concluded that FT-NIR spectroscopy has the potential to become a tool for the decay resistance grading of Scots pine heartwood timber, especially if the prediction models will be based on heartwood extractives.

Developmental Changes in Scots Pine Transcriptome during Heartwood Formation

“…Particularly the 475 HW of Scots pine is valued for its properties such as dimensional stability and 476 natural durability. Extractives of HW give, e.g., colour and low hygroscopicity to 477 HW timber and are key determinants of the passive defence, i.e., resistance 478 against degradation of wood by microorganisms (Nakada and Fukatsu, 2012;479 Harju and Venäläinen, 2006;Leinonen et al, 2008 (Magel, 2000;Bergström, 2003;Nakada and Fukatsu, 487 2012). Magel (2000) concluded that the most important contributor for sucrose 488 cleavage was sucrose synthase followed by invertase.…”

“…160 161 In Scots pine, HW extractives consist of the stilbenes pinosylvin (PS) and 162 pinosylvin monomethyl ether (PSME), resin acids and free fatty acids 163 (Saranpää and Nyberg, 1987). Variation of Scots pine HW phenolic extractive 164 content between tree individuals is wide and strongly correlates with decay 165 resistance of HW (Harju and Venäläinen, 2006;Leinonen et al, 2008). Although 166 extractive content is influenced by the environment (Magel, 2000), it is highly 167 inherited (Fries et al, 2000;Partanen et al, 2011).…”

Application of FT-NIR-DR and FT-IR-ATR spectroscopy to estimate the chemical composition of bamboo (Neosinocalamus affinis Keng)

“…Schimleck et al (2009) calibrated data concerning density, extractives content, stiffness, and color with NIR spectroscopy. Fungal decay and decay resistance can be recognized by NIR data (Fackler et al 2007;Leinonen et al 2008). Da Silva Perez et al (2007 were able to improve elite tree selection by NIR spectroscopy and genetic tools.…”

Perspectives for genetic improvement in heartwood size and extractive content in relation to natural durability and aesthetics in interspecific hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis)

“…Gierlinger et al 2004a;Kokutse et al 2006;Amusant et al 2008) and wood near-infrared (NIR) spectra (e.g. Gierlinger et al 2003;Sykacek et al 2006;Leinonen et al 2008;Bush et al 2011) have been studied in relation to natural durability and proposed as indirect predictors with more or less success.…”