Genetic Improvement of White Spruce Mechanical Wood Traits—Early Screening by Means of Acoustic Velocity

Abstract

There is a growing interest to use acoustic sensors for selection in tree breeding to ensure high wood quality of future plantations. In this study, we assessed acoustic velocity as a selection trait for the improvement of mechanical wood properties in two 15-and 32-year-old white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss) genetic tests. Individual heritability of acoustic velocity was moderate and of the same magnitude as heritability of wood density. Considerable genetic gain could be expected for acoustic velocity and a measure combining velocity and wood density. The relationship between acoustic velocity and cellulose microfibril angle (MFA) was strong on the genetic level and selection based on velocity could effectively improve MFA, which is one of the most important determinants of wood mechanical properties. Although low, the positive relationship between acoustic velocity and tree height presents an interesting opportunity for the improvement of both tree growth and wood quality. On the phenotypic level, MFA was more strongly correlated to acoustic velocity in mature trees than in young trees. The addition of easily obtainable traits such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height-to-diameter ratio as well as wood density to velocity determinations could improve models of MFA at the young and the mature age. OPEN ACCESSForests 2013, 4 576We conclude that juvenile acoustic velocity is an appropriate trait to select for wood quality in a tree breeding context.

Solid Wood Properties Assessed by Non-Destructive Measurements of Standing European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.): Environmental Effects on Variation within and among Trees and Forest Stands

“…In addition, these stands were analysed for SWV and SWV and was found to be significantly positively correlated to height and DBH. A similar correlation was also found by El-Kassaby et al [45], Lenz et al [12], Li et al [46], Ratcliff et al [47] and Wielinga et al [48].…”

“…Similar negative correlations were found in numerous other species [9]; however, because correlations between growth and wood quality traits were found to vary among subpopulations and families, this variation allows for simultaneous improvement of both traits [10]. Thus, consideration of wood quality parameters in tree improvement programs is necessary to produce raw material with well-defined structural properties [11,12].…”

Estimating solid wood properties using Pilodyn and acoustic velocity on standing trees of Norway spruce

“…This indicates that tree breeders can reliably select high stiffness Norway spruce trees for breeding purpose using the two nondestructive methods (Pilodyn penetration and acoustic velocity) on standing trees. Moderate or high genetic correlations between MOE and acoustic velocity have also been reported in other conifers (Auty and Achim 2008;Kennedy et al 2013;Lenz et al 2013).…”

“…Direct measurement using microscopy on individual fiber is extremely time-consuming and expensive, and the representativity of the results is disputable unless a very large number of fibers are analyzed. It has been reported that acoustic velocity (AV) measured with Hitman ST 300 device could be an efficient indirect method for estimation MFA (Grabianowski et al 2006;Li et al 2007;Lenz et al 2013).…”

Genetic Improvement of Wood Properties in Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon for Sawn Timber Production in Malawi

“…Most of the genetic variation studies in Malawi have focused on growth traits [2]. However, faster growth is generally negatively correlated with important wood quality traits [15,16]. Therefore, there is a need to include wood quality traits in tree selection programmes to ensure future wood supplies have the appropriate mechanical properties for structural applications and other end uses.…”