Repeatability of growth characteristics and wood properties for solid wood production from Eucalyptus camaldulensis half-sib families growing in Thailand

Abstract

To promote solid wood production, the diameter at breast height, height, stress-wave velocity, surface-released strain, basic density and compressive strength parallel to the grain were measured for 10 half-sib families of 12-year-old Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. trees growing in Thailand. Based on the results, growth rates, correlations among measured properties, radial and among-family variations of wood properties, and their repeatability were evaluated. Diameter at breast height, height, and wood volume were exponentially increased at initial stage, and then gradually increased toward to 12 years after planting. The maximum current annual increment and mean annual increment in wood volume showed at age of 8 and 11years old, suggesting that rotation period for optimum productivity may be ranged from 8 to 11 years old. Wood with stable properties was found greater than 6 cm from the pith. These results indicate that 12-year-old E. camaldulensis trees had already reached the maturation stage. No significant correlations were found between growth characteristics and wood properties. Significant variances in the height, stress-wave velocity, and basic density were found among the 10 families. The F-values and repeatability of the wood properties in the outer wood were higher than those in the inner wood. These results indicate that the properties of the outer wood are closely related to genetic factors. Thus, to obtain superior E. camaldulensis trees for solid wood production, the family selection should be conducted using the outer wood of aged trees.

Relationship between the xylem maturation process based on radial variations in wood properties and radial growth increments of stems in a fast-growing tree species, Liriodendron tulipifera

“…In these studies, wood properties became stable below the age of 10 years at the time of peak CAI and MAI values in L. tulipifera in Japan (Fig. 1), Populus × beijingensis in China [9], and E. camaldulensis in Thailand [14], suggesting that xylem maturation occurs in accordance with a decrease in the radial growth rate in these species. Wireman and Williamson [30] showed that the radial increase in basic density was associated with a shift in the allocation of resources from growth with the production of low-specific gravity wood to greater structural reinforcement of the trunk (production of denser wood) in three tropical pioneer species (Hampea appendiculata, Heliocarpus appendiculatus, and Ochroma pyramidale) in Costa Rica.…”

“…The relationship between radial growth increments and the xylem maturation process based on radial variation patterns of single or several wood properties has been reported for several fast-growing tree species in dry [9], tropical [14], and subarctic climates [15] (Table 6). In these studies, wood properties became stable below the age of 10 years at the time of peak CAI and MAI values in L. tulipifera in Japan (Fig.…”

“…Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between the xylem maturation process and radial growth increments of stems expressed as CAI and MAI in many fast-growing tree species [3,5,7,9,12,13]. In previous research, we estimated this relationship in various fast-growing tree species in tropical and boreal zones [14,15]. In Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Thailand (tropical zone), after 5 years, the basic density and compressive strength values of the wood were stable, and the radial growth increments of stems reached maximum values [14].…”

“…In previous research, we estimated this relationship in various fast-growing tree species in tropical and boreal zones [14,15]. In Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Thailand (tropical zone), after 5 years, the basic density and compressive strength values of the wood were stable, and the radial growth increments of stems reached maximum values [14]. However, based on an analysis of fiber increments in Betula platyphylla in Mongolia (boreal zone), xylem maturation began before the age of 10 years compared to the age showing maximum radial growth increments [15].…”

An Adjusted Waveguide Antenna with A Woodpile-Shaped EBG for Eucalyptus Wood Moisture Content Measurement

“…Nowadays, eucalyptus plants are widely planted all over the world and many researchers have extensively studied eucalyptus cultivation widely [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Eucalyptus is cheap, easy to grow and has many uses, such as being extracted as a mosquito and insect repellent, the essential oils are used to relieve nasal congestion and the bark is finely ground used to make incense.…”