Selection and breeding for wood quality A new approach

Authors: Luis Apiolaza, Shakti Chauhan, Michael Hayes, Ryogo Nakada, Monika Sharma, John Walker
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2013, Issue N.Z.J.For. 58(1) 2013, pp 32-37, May 2013
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: Early selection by age two for wood quality attributes is possible provided the trees are tilted to separate normal wood from reaction wood. Experimental results for Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus and E. regnans are presented in this paper. Introduction Most plantations in temperate regions are softwoods which are generally harvested when aged between 25 and 60 years. The age at harvest is influenced by tree growth, with average productivity varying from 10 cubic metres per hectare per year in high latitudes to 25 cubic metres per hectare per year in warmer climates. Fast growth and early harvesting have brought with them unforseen problems regarding wood quality of softwoods, as exemplified by Macdonald and Hubert (2002). They noted that low-value pallets, packaging and fencing accounts for two-thirds of all production from United Kingdom sitka spruce. Huang et al (2003) have noted similar poor performance in other species and advocated the use of acoustics to screen for candidate trees with superior wood properties.
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