Variation of radial wood properties from genetically improved Sitka spruce growing in the UK

McLean, J. P., Moore, J. R., Gardiner, B. A., Lee, S. J., Mochan, S. J. and Jarvis, M. C. (2016) Variation of radial wood properties from genetically improved Sitka spruce growing in the UK. Forestry, 89(2), pp. 109-116. (doi: 10.1093/forestry/cpv035)

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Abstract

There is little information about the impacts of past Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.) tree breeding on wood properties because the emphasis has traditionally been on improving stem form and growth rates. This study used both SilviScan and mechanical testing to investigate the radial variations in wood stiffness, bending strength, density and microfibril angle in defect-free samples taken from the first United Kingdom progeny trial to reach merchantable size. We tested for differences in these radial patterns of variation in half-sibling progeny of three plus trees originally selected for superior growth rate and stem form against a non-selected control. Large differences in all of the properties were observed with radial position, with properties generally being less desirable in the corewood. Significant undesirable differences between the improved families and the control were found for stiffness, strength and microfibril angle. There was no significant relationship between wood density and stiffness in samples taken from the inner part of the tree, where stiffness was more closely associated with microfibril angle. Overall, previous selections for growth rate and/or stem form have compromised timber properties. It is recommended that current breeding programmes focus on corewood stiffness to prevent further degradation in the wood properties of the future timber supply.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding for this study was provided from the Forestry Commission, a BBSRC Case studentship awarded to J.P.M. and through a Strategic Research Development grant from the Scottish Funding Council [grant number HR03010].
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Jarvis, Dr Michael
Authors: McLean, J. P., Moore, J. R., Gardiner, B. A., Lee, S. J., Mochan, S. J., and Jarvis, M. C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Forestry
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0015-752X
ISSN (Online):1464-3626
Published Online:10 November 2015

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