bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wood Anatomy of nine Japanese Hardwood species forming reaction wood without gelatinous fibers
Authors: Sultana R.S. , Ishiguri F. , Yokota S. , Iizuka K. , Hiraiwa T. , Yoshizawa N.
Published: March 2013

The anatomy of reaction wood was studied in nine naturally growing Japanese hardwood species, all showing eccentric growth on the upper side of their leaning branches. The number of vessels decreased in the xylem of the upper side accompanying the formation of reaction wood. A typical G-layer was not detected in the reaction wood fibers, but an S3 layer was present in all nine species. The cellulose microfibril arrangement with an S helix was similar in the S3 layers of both reaction and opposite wood fibers. A decrease of lignin content occurred in the reaction wood fibers in all nine species. The coniferyl and sinapyl aldehyde units in the lignins were strongly reduced in the S2 layer of reaction wood fibers of four species, i.e., Euscaphis japonica, Rhododendron wadanum, Clerodendron trichotomum, and Daphne odora, and much less so in five other species, i.e., Viburnum dilatatum, Enkianthus subsessilis, Euonymus alatus, Ilex macropoda, and Ilex crenata. The syringyl content was lower in the S2 layer of reaction wood fibers than that in opposite wood of all nine species. On the other hand, chemical analysis of lignin using the acetyl bromide method showed that, among the nine species, lignin content was reduced most strongly in Clerodendron trichotomum. Tension wood-like characteristics are present on the upper side of leaning branches in all nine species, except that G-fibers are absent.
Occurrence of Reaction xylem in the peduncle of Couroupita Guianensis and Kigelia Pinnata
Authors: Sivan Pramod , Mishra Preeti , Rao K.S.
Published: March 2013

The anatomy of the secondary xylem and distribution pattern of gelatinous fibres (G-fibres) have been studied in the developing and heavy fruit bearing mature peduncles of Kigelia pinnata and Couroupita guianensis. The peduncle in both the plants developed reaction xylem as a result of growth stresses caused by development of large fruits. In Couroupita peduncles which are originally horizontal, G-fibre distribution was unilateral and similar to that of typical tension wood whereas the hanging Kigelia peduncles have uniformly distributed gelatinous fibres throughout the xylem. The tension xylem severity was higher in the basal region and decreased towards the terminal region of the current year’s peduncle but after fruit development a drastic increase in tension wood severity was observed in the terminal region. In the Kigelia peduncles, tension wood severity in terms of G-layer proportion to lignified wall was found to be less than in Couroupita. The abundance of vessels decreased with high frequency of gelatinous fibres in Couroupita. The peduncle of Kigelia is characterized by high vessel frequency, thin normal fibre walls, and thick outer walls with thin gelatinous layer in tension wood fibres. Dimensional variations were also noticed in the mechanical and conducting elements varying with tension wood severity.
Torus-Bearing pit Membranes in species of Osmanthus
Authors: Dute Roland , Rabaey David , Allison John , Jansen Steven
Published: March 2013

Torus thickenings of pit membranes are found not only in gymnosperms, but also in certain genera of dicotyledons. One such genus is Osmanthus. Wood from 17 species of Osmanthus was searched for tori. Fourteen species from three of the four sections investigated possessed these thickenings. Ten of the species represent new records. Only the three New Caledonian species of Section Notosmanthus lacked tori. This observation in combination with other factors serves to isolate this section from the remainder of the genus.
Structure and Ultrastructure of the Tracheary Elements of Asplenium (Pteridophyta) from the “Yungas”, Argentina
Authors: Luján Luna María , Elena Giudice Gabriela , Alejandra Ganem María , de la Sota Elías Ramón
Published: March 2013

The structure of root and rhizome tracheary cells of Asplenium spp. (Filicales, Pteridophyta) growing in NW Argentina was studied using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In all cases, tracheary cells consisted of tracheids with various facets, mainly with scalariform pitting. With SEM, intertracheary pit membranes appeared smooth and non porose in most cases. In some instances, porose or web-like to thread-like pit membranes were noticed in rhizome tracheids. Under TEM secondary walls displayed a smooth and uniform appearance. Pit membranes showed a variation in thickness in presumed association with their maturation stage. More mature tracheary cells showed pit membranes with a mesh-like aspect and visible openings or pores. These characteristics are attributed to pit membrane hydrolysis, which facilitates water transport among tracheary cells.
Low night Temperatures cause reduced tracheid expansion in Podocarpus Latifolius
Authors: Dünisch Oliver
Published: March 2013

The influence of low night temperatures on the kinetics of tracheid expansion of two-year-old Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb. was studied in a growth chamber experiment. In experiment 1 the plants were exposed to an almost constant air temperature of 18 to 20°C, while in experiment 2 the air temperature was reduced from 20°C during the day to 6°C during the night. The formation of the cambium derivative cells and the kinetics of tracheid expansion were analysed by high resolution laser increment measurements in combination with microscopic methods (accuracy: ± 2 μm, spatial resolution of 9.7 to 13.1 μm, temporal resolution: 60 s). Low night temperatures had no significant influence on the rate of cambial cell divisions and the proportion of tracheids and parenchyma cells in the xylem. However, they irreversibly interrupted the expansion of differentiating tracheids causing a high proportion of flattened tracheids in the xylem of the plants grown under the conditions of experiment 2. The results indicate that large differences between day and night temperatures can be an important trigger for the variation of the wood structure in subtropical and tropical gymnosperms.
Cryo-scanning electron microscopy studies of pits in Pinus Wallichiana and Mallotus Japonicus
Authors: Roth-Nebelsick Anita , Voigt Dagmar , Gorb Stanislav
Published: March 2013

Pits of a softwood (Pinus wallichiana) and a hardwood (Mallotus japonicus) were studied by Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM). The samples were chemically untreated and fully hydrated during freezing. Tori of P. wallichiana were frequently aspirated. It is not clear whether torus aspiration was caused by the freezing process or other factors during preparation. Aspirated tori had a turgid appearance. Offcenter aspirated tori which did not completely cover the pit pore could be detected. The margo strands were usually quite large and fanned out into fibrillar structures at the pit border. Pit membranes of M. japonicus had a very granular appearance. No fibrillar structures, different layers or pores could be detected. The granular structures may have developed from a continuous layer covering the pit membrane during freezing. Cryo-SEM is discussed as a further suitable tool for obtaining novel information about the native state of pit membranes. Future studies are needed to validate whether all observed features represent characteristics of the native state.
Synchronized Maturation of Vessel Diameter and ray width in Zelkova Serrata
Authors: Tsuchiya Ryouta , Furukawa Ikuo
Published: March 2013

This study describes radial variation in fibre length, vessel element length, vessel lumen diameter, and ray width (number of cells) in relation to the developmental stages in radial stem increment in Zelkova serrata trees. Maturation age (the age at which the size of the wood elements is stabilized) was compared to the ages at the boundary between the early and middle stages (age t1), and the middle and late stages (age t2) of radial stem increment. The maturation age was estimated by nonlinear segmented regression analysis. Ages t1 and t2 were estimated by the Gompertz growth function. The maturation age for the length of axial elements (wood fibres and vessel elements) was not related to either age t1 or age t2. However, the maturation ages for vessel lumen diameter and ray width were close, and both were related to age t2. This indicates that the maturation of vessel lumen diameter and ray width was synchronized and both were related to the stage of radial stem increment.
Anatomical changes induced by fire-damaged cambium in two native tree species of the Chaco Region, Argentina
Authors: Bravo Sandra
Published: March 2013

This study examined anatomical responses to fire damage of the cambium in Schinopsis lorentzii and Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco. Bole cross sections were extracted from specimens with external signs of fire damage. Samples were taken from zones designated normal, discoloured and wound altered. The vessel, fibre, axial and ray parenchyma percentages, tangential vessel diameter, vessels per mm2, rays per mm, and ray width and height of these zones were compared. Fire scars and fire marks were identified on cross sections of S. lorentzii and A. quebracho-blanco. The fire marks reflect minor wounds that did not affect wood formation. The fire scars, on the other hand, are the result of wounds that interrupted cambial activity thus affecting the shape of the bole and causing discolouration of pre-existing wood adjacent to wounds. The wood formed after fire damage included callus, barrier zones at fire scar edges and the formation of ribs of wound wood. The wound altered zone was characterised by a decrease in the percentage of vessels and fibres, an increase in the percentage of axial parenchyma, the formation of grouped rays, a decrease in vessel tangential diameter, and occurrence of fibres with atypical structure. Disorientation in the axial xylem system was observed in the barrier zone. The anatomical responses to cambium damage and formation of discoloured wood and woundwood ribs suggest that wood quality and utilisable volume of bole in the studied species is affected by fire.
Phenology and radial stem growth periodicity in evergreen subtropical rainforest trees
Authors: Yáñez-Espinosa Laura , Terrazas Teresa , López-Mata Lauro
Published: March 2013

A close relationship between leafing, flowering, fruiting and radial growth has been conjectured to occur in tropical and subtropical rainforest trees. Radial stem growth, in particular, has been associated with the activity of the two secondary meristems, the vascular cambium and, to a lesser degree, the phellogen. In tropical trees vascular cambium activity may occur either virtually year-round, or it may be restricted to a short season. Phellogen and vascular cambium activities may or may not correspond to each other. In subtropical environments, even evergreens may demonstrate seasonal phenology in leaf initiation, flowering and seed set. In the present study, phenological events were analyzed in the evergreen species Aphananthe monoica, Pleuranthodendron lindenii and Psychotria costivenia. A correlation analysis showed that more than half of the variation is shared by phenological event variables (leafing, flowering and fruiting) and radial growth variables (vascular cambium and phellogen activity, and vascular tissue differentiation). Leaf initiation, flowering and vascular cambium activation were the most closely-related simultaneous events during the summer; whereas fruiting, phellogen activity and vascular tissue differentiation were the most closely-related simultaneous events during the summer and fall. This could explain why the leaf initiation and expansion stages, which produce growth regulators, are directly involved in radial growth.
Xylem Structure of Successive rings in the stem of Abuta Grandifolia (Menispermaceae) a Statistical Approach
Authors: Tamaio Neusa , das Neves Brandes Arno Fritz
Published: March 2013

Abuta grandifolia (Mart.) Sandwith varies in habit and can be a shrub, tree or liana. Its stem shows successive cambia that produce secondary phloem and xylem. This study analyses qualitative and quantitative differences between the secondary xylem of lianas and shrubs of A. grandifolia, as well as between the successive rings within each habit category. The lianas had wider vessels, shorter vessel elements and thinner fibre-tracheid walls. In the first five successive rings, lianas showed an increase in vessel diameter and fibre-tracheid length, while fibre-tracheid wall thickness decreased. The shrubs showed an increase in the diameter and length of vessel elements and length of fiber-tracheids. In qualitative features the secondary xylem of lianas and shrubs did not differ, except in their type of parenchyma (axial parenchyma diffuse in the liana habit and diffuse to diffuse in-aggregates in the shrub habit). Since significant quantitative differences were found between the successive rings, the first vascular ring is recommended for comparing both habits. Whether this is generally valid in Menispermaceae requires further study.
Reflected light microscopy as a non-invasive identification tool for wooden artefacts
Authors: Ruffinatto Flavio , Macchioni Nicola , Boetto Guido , Baas Pieter , Zanuttini Roberto
Published: March 2013

Species identification is a crucial step in the study of wooden artefacts, but sampling is frequently impossible. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of reflected light microscopy, including the use of polarising and narrow-band blue filters, as a non-invasive identification tool. Different surfacing and finishing techniques copying historical manufacturing methods were applied to selected species. The visibility of anatomical features was evaluated on the basis of a four level scale. Two indexes were created: an Identifiable Anatomical Features index (IAF) to evaluate the effect of treatments on the complex of microstructural characters, and a Feature Recognition Index (FRI) to estimate the susceptibility of each anatomical feature towards different treatments. Surfacing affected the visibility of anatomical features to different degrees of severity depending both on the technique used and on the species. The visibility could be partially improved or decreased by the presence of finishes, depending on their transparency. Each anatomical feature showed different susceptibilities towards treatments. Both polarising and narrow-band blue filters considerably increased visibility of several anatomical features. Possibilities to recognise individual character states were encouraging, except when obscured by low transparency finishes. Much diagnostic anatomical information can be obtained by the use of non-invasive, reflected light microscopy, although the step from feature recognition to species identification may still require further analysis.
Anatomical Changes to the wood of Mimosa Ophthalmocentra and Mimosa Tenuiflora when charred at different temperatures
Authors: Dias Leme Claudia Luizon , Cartwright Caroline , Gasson Peter
Published: March 2013

Wood retains most of its qualitative features when charred, but the dimensions and appearance of the cells change in various ways. Wood density, anatomical structure, moisture content, duration and temperature all influence wood behaviour when charred. This paper explores the qualitative changes that take place in the wood of Mimosa ophthalmocentra and M. tenuiflora when charred artificially at temperatures of 400, 600 and 800 °C and compares them with charcoal produced in a traditional temporary kiln in northeast Brazil. Our findings can be applied to interpreting the conditions in which charcoal has been produced, and document what happens qualitatively to the vessels, fibres, axial parenchyma and rays in very dense Mimosa wood (>1.00). The observations are specific to these two species.
Middle Eocene (Bartonian) Ficus from Monte di Malo (Vicenza - Italy)
Authors: Bernabei Mauro , Pallozzi Bernardetta , Ceccon Loris , Mietto Paolo , Roghi Guido
Published: March 2013

The Middle Eocene (Bartonian, ~ 40 Ma) deposits of the Lessini Mountains in the Veneta region are well-known for their well-preserved fossil plants which have been studied since the XVII century. A fossil wood sample recently found in the Val Matta area, in the Municipality of Monte di Malo (Vicenza, Italy), is described. This piece of wood has anatomical characteristics that occur in the extant genus Ficus of the Moraceae, and it is Europe’s oldest known wood of the genus.
Cytoplasmic Remains in an Eocene Fossil Stem
Authors: Wang Xin , Du Kai-He , Yi Tie-Mei , Jin Jian-Hua
Published: March 2013

Cytoplasm with great structural details was found in a fossil trunk of Paraphyllanthoxylon from the Eocene of Hainan, China. The cytoplasmic remains were found in the bark tissue, and included a subcellular structure resembling a nucleus seen in a well-preserved fossilized cell. This observation may imply that cytoplasm is common in the fossil world, and calls for more attention from scientists.
The endoparasite Pilostyles ulei (Apodanthaceae – Cucurbitales) influences wood structure in three host species of Mimosa
Authors: do Amaral Marina Milanello , Ceccantini Gregorio
Published: March 2013

Pilostyles species (Apodanthaceae) are endoparasites in stems of the plant family Fabaceae. The body comprises masses of parenchyma in the host bark and cortex, with sinkers, comprising groups of twisted tracheal elements surrounded by parenchyma that enter the secondary xylem of the host plant. Here we report for the first time the effects of Pilostyles parasitism on host secondary xylem. We obtained healthy and parasitized stems from Mimosa foliolosa, M. maguirei and M. setosa and compared vessel element length, fiber length, vessel diameter and vessel frequency, measured through digital imaging. Also, tree height and girth were compared between healthy and parasitized M. setosa. When parasitized, plant size, vessel diameter, vessel element length and fiber length are all less than in healthy plants. Also, vessel frequency is greater and vessels are narrower in parasitized stems. These responses to parasitism are similar to those observed in stressed plants. Thus, hosts respond to the parasite by changing its wood micromorphology in favour of increased hydraulic safety.
Development of intraxylary phloem in the stem of Combretum Rotundifolium (Combretaceae)
Authors: Zózimo Elaine , Tamaio Neusa , Vieira Ricardo Cardoso
Published: March 2013

The present study focuses on the origin, secondary growth, and anatomical characteristics of the intraxylary phloem compared to the regular phloem in Combretum rotundifolium Rich. The intraxylary phloem first originates in the primary stem from the perimedullary procambium and, later, from the internal cambium that develops by differentiation of the perimedullary procambium and dedifferentiation of perimedullary parenchyma cells. Tangential sclerenchyma bands, irregular stratification of the cellular elements, and uniseriate rays are present in the regular phloem, but not in the intraxylary phloem. We are the first to report the presence of an unusual bidirectional internal cambium that produces parenchymatous cells centrifugally and intraxylary phloem centripetally.
Azimuthal variations in xylem structure and water relations in cork oak (Quercus suber)
Authors: Barij Nadia , Čermák Jan , Stokes Alexia
Published: March 2013

Azimuthal variations in xylem conductivity and transpiration can occur in trees and may be due to heterogeneity in environmental factors. In cork oak (Quercus suber L.), it can be hypothesized that such modifications may be more pronounced because the insulating layer of bark is harvested every 9–10 years, thus cambial cells will be exposed to fluctuations in the microenvironment. To investigate whether xylem structure and water relations differed around the stems of mature cork oak, sap flow per section and xylem structure were measured on the northern (N) and southern (S) sides of nine trees during three months in Portugal, using the Trunk Sector Heat Balance method. Crown size was measured on both sides of each tree and increment wood cores were extracted from the sites where sap flow was measured in five trees. Wood moisture content, earlywood (EW) vessel size and density were measured and theoretical hydraulic conductivity for individual vessels (Lth) was calculated along the N and S stem radial profiles. No significant differences in crown size between the two sides of the tree were found, but sap flow was higher on the S side of the tree in May only. No differences in wood moisture content were observed along the length of each wood core throughout the heartwood. Significant differences in vessel size occurred, with a greater diameter and surface area on the N side of the tree, and consequently Lth was significantly greater. These conduit diameters on the S facing side of the tree may be smaller in response to a combination of signals and trade-offs due to the heterogeneous air and soil environment around the tree.
Effects of injection of Ethrel, methyl jasmonate, and salicylates and Raffaelea Quercivora inoculation on sapwood discoloration in Quercus Serrata
Authors: Moungsrimuangdee Boontida , Moriwaki Hiroyuki , Nakayama Masanori , Nishigaki Shintaro , Yamamoto Fukuju
Published: March 2013

Ethrel (Et), methyl jasmonate (MJ), methyl salicylate (MS), sodium salicylate NS), and mixed combinations of these chemicals were horizontally injected into stems to induce defense responses in Quercus serrata Thunb. Four months after wounding with the application of those chemicals, the extent of sapwood discoloration was observed in tangential and axial directions. The combination of MJ and Et (MJ+Et) induced the greatest discoloration among all treatments. Sodium salicylate (NS) or methyl salicylate (MS) alone increased the discolored area to a lesser degree than did MJ, but defensive responses were obviously more accelerated when the former were added to the latter in the combination treatments. In particular, induced discoloration was noticeably achieved following MJ or Et combined with NS rather than as individual treatments. In contrast, neither salicylate appeared to promote discoloration when combined with the MJ+Et treatment. Wounds challenged with an inoculation by a bark beetle vectored fungus, Raffaelea quercivora, developed significantly greater sapwood discoloration than did nonpathogen inoculation, in all directions.
Tori in species of Diarthron, Stellera and Thymelaea (Thymelaeaceae)
Authors: Dute Roland , Daniel Jandrlich M. , Thornton Shutnee , Callahan Nicholas , Hansen Curtis J.
Published: March 2013

Torus thickenings have been found previously in intervascular pit membranes of species of Daphne and Wikstroemia (Thymelaeaceae). A search for tori was undertaken in the closely related genera Diarthron, Stellera and Thymelaea. Tori were observed in five of the seven species of Diarthron that were investigated. Presence of tori was associated with commonly occurring imperforate conducting elements and with perennial growth habit. Tori of a different morphology from that of Diarthron were present in two of the three specimens of Stellera chamaejasme that were studied. This study suggests torus presence to have systematic value; specifically, tori are present in species of the subgenera Dendrostellera and Stelleropsis within Diarthron but absent in the subgenus Diarthron. Of 19 species of Thymelaea investigated, only two of four specimens of T. villosa contained torus-bearing pit membranes. It is suggested that the original classification of this species as Daphne villosa be reconsidered.
Wood Structure and to pochemistry of Juniperus Excelsa
Authors: Adamopoulos Stergios , Koch Gerald
Published: March 2013

Wood structure and topochemical distribution of lignin and phenolic extractives in Juniperus excelsa Bieb. were investigated using a mature specimen, aproximately 80 years of age, from the Rhodope mountains, Greece. The wood of J. excelsa was found to possess the same qualitative anatomical features as those reported for other Juniperus species of the Western Hemisphere. Quantitative anatomical characteristics recorded for mature wood (heartwood and sapwood) included earlywood and latewood tracheid length, double wall thickness of earlywood and latewood tracheids, lumen diameter of earlywood tracheids and ray height. Scanning UV microspectrophotometry revealed a pronounced lignification of J. excelsa tracheids with detected absorbance values of the secondary cell wall layers being much higher in comparison to all other softwoods studied using this technique. The cell corners and compound middle lamellae were characterised by relative high UV absorbance values as compared to the S2 layers. The phenolic compounds deposited in the axial and ray parenchyma cells possessed higher absorbance values than cell wall associated lignins and had a different spectral behaviour due to the presence of chromophoric groups. According to the obtained UV absorbance spectra, more condensed phenolic compounds were deposited in the heartwood than in the sapwood.
Variation of Microfibril Angle in Plantation trees of Cunninghamia Lanceolata Determined by pit Apertures and X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Yin Yafang , Song Kunlin , Liu Bo , Jiang Xiaomei
Published: March 2013

Microfibril angle (MFA) is an important ultrastructural feature of the wood cell wall that provides insight into tree growth and wood quality. Unfortunately, it is a property whose value is sensitive to the method of measurement. The aims of this study are to clarify and compare the variation of MFA in Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.] plantation trees by using the pit aperture (PA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. A decrease in the average MFA from 25° to 12° as determined by PA and from 15° to 9° as determined by XRD was shown from growth ring 2 to ring 26. When measured at various stem heights up to 5.3 m, the MFA decreased from 18° to 15° using PA and from 12° to 9° using XRD. The results show that XRD tended to measure lower MFA values both in the juvenile and mature wood than PA. The majority of within-tree variation in MFA is mainly attributed to the difference between the juvenile and mature wood.
Migration of blue stain fungi within wax impregnated wood
Authors: Scholz Gunthard , Adamopoulos Stergios , Militz Holger
Published: March 2013

The colonization of wax impregnated pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) by blue stain fungi and their hyphal migration within the treated wood was investigated. Neither the hydrophobation effect nor the physical presence of the congealed wax deposits could impede fungal growth on the surface. However, in contrast to the untreated controls, there was a lower occurrence of hyphae in wax-treated wood. Blue stain fungi grew mainly near the cross cut as well as in empty spaces such as micro-capillaries, parenchyma tissue or other wax free zones of treated wood.
Wood Anatomy of Lecythidaceae Species called “Tauari”
Authors: Bernal Rocío A. , Coradin Vera , Camargos José , Costa Cecília , Pissarra José
Published: March 2013

Woods from an important group of Lecythidaceae species called “tauari” can hardly be identified in the field by their gross and general features. In this study we show that, when properly delimited to the genera Allantoma, Cariniana and Couratari, wood anatomical characteristics can be used to identify the species known as “tauari”, even though it is not possible to separate all species. In addition to anatomical characters, wood colour is an important character to help distinguish species of Cariniana and Allantoma from species of Couratari. Detailed wood anatomical descriptions from “tauari” woods Allantoma, Cariniana and Couratari are given and a table with diagnostic differences is presented. Common characters of this group are axial parenchyma in narrow continuous bands, prismatic crystals in chambered axial parenchyma cells and silica bodies in ray cells. Microscopic features that help in species identification are: fibre pitting (minutely or distinctly bordered), traumatic intercellular canals, average vessel diameter, vessel element length, axial parenchyma strand length, and ray height and width.
Assessing Spiral Grain Angle by Light Transmission: – Proof of Concept –
Authors: Riddell Mark , Cown Dave , Harrington Jonathan , Lee John , Moore John
Published: March 2013

Spiral grain measurements are subject to a high degree of variation and interpretation, depending on the assessment method used. A new measurement approach was tested whereby light was directed through disc samples on a flatbed scanner and the deviation along the grain assessed by means of a template to allow the mapping of grain angle variation radially and tangentially within discs. Initial results showed that the approach was valid for green discs up to 35 mm thick and small enough to fit on an A4 scanner. Comparisons with traditional scribing and cleaving methods were favourable, indicating that the light transmission approach could allow much faster and more accurate data acquisition. The possibility of using larger discs would enhance the ability to assess spatial variation in grain angle and minimise the effects of sample reference geometry with respect to the tree axis (disc tilt and parallax). Further work may also be required to ensure that reliable spiral grain values are obtained from both sapwood and heartwood. The ultimate goal is to develop an automated system for reconstructing stem characteristics from measurements on large fresh green discs to enable the 3-dimensional mapping of individual stem variations in key wood properties and modelling the impacts of silviculture and genetics on wood products.
Radial Variation in Microfibril Angle and Compression Properties of Paraserianthes Falcataria Planted in Indonesia
Authors: Ishiguri F. , Hiraiwa T. , Iizuka K. , Yokota S. , Priadi D. , Sumiasri N. , Yoshizawa N.
Published: March 2013

Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen is an important plantation species in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to understand the radial variation of microfibril angle in the S2 layer of the wood fiber wall (MFA) in P. falcataria, and its relationship to compression properties parallel to the grain, including modulus of elasticity (E) and compression strength (σ). MFA gradually decreased from pith to bark while both E and σ increased from pith to bark. Significant differences in MFA, E, and σ were found among the five sample trees. Single-regression analysis of wood and compression properties revealed that the compression properties of core wood were affected mainly by density, whereas those in outer wood were affected by both MFA and air-dry density (AD).
Cell Morphology and wood properties of Shorea Acuminatissima Planted in Indonesia
Authors: Ishiguri F. , Takeuchi M. , Makino K. , Wahyudi I. , Takashima Y. , Iizuka K. , Yokota S. , Yoshizawa N.
Published: March 2013

In view of the importance of long-rotation plantation forestry in SE Asia to limit soil erosion, the cell morphology and wood properties of 35-yearold plantation trees of yellow meranti, Shorea acuminatissima Sym. were studied. To understand the effects of growth rate on cell morphology and wood properties, 131 trees in a stand were classified according to their stem diameter as fast-, medium-, and slow-growing. Five trees in each category were selected for determining the cell morphology and wood properties. There were significant differences in vessel diameter, vessel frequency, and cell wall thickness of wood fibers in the three categories. The fast-growing trees had a relatively low frequency of wide vessels and thick-walled wood fibers. However, no significant differences in basic density or compressive strength parallel to grain were identified in the three categories. The radial variation in the cell morphology and wood properties showed an almost identical pattern in the three categories, suggesting that xylem maturation depends on the cambial age rather than growth rate.
Tracheid length – growth relationships of young Pinus brutia grown on reforestation sites
Authors: Adamopoulos Stergios , Wimmer Rupert , Milios Elias
Published: March 2013

Brutia pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) reforestations have been successfully used for decades in restoration of degraded forest ecosystems in Greece. The future purpose of these reforestations might expand to include wood utilisation. This study provides information on tracheid length of juvenile brutia pine aged 14–22 years grown on good and medium sites in Northeastern Greece. In addition, relationships among ring width, latewood proportion, wood density, and tracheid length were evaluated by using Causal Correlation Analysis. Similar mean tracheid length values were found for good and medium sites. Radial variability of tracheid length was similar on the good and medium sites, showing the typical increase in the juvenile phase. On both site types, latewood proportion showed a strong and positive relationship with wood density. Unexpectedly and only on the good sites, a significant positive relationship was found between ring width and wood density. On the medium sites, tracheid length was negatively related to fast growth and positively to high wood density. Tracheid length on the good sites was correlated only with latewood proportion with a weak positive relationship. The overall results may provide opportunities to better understand the quality of small-dimension timber of brutia pine and to better utilise it.
Climate/Growth Correlations of tree Species in the Indus Basin of the Karakorum Range, North Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Moinuddin , Khan Nasrullah , Wahab Mohammad , Zafar Usama , Palmer Jonathan
Published: March 2013

The climate/growth relationships of four gymnosperm tree species growing in seven catchments in the Indus Basin of the Karakorum range, North Pakistan, were evaluated for using two versions of tree-ring chronologies: “standard” and “residual” chronology. The growth of the trees was compared to instrumental climate records registered in Gilgit and to a climate data set of a 0.5° latitude-longitude grid. The effect of the previous year’s tree-ring widths on growth resulted in a higher correlation in the case of “standard” chronologies. A consistently significant response to climate was observed for all species at all sites. Such results highlight the potential for a multi-species approach for climate reconstructions. Of all the four species assessed, the strongest climate signal was seen in Pinus gerardiana. Winter and spring precipitation showed a pronounced positive correlation with tree growth while an inverse response to spring temperature was seen. Of the two climate parameters (temperature and precipitation) the strongest response was seen to rainfall. The gridded and the instrumental climatic data produced similar correlation patterns but the highest values were obtained with the “local” Gilgit data although some tree-ring sites are about 90 km apart from this meteorological station. Overall, the results demonstrate a high potential of the trees of the study region for reconstructing of past climate and past river flow.
The Effect of Carbonization on wood Structure of Dalbergia Violacea, Stryphnodendron Polyphyllum, Tapirira Guianensis, Vochysia Tucanorum, and Pouteria Torta from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Gonçalves Thaís A.P. , Marcati Carmen R. , Scheel-Ybert Rita
Published: March 2013

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of charcoal and a great part of this material still comes from native forests – especially from the cerrado biome, which is highly impacted by anthropogenic degradation. The need to control charcoal production increases the demand of charcoal identification, but there is little information about the anatomical modifications due to carbonization. In this paper, fresh and charred wood samples from five Brazilian species were analyzed (Dalbergia violacea, Stryphnodendron polyphyllum, Tapirira guianensis, Vochysia tucanorum, and Pouteria torta). Anatomical characters were described and measurements of the main anatomical features of wood and charcoal were statistically compared. Minor modifications were observed: reduction of tangential vessel diameter was the most evident change after carbonization; shrinkage of rays (in width) occurred only in some individuals. The present study supports the identification of charred woods, hopefully contributing to the control of charcoal production, and to palaeoenvironmental and archaeobotanical studies.
Characterization of Schinopsis Haenkeana wood Decayed by Phellinus Chaquensis (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales)
Authors: Luna María Luján , Murace Mónica A. , Robledo Gerardo L. , Saparrat Mario C. N.
Published: March 2013

Schinopsis haenkeana is a native tree to the Chaco Serrano Forests in Argentina. The white-rot fungus Phellinus chaquensis degrades its wood, causing a whiterot type of decay. The objective of this study was to investigate the structural alterations caused by P. chaquensis in S. hankeana decayed naturally and in vitro. Sound living branches with decay and basidiocarps of P. chaquensis were sampled from the field and in vitro decay tests were performed according to the ASTM D-2017-81 standard method. Naturally decayed branches exhibited an innermost discolored zone with white-rot decay and an outer yellowish-white portion of sound sapwood. Using LM and SEM, degraded tissue displayed diagnostic characters of selective delignification and simultaneous decay. Findings indicate that P. chaquensis causes a mottled pattern of decay (selective delignification plus simultaneous decay) in S. haenkeana wood. Other features such as accumulation of extractives, profuse deposition of crystals and tyloses, typical ofSchinopsis spp. heartwood, were additionally observed. In laboratory degraded material, signs of selective delignification and incipient stages of simultaneous decay were noticeable only microscopically. Chemical analysis revealed an oxidative alteration of aromatic moieties in naturally decayed samples which might be related to the accumulation of phenols as a response to fungal attack when compared to sound samples. Naturally degraded sapwood exhibits anatomical and chemical modifications that indicate the development of discolored wood derived from the host-pathogen interaction.
A Structural and Compositional Analysis of Intervessel pit Membranes in the Sapwood of some Mangrove Woods
Authors: Schmitz Nele , Koch Gerald , Beeckman Hans , Koedam Nico , Robert Elisabeth M.R. , Schmitt Uwe
Published: March 2013

Intervessel pits are prominent wall structures involved in the water transport mechanism of land plants. The role of their intra-tree variation in the regulation of water transport, however, remains enigmatic. The hypothesis was tested that pit membrane thickness and degree of impregnation with phenolic substances increase along the stem axis with increasing tension on the water column as an adaptation to the higher risk for cavitation. Wood samples were taken at different heights from the mangrove tree Rhizophora mucronata growing at Gazi Bay (Kenya). Additional samples were taken along the stem radius to distinguish height from age effect, and from six other mangrove species growing in the same forest. Intervessel pit membranes were studied via transmission and scanning electron microscopy and cellular UV-microspectrophotometry. The hypothesis of pit membrane thickness and composition as a static adaptation to the hydrostatic conditions during vessel differentiation could be refuted. Instead, our findings point to a more dynamic pit membrane appearance with seasonal changes in thickness and chemical composition.
Torus Presence and Distribution in Leaves of Osmanthus Armatus
Authors: Dute Roland R. , Zwack Paul J. , Craig Ebony , Baccus Steven M.
Published: March 2013

Osmanthus armatus Diels is a member of the Oleaceae whose woody branches were previously found to possess torus-bearing pit membranes. Observations of the perennial leaves indicate that torus-bearing, pitted tracheary elements extend throughout the vasculature of the organ including the veins delimiting the areoles and the vein termini. Torusbearing tracheary elements differentiate into the vein termini but do not develop at the very ends. Rather, the distal ends of vein termini consist of tracheids without tori and of phloem containing intermediary cells. The latter cell type is a component of the phloem in the small diameter leaf veins. Tori are considered to be xeromorphic features which, along with a thick cuticle and sclereids, are advantageous for the perennial growth habit of the leaves.
Xylem Anatomy and Cell Wall Ultrastructure of Nicotiana Tabacum After Lignin Genetic Modification Through Transcriptional Activator EgMYB2
Authors: De Micco Veronica , Ruel Katia , Joseleau Jean-Paul , Grima-Pettenati Jacqueline , Aronne Giovanna
Published: March 2013

The transcriptional activator EgMYB2, which belongs to the large R2R3 MYB transcription factor family, plays a major role in the coordinated control of genes in the lignin biosynthetic pathway. Given that lignin genetic modification can lead to xylem alterations compromising vascular functionality, we characterised wood anatomical properties of two transgenic tobacco lines over-expressing EgMYB2, using light, fluorescence, confocal, transmission electron microscopy, immunocytochemical labelling and digital image analysis. Transgenic wood, compared with wild type, was characterised by both reduced frequency of larger vessels and lower vessel grouping; these traits are known to have physiological implications in terms of water transport efficiency and safety against embolism. Transgenic wood also appeared denser due to the occurrence of thicker cell walls and higher incidence of fibres than wild type. Increased lignin content was accompanied by a concomitant increase in cellulose and xylan, but no alterations in the usual distribution of guaiacyl and syringyl units in secondary cell walls were observed. Altogether, these results show that EgMYB2 is a master regulator controlling the synthesis of the three major polymers of the secondary cell wall and that its overexpression has significant influence on quantitative anatomical traits of wood which affect its functional properties.
Tree-ring study of a Late Holocene forest buried in the Ubuka Basin, southwestern Japan
Authors: Hakozaki Masataka , Kimura Katsuhiko , Tsuji Seiichiro , Suzuki Mitsuo
Published: March 2013

Buried trees in the Ubuka Basin, southwestern Japan, were investigated to identify the wood species and to build tree-ring chronologies. A total of 65 trees were collected belonging to three species: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, 63 trees), Japanese nutmeg tree (Torreya nucifera, one tree) and Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa, one tree). Crossdating of the individual ring-width series resulted in four independent tree-ring chronologies covering 605, 576, 507 and 395 years. The absolute ages of these chronologies were determined to be 3676, 4166, 4576 and 4876 cal BP by definite-gap sequence modeling of radiocarbon dates measured at a constant gap of 30 years. An extremely long, continuous chronology can probably be developed in the future by increasing the number of samples at this site.
A new fossil wood of Koelreuteria (Sapindaceae) from the Pliocene of China and remarks on the phytogeographic history of Koelreuteria
Authors: Cheng Ye-Ming , Yin Ya-Fang , Mehrotra R.C. , Li Cheng-Sen
Published: March 2013

Koelreuteria yuanmouensis sp. nov. (Sapindaceae) is described from the Pliocene fluvio-lacustrine rocks of Hutiaotan Earth Forest, Yuanmou Basin, Yunnan, China. This is the first report of fossil Koelreuteria wood from Asia. The history of the genus is reviewed. Fruits and leaves of the genus have been reported from the Paleocene onwards in Asia, North America, and Europe, with the genus becoming restricted to East Asia during the Neogene.
A New (Hovenia) and an old (Chadronoxylon) Fossil Wood from the Late Eocene Florissant Formation, Colorado, U.S.A.
Authors: Wheeler Elisabeth A. , Meyer Herbert W.
Published: March 2013

A fossil wood with features similar to those of the Oligocene Hovenia palaeodulcis Suzuki (Rhamnaceae) from Japan is described from the late Eocene Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado, U.S.A. This is the first report of fossil wood of this Asian genus in North America and is further documentation of Tertiary exchange between East Asia and North America. The affinities of Chadronoxylon florissantensis, the most common angiosperm wood at Florissant, are reevaluated; its combination of features suggests relationships with two families in the Malpighiales, the Salicaceae and Phyllanthaceae. Chadronoxylon is compared with Paraphyllanthoxylon Bailey. The Eocene P. hainanensis from China has notable differences from the original diagnosis of Paraphyllanthoxylon, but shares features with Chadronoxylon warranting transfer of P. hainanensis to Chadronoxylon and the creation of Chadronoxylon hainanensis (Feng, Yi, Jen) Wheeler & Meyer, comb. nov.
First Report of Araucariaceae wood (Agathoxylon sp.) from the Late Cretaceous of Turkey
Authors: Kutluk Hatice , Kır Osman , Akkemik Ünal
Published: March 2013

Oltustone is a semi-precious gemstone found only in the Late Cretaceous (Upper Maastrichtian) Dutlu Formation of Turkey. Microscopic examination of oltustone reveals that it consists of fossilized Agathoxylon wood (Araucariaceae). This represents one of the latest occurrences of the Araucariaceae in southern Eurasia and is also the southernmost recorded for the Laurasian continent.
Microtome Sections of Charcoal: – Technical Note –
Authors: Schweingruber Fritz H.
Published: March 2013

This note describes and illustrates a rapid and user-friendly method to section fragile charcoals by microtome after applying two component adhesive to the transverse charcoal surface and using adhesive tape to prevent the sections to disintegrate.
Phylogenetic and Ecological Signals in the Wood of Spathelioideae (Rutaceae)
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , van Heuven Bertie Joan , Lens Frederic , Baas Pieter
Published: March 2013

Subfamily Spathelioideae of Rutaceae constitutes a well-supported early branching clade of eight small woody genera that were formerly assigned to five different Sapindalean/Rutalean families. This study brings together detailed wood anatomical information on all eight genera (for four the wood anatomy is described for the first time in detail). Wood anatomy strongly supports the inclusion of all Spathelioid genera in Rutaceae and underpins the molecular phylogeny with a set of interesting apomorphies at different nodes of the cladogram. The wood anatomy of Cneorum tricoccon with its semi-ring porosity, dendritic vessel pattern, vascular tracheids and helical vessel wall thickenings stands out in Spathelioideae. This wood anatomical syndrome is hypothesized to be due to adaptive evolution for hydraulic safety and efficiency of this species in a typical Mediterranean climate, where similar syndromes have evolved in many unrelated clades of woody dicots. In at least six unrelated genera of Rutaceae outside Spathelioideae from Mediterranean or cool temperate and montane climates, the syndrome has also evolved in presumably parallel, adaptive evolution.