bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wood Quality of Sugi (Cryptomeria Japonica) Grown at four initial Spacings
Authors: Ishiguri F. , Kasai S. , Yokota S. , Iizuka K. , Yoshizawa N.
Published: March 2013

Wood quality is affected by silviculture, which includes factors such as stand density control and genetics. In the present study, the effects of initial spacing on the general wood quality and lumber quality of sugi wood (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) were examined. Logs of 35-year-old sugi were cut from four stands with different initial spacing (A: 2.6 by 2.6 m, 1,500 trees/ha; B: 1.8 by 1.8 m, 3,000 trees/ha; C: 1.3 by 1.3 m, 6,000 trees/ha; D: 1.0 by 1.0 m, 10,000 trees/ha). Trees from stand A showed significantly larger values in annual ring width than trees from the other stands. However, there were no significant differences in the wood basic density, the length of latewood tracheids, and the microfibril angle of the S2 layer among stands. On the other hand, initial spacing affected the lumber quality. The average diameter of knots was significantly larger in stand A than in the other stands. In addition, the dynamic Young's modulus, the modulus of rupture, and the modulus of elasticity in static bending increased with the decrease in the initial spacing from 2.6 by 2.6 m to 1.3 by 1.3 m.
Atomic Force Microscopy of the Intervessel Pit Membrane in the Stem of Sapium Sebiferum (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Pesacreta Thomas C. , Groom Leslie H. , Rials Timothy G.
Published: March 2013

Sapwood and juvenile wood of Sapium sebiferum (Euphorbiaceae) was collected during 2000 –2002. In air-dried vessel elements, the surface of pit membranes (PMs) in the outermost growth ring was coated with plaque-like or interstitial material that was 2–5 nm thick. This coating was phase dark and overlaid a phase bright layer of globules and reticulately arranged microfibrils (MFs) that was 25–50 nm thick. Beneath the reticulate layer there was another surface exposed during sectioning/fracturing. It had parallel MFs which appeared to be continuous with the middle lamella, and were also coated. The total thickness of the dried PM appeared to be in the range of 50–100 nm. Overwintering and heartwood PMs were encrusted with a non-microfibrillar layer that differed from the above mentioned coating. Prior to chemical treatment, specific dried, untreated PMs were located and then the sample was dismounted, treated with acidic H2O2, and observed after treatment so that before and after images could be compared. Treatment with acidic H2O2 removed some of the coating and greatly modified the fibrillar nature of the surface layer, but did not reduce its overall thickness. The native structure of sapwood PMs was observed in water. Non-dried PMs displayed two layers, each with a different type of surface. The outer layer was non-microfibrillar and covered the entire surface of the PM. The non-microfibrillar layer was extremely sensitive to mechanical perturbation by the AFM tip, and had phase characteristics similar to the coating of dried PMs. The underlying layer was thick and microfibrillar. The MFs in non-dried PMs were, like the dried MFs, phase bright but they were much more loosely intermeshed compared with those seen in dried materials. The measurable thickness (which does not represent the total thickness) of non-dried PMs frequently ranged from 90–225 nm, although a few 500 nm vertical features were measured.
Z-Axis Calibration in Optical Sectioning from Xylem Cross Sections for Grain Angle Measurement
Authors: Ogata Yoshiyuki , Fujita Minoru
Published: March 2013

Optical sectioning using confocal microscopy may be problematic under some conditions due to contamination with light from outside the focal plane and resulting z-axis compression. These problems can affect quantitative wood anatomy, such as grain angle measurement. In the present report, the exact surface of xylem sections, z-axis scaling, and available scanning depth with confocal microscopy were determined in xylem transverse sections of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don). The optical section containing the sample surface was determined using power spectral analysis to find the sharpest image. Image cross-correlation analysis in serial transverse optical sections revealed that the optical sections above the sample surface showed no tangential shift with that of the surface, indicating the non-focal cell wall information. Optical sections using an oil immersion lens with oil and a dry lens without oil were compared. Optical sections with an oil lens were relatively precise while those with a dry lens showed a z-axis distortion of about ×1.5 due to the mismatch of refractive index. Therefore, the exact cell orientation angle without oil can be obtained by the two-thirds multiplication. Adequate cell wall information was available up to c. 80 μm deep.
Lignin Distribution in the Tropical Bamboo Species Gigantochloa Levis
Authors: Lybeer Bieke , Koch Gerald
Published: March 2013

The lignin distribution within the cell walls of Gigantochloa levis was studied topochemically by means of TEM and cellular UV microspectrophotometry. The distribution of lignin structural units in different anatomical regions is described and lignification of the tropical bamboo species Gigantochloa levis is compared with that of the temperate bamboo species Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens. Considerable differences were found in cell wall structure between fibres adjacent to the vascular tissue, fibres of free fibre strands and parenchyma cells. The S2 fibre wall in general has a lamellar structure with an increasing lignin content from the centre towards the compound middle lamella. P-coumaric and ferulic acids are more widely distributed in G. levis and their content depends on the anatomical location. The early maturing fibres adjacent to the vascular tissue and at the outer culm wall reveal a maximum absorbance at 280 nm (guaiacyl peak) whereas the late maturing fibres display a shoulder at 310–320 nm. This is in contrast to P. viridiglaucescens where the late maturing fibres also show a maximum peak at 280 nm. The compound middle lamellae show higher absorbance values and are richer in p-coumaric and ferulic acid esters in comparison to the S2 wall layers. The vessel walls have a lower lignin content. A difference in lignin content between the various ages and between flowering and non-flowering culms could not be observed.
Comparison of Contact and Non-Contact Wood Fibers in Some Hardwood
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Fujita Minoru , Takabe Keiji
Published: March 2013

The distributions of syringyl lignin and glucuronoxylans in contact and non-contact wood fibers of Pterocymbium beccarii, Paulownia tomentosa, and Albizia julibrissin were investigated using the Mäule color reaction and immunogold labeling, respectively. In the Mäule color reaction, the fibers with small diameters (tip regions of wood fibers) appeared much darker in color than those with larger diameters (body regions of wood fibers), but there were no significant differences in the depth of color between the contact and non-contact wood fibers with similar diameters. This finding suggests that the tips of the wood fibers tend to be richer in syringyl lignin than the bodies, but there is no positive correlation between the content of syringyl lignin and the distance of the wood fiber from the ray. In the immunogold labeling, no essential difference was found in the labeling distribution and density between contact and non-contact wood fibers in all three species. In Albizia julibrissin, moreover, almost all wood fibers regardless of contact or non-contact with the rays, contained starch grains in the outer portion of the outermost annual ring. These findings indicate that the distance of wood fibers from the rays do not affect the transport of photosynthate, so that even the wood fibers far away from the rays are supplied with almost the same amount of photosynthetic products, which are a source of raw materials for cell wall biosynthesis.
Chemical and Wood Anatomical Properties of Tumorous Wood in a Turkish White Oak (Quercus Robur Subsp. Robur)
Authors: Gülsoy Sezgin K. , Eroğlu Hüdaverdi , Merev Nesime
Published: March 2013

Chemical and anatomical properties of tumorous and normal wood of Quercus robur L. subsp. robur were compared. Tumorous growth appeared as a result of topping stress. Orientation of cells was severely disrupted in the affected wood. In cross section, aspects of cells changed abruptly from transverse to longitudinal, and in tangential section all wood elements appeared to turn around each other like a fingerprint. Vessel elements and fibres of affected wood were shorter than those of healthy wood. The vessels of affected wood were smaller in diameter especially in the earlywood. On the other hand, multiseriate ray height was shorter than that of normal wood. In addition, perforated ray cells occurred. The ray and axial parenchyma cells of tumorous wood contained dark coloured phenolic compounds. Normal wood had calcium oxalate crystals, while tumorous wood did not. Chemical analyses showed that hemicellulose content and solubility rates in 1% NaOH, cold water, hot water, and alcohol- benzene were higher than those of normal wood. Cellulose and ash contents of tumorous wood were slightly lower than in normal wood. In addition, air-dry specific gravity of tumorous wood was higher than that of normal wood.
Comparative Bark Anatomy of Root and Stem in Styrax Camporum (Styracaceae)
Authors: Machado Silvia Rodrigues , Marcati Carmen Regina , de Morretes Berta Lange , Angyalossy Veronica
Published: March 2013

The bark of Styrax camporum Pohl (Styracaceae) differs anatomically in the root and stem. Roots have layered secondary phloem; short sieve tubes with simple, transverse or more or less inclined sieve plates; fibres in tangential bands; astrosclereids; wide rays, and a poorly developed periderm. Stems have non-layered secondary phloem; longer sieve tubes with compound, scalariform, inclined sieve plates; sclerified cells and brachysclereids; a developed periderm, and a non-persistent rhytidome. Prismatic crystals, starch grains, phenolic compounds and lipidic contents were observed in root and stem bark cells. The differences between the secondary phloem of root and stem are discussed.
Conifer Woods of the Middle Jurassic Hojedk Formation (Kerman Basin) Central Iran
Authors: Poole Imogen , Ataabadi Majid Mirzaie
Published: March 2013

This paper documents the first record of permineralised wood from Middle Jurassic coal bearing deposits to the north of Kerman, Iran, deposited c. 170 million years before present. The coniferous woods have character combinations resembling, and thus have been assigned to, the genera Xenoxylon Gothan and Agathoxylon Hartig. Since Xenoxylon is essentially Laurasian and Agathoxylon has been recorded from the Northern Hemisphere during the Mesozoic, these woods help confirm conclusions from recent geological studies that place the Kerman Basin of Iran in southern Laurasia during the Jurassic.
Commentary: Typology, Homology, and Homoplasy in Comparative Wood Anatomy
Authors: Olson Mark E.
Published: March 2013

Comparative wood anatomy consists of two main efforts: wood identification and evolutionary studies. Evolutionary studies can be divided into two main areas: systematic wood anatomy and ecological wood anatomy. The goal of wood identification is the association of a name with a sample; that of systematic wood anatomy is the discovery of the nested hierarchy of synapomorphies that characterize the phylogeny of the woody plants; the main thrust of ecological wood anatomy has been to identify structure- function relationships that have evolved repeatedly across clades. Wood anatomical characters can be divided into three types: typological, homologous, and homoplasious. Wood identification can and should use all three types; systematic wood anatomy must focus on homologies; homologies may be of interest to ecological wood anatomy, but homoplasies have been its principal focus. The use of typological characters developed for wood identification can produce misleading results in studies of evolutionary wood anatomy and must be avoided. Robust phylogenies are important for discovering wood anatomical homologies and homoplasies; also important is the need to make explicit, testable hypotheses, and to identify the type of causation (ultimate or proximate) that is of interest for a given study.
Magnetic Resonance Micro-Imaging of Xylem Sap Distribution and Necrotic Lesions in tree Stems
Authors: Kuroda Keiko , Kanbara Yoshiyuki , Inoue Takashi , Ogawa Akira
Published: March 2013

To get high quality magnetic resonance (MR) micro-images for the physiological and anatomical investigation of tree stems, the imaging with various combinations of parameters was tested on a Signa VH/i 3.0 T MR imaging system (General Electric Medical Systems). Proton density and T2 weighted spin echo (SE) sequences are commonly used to detect areas with abundant water. Cambial zone and the area consisting of water-filled conduits looked whitish in the MR images of healthy Pinus densiflora and Quercus serrata stems that were obtained by these sequences. In the MR images of diseased P. densiflora that had been inoculated with a wilt pathogen, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the area dehydrated as a result of embolism appeared pitch-black. In the images of diseased Quercus crispula saplings, that had been inoculated with the wilt pathogen Raffaelea quercivora, the dehydrated xylem was shown as a dark area. The T1 weighted SE or gradient echo (FSPGR) sequence, that is used to detect fat and protein distribution, provided high intensity MR signals for the pathogenic heartwood and necrotic areas resulting from fungal activity. The resolution of MR images obtained by SE sequences was estimated 100–150 μm from the FOV and image size. The data sets obtained by the FSPGR sequence that consist of 0.8 mm thick serial sections enables the three-dimensional analysis of the affected area. This technique is helpful for detecting the water distribution and areas affected by pathogenic microorganisms in living tree stems.
High-Resolution Dendrochemical Analysis of Flood-Affected Oaks using Laser Ablation Icp-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: George Scott St. , Outridge P.M. , Nielsen Erik
Published: March 2013

Dendrochemical analysis was conducted on Quercus macrocarpa Michx. (bur oak) growing within the floodplain of the Red River, Canada, to determine if xylem formed during severe floods contained significantly perturbed chemistry. Wood samples were taken from five living trees in the same stand and from three timbers from a 19th-century building. Laser ablation ICP-mass spectrometry was used to determine the trace element chemistry in the earlywood and latewood of rings formed before, during and after major floods. Between-tree correlations were significant (p < 0.05) for Hg, Mg, Mn, Sr and Zn, suggesting that changes in the abundance of these elements over time might reflect common physiological processes or environmental signals. Mg, Mn and Sr concentrations were higher in the earlywood than in the latewood for both living and historical samples. These intra-annual shifts may reflect varying rates of uptake driven by seasonal changes in anatomical development, as well as stability of these elements after their initial deposition. Although no chemical anomalies are associated with 20th-century floods, earlywood coinciding with an extreme flood in 1826 contained low levels of Mg, Mn and Sr. These elemental anomalies might represent an independent biochemical flood signature but it is also possible they are a secondary expression of wood formation disrupted by flooding. In either case, elemental analysis does not provide any information beyond that obtained from studying anatomical features, and does not appear to be a viable tool to identify the occurrence of past floods.
Investigation of the Relationships between Anatomical Pattern, Density and Local Swelling of Oak Wood
Authors: Badel E. , Bakour R. , Perré P.
Published: March 2013

We coupled a digital X-ray imaging system with a humid air conditioner. This new configuration allows the shrinkage behaviour of thin samples to be measured. In order to control both the temperature and the relative humidity in the chamber, an air generator was developed which ensures very stable conditions even over several months. The X-ray beam passes through the chamber to the 2D detector. Twelve samples can be placed on a rotating sample holder. The strain field due to the moisture content variations is determined by an image correlation algorithm, which compares X-ray images collected at different moisture conditions. Moreover, inspection by X-ray simultaneously produces complementary data: the local density and the spatial organisation of the tissues within the anatomical pattern. Twelve oak samples, chosen for their wide variability of the anatomical pattern, were characterised using this device.

Some models available in the literature are used to predict the swelling. fThe comparison between measurements and prediction is rather poor. The variable anatomical structure of the annual rings permits some explanations for this decrepancy and leads to the conclusion that the complete spatial organisation of the tissues has to be quantified to understand and to predict the behaviour of oak wood.
Morphogenesis of the Specialized Peridermal Tissues in Decodon Allenbyensis from the Middle Eocene Princeton Chert
Authors: Little Stefan A. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: March 2013

Aquatic tissues in the submerged axes of Decodon allenbyensis Cevallos- Ferriz et Stockey are investigated and described in detail. Numerous well-preserved roots have primary aerenchymatous cortex and no secondary vascular tissues while other axes show transitions to secondary xylem and phloem, as well as periderm composed of thin-walled lacunate phellem. Phellem appears similar to the primary aerenchyma seen in aquatic roots of species of Ludwigia L.; however, similar lacunate tissue in extant Decodon verticillatus (L.) Ell. is secondary (phellem) and this study shows this tissue to be homologous to that seen in the fossil Decodon J.F. Gmel. A complex rhytidome is described in the largest fossil axes. It is composed of alternating bands of 'phelloids' and bands of non-active phloem with lacunae. This complex aquatic rhytidome is currently unknown in other living or fossil taxa.
Trephor: A New Tool for Sampling Microcores from tree stems
Authors: Rossi Sergio , Anfodillo Tommaso , Menardi Roberto
Published: March 2013

Detailed analyses of cambium activity and wood formation during growth need repeated sampling of newly formed xylem. In order to be minimally invasive, wood samples are extracted as microcores. Despite the research done on xylem cell development and the increasing interest in intra-annual studies of xylogenesis, few tools are available for microcore sampling. Methods originally designed for other purposes have often been used, but no details are available on their efficiency and usefulness. Information is also lacking on laboratory preparation techniques for cell analysis of tree-ring formation, leading to difficulties in carrying out these experiments. The advantages and limits of the tools used up to now are described. A new tool, named Trephor (patent pending n° PD2004A000324), specifically designed for long-lasting use is presented. Trephor is chisel-shaped for a fast recovery of 2 mm diameter microcores. The cutting tube is inserted into the wood using a hammer and no other accessory is required. Simple technical characteristics allow high quality samples to be collected from both softwood and hardwood species with minimum damage to the sampled trees. Trephor was tested during the 2004 growing season, demonstrating good resistance to wear and tear and mechanical stress. Embedding the microcores in paraffin for fast section preparation is described.
Wood Anatomy of the Tribe Caesalpinieae (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) in Venezuela
Authors: de Pernía Narcisana Espinoza , Melandri José Luis
Published: March 2013

We studied the microscopic wood anatomy of 8 genera and 30 species in the tribe Caesalpinieae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae, with a focus on the identification and comparative anatomy of these genera. Characters suitable for reliable identification include intervessel pit size, fibre wall thickness, septate fibres, storied structure, ray type, ray width, and silica bodies. A table of diagnostic characters, generic descriptions, and photomicrographs provide tools for identification and descriptive information for comparative and phylogenetic studies.
Root Anatomy of Skimmia Japonica: A Reassessment to Aid Root Identification
Authors: Denne Pat , Mitchell Mark , Evans Jennifer , Gasson Peter
Published: March 2013

The anatomical structure of bark and wood of roots of Skimmia japonica has been re-examined, and our observations show that a previous description of the root anatomy of this species is erroneous. Anatomical details are given as an aid to the identification of Skimmia roots, which are occasionally encountered in proximity to building subsidence.
Wood Anatomy of Craigia (Malvales) from Southeastern Yunnan, China
Authors: Manchester Steven R. , Chen Zhiduan , Zhou Zhekun
Published: March 2013

Wood anatomy of Craigia W.W. Sm. & W.E. Evans (Malvaceae s.l.), a tree endemic to China and Vietnam, is described in order to provide new characters for assessing its affinities relative to other malvalean genera. Craigia has very low-density wood, with abundant diffuse-in-aggregate axial parenchyma and tile cells of the Pterospermum type in the multiseriate rays. Although Craigia is distinct from Tilia by the presence of tile cells, they share the feature of helically thickened vessels – supportive of the sister group status suggested for these two genera by other morphological characters and preliminary molecular data. Although Craigia is well represented in the fossil record based on fruits, we were unable to locate fossil woods corresponding in anatomy to that of the extant genus.
Cretaceous Woods from the Farafra Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Kamal El-Din Marwah M. , Wheeler E.A , Bartlett J.A.
Published: March 2013

There are fewer than 200 angiosperm wood records for the whole of the Cretaceous; the majority are from North America, Europe, and Asia. This paper describes two petrified woods from the Late Cretaceous Hefhuf Formation, Farafra Oasis, Egypt, a locality near the Campanian equator. Affinities of these two wood types cannot be determined with certainty. One wood has characteristics seen in the Lauraceae, Moraceae, and Anacardiaceae; the other wood has exclusively uniseriate homocellular rays, scalariform perforation plates, rare axial parenchyma, and alternate-opposite intervessel pitting.
Identification of Fibre Components in Packaging Grade Papers
Authors: Adamopoulos Stergios
Published: March 2013

Environmental and economic issues have led to a significant increase of recycled paper as the main fibrous component of corrugated board the last years. Qualitative data on the different fibre types are needed for the evaluation of packaging fibre supply sources, which are becoming numerous and heterogeneous. Fifteen different packaging grade papers (7 linerboards and 8 corrugating medium) were selected to represent all the variety of papers available on the Spanish market. The origin of virgin and recycled fibres was identified by their morphological characteristics employing light microscopy and standard fibre analysis techniques. The waste-based papers (Waste based-liners and Fluting), Kraft-liners and Test-liner were highly variable containing 9–18 different wood and nonwood components. Semi-chemical, with 5–13 components, was the less variable grade. Hardwoods were identified as the most important fibre component from a quantitative standpoint. All papers contained in their hardwood mix Betula, Eucalyptus and Populus in significant amounts. Fagus sylvatica and Tilia were also frequently observed and in some papers were amongst major hardwood components. Prominent softwood components were found to be Pinus sylvestris, P. pinaster, P. radiata, Picea, Larix and in some papers Pinus nigra. The lower presence of a variety of softwood, hardwood and nonwood (mainly grasses) species and genera was due to the paper recycling process.
No Correlation between Latewood Formation and Leader Growth in Douglas-Fir Saplings
Authors: Renninger Heidi J. , Gartner Barbara L. , Grotta Amy T.
Published: March 2013

The width of earlywood and latewood in conifer xylem may have a profound effect on water transport and storage, vulnerability to embolism, and wood strength, yet the controls over the timing of latewood formation are unclear. Tracheids differentiating in the cambial zone are influenced by IAA, indole-3 acetic acid, the radial concentration gradient of which appears to either increase cell expansion (earlywood) or increase cell wall deposition (latewood). There are suggestive data that latewood begins to form when the growth of the leader stops, but definitive results are lacking. Height growth was measured in 14 Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) saplings at 10 dates between May and August, from the beginning of the growing season until after height growth had ceased. The cambium was also pinned six times between June and July, to induce xylem scarring at known dates. After height growth ceased, saplings were harvested and transverse sections of the wood were made at the pin insertion points. The date at which 95% of the height growth had occurred and the date at which latewood formation had begun were estimated. Analysis showed no correlation of these data, suggesting that the two phenomena may occur around the same time, but that one is not causal of the other.
Tree-Ring Anomalies in Toona Ciliata
Authors: Heinrich Ingo , Banks John Charles Gripper
Published: March 2013

New increment core samples of Toona ciliata collected in the Australian tropics and subtropics compared to already existing material from the Upper Kangaroo Valley, near Sydney exhibit distinct differences in tree-ring structures. This necessitated a closer examination of the wood anatomy, possible false rings and the speciesʼ crossdating capacity in northeast Australia. During tree-ring analysis two growth anomalies (extensive zones of narrow and indistinct rings) and three types of false rings were discovered which complicated crossdating. However, in growth experiments only one type of false ring could be induced artificially by totally defoliating young trees. It was possible to alter their phenological performance by artificially changing the environmental conditions. Visual crossdating of samples originating from northeast Australia was feasible within and between trees. For selected years a positive relationship between ring width and precipitation data was found.
Tension Wood and Oppositewood in 21 Tropical Rain Forest Species
Authors: Ruelle Julien , Clair Bruno , Beauchêne Jacques , Prévost Marie Françoise , Fournier Meriem
Published: March 2013

The anatomy of tension wood and opposite wood was compared in 21 tropical rain forest trees from 21 species belonging to 18 families from French Guyana. Wood specimens were taken from the upper and lower sides of naturally tilted trees. Measurement of the growth stress level ensured that the two samples were taken from wood tissues in a different mechanical state: highly tensile-stressed wood on the upper side, called tension wood and normally tensile-stressed wood on the lower side, called opposite wood. Quantitative parameters relating to fibres and vessels were measured on transverse sections of both tension and opposite wood to check if certain criteria can easily discriminate the two kinds of wood. We observed a decrease in the frequency of vessels in the tension wood in all the trees studied. Other criteria concerning shape and surface area of the vessels, fibre diameter or cell wall thickness did not reveal any general trend. At the ultrastructural level, we observed that the microfibril angle in the tension wood sample was lower than in opposite wood in all the trees except one (Licania membranacea).
Eccentric Growth But no Compression Wood in a Horizontal Stem of Cycas Micronesica (Cycadales)
Authors: Fisher Jack B. , Marler Thomas E.
Published: March 2013

A single 1.41-m-long trunk of Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill was found growing horizontally in natural habitat on the island of Guam. Transverse sections of the trunk showed enhancement of secondary vascular tissues on the lower side by the production of more arcs of accessory vascular cambia and more parenchyma as compared to the upper side. Xylem tracheids were similar in upper and lower sides. There was no evidence of compression wood tracheids as seen in conifers.
Assessment of Cambial Activity and Xylogenesis by Microsampling Tree Species: An Example at the Alpine Timberline
Authors: Rossi Sergio , Deslauriers Annie , Anfodillo Tommaso
Published: March 2013

Mechanisms of cell production and maturation and dynamics of xylem formation have been widely studied in trees in order to better characterize stem radial growth. Histological analyses have been used in this study to describe cambial activity and xylem cell differentiation in Larix decidua, Pinus cembra and Picea abies at the Alpine timberline. Wood microcores were collected weekly from April to October 2003 and cross sections prepared to distinguish xylem cells of the growing tree ring and to determine the number of cells in the cambial zone, radial cell enlargement, secondary wall thickening and lignification and the number of mature tracheids. The anatomical changes characterizing the phases of xylem cell production and differentiation during the year are described and discussed. All species showed the same trend of xylem formation. Three delayed bell-shaped curves and an S-shaped curve were observed for cambium, enlarging and wall thickening cells and mature cells, respectively. Cells divided in the cambial zones from April-May to August, depending on the species. From 100 to 130 days were required to complete cell differentiation. Tree-ring formation ended during September. The average periods spent on radial enlargement, and secondary cell wall thickening and lignification were estimated at 7–10 and 20–25 days, respectively.
Effect of Neofabraea Alba on Bark and Wood Anatomy of Fraxinus Spp
Authors: Angeles Guillermo , Adams Gerard C. , Putnam Melodie L.
Published: March 2013

The anatomy of an unusual canker on Fraxinus spp. was investigated with elastomer microcasts. The canker was caused by a new fungal disease, 'Coin Canker of Ash', affecting nursery stock in Northeastern North America. Cankers on bark surfaces were remarkably round and coppercolored. Diseased areas of stems had non-parallel orientations of axial parenchyma tissue as well as of the rays, vessel elements and fibers in contrast to healthy areas. Bark in diseased areas of stems was eroded beneath the surface and a callus was produced along the margins of damage that filled the cavity of eroded tissue. Diseased areas had large aggregates of sclereids compared to healthy areas. Ray initials in diseased areas of the stem were shorter, multiseriate and 3–10 or more cells in width compared to the longer uni- and biseriate initials in healthy areas. Wood in diseased areas had circular vessels in tangential view due to a change in the shapes of individual vessel elements, compared to parallel and straight vessels in healthy areas. Individual elements became spindleshaped and gave rise to zigzag vessels. The fungal pathogen, Neofabraea alba, appeared to alter the way in which cambial cells differentiated.
Anatomical Characteristics and Ecological Trends in the Xylem and Phloem of Brassicaceae and Resedacae
Authors: Schweingruber Fritz Hans
Published: March 2013

The xylem and phloem of Brassicaceae (116 and 82 species respectively) and the xylem of Resedaceae (8 species) from arid, subtropical and temperate regions in Western Europe and North America is described and analysed, compared with taxonomic classifications, and assigned to their ecological range. The xylem of different life forms (herbaceous plants, dwarf shrubs and shrubs) of both families consists of libriform fibres and short, narrow vessels that are 20–50 μm in diameter and have alternate vestured pits and simple perforations. The axial parenchyma is paratracheal and, in most species, the ray cells are exclusively upright or square. Very few Brassicaceae species have helical thickening on the vessel walls, and crystals in fibres. The xylem anatomy of Resedaceae is in general very similar to that of the Brassicaceae. Vestured pits occur only in one species of Resedaceae.

Brassicaceae show clear ecological trends: annual rings are usually distinct, except in arid and subtropical lowland zones; semi-ring-porosity decreases from the alpine zone to the hill zone at lower altitude. Plants with numerous narrow vessels are mainly found in the alpine zone. Xylem without rays is mainly present in plants growing in the Alps, both at low and high altitudes. The reaction wood of the Brassicaceae consists primarily of thick-walled fibres, whereas that of the Resedaceae contains gelatinous fibres. The frequency of sclereids in Brassicaceae bark is an indicator of ecological differences: sclereids are rare in plants from the alpine zone and frequent in plants from all other ecotones.
Ray Structure in Root- and Stem-Wood of Larix Decidua: Implications for Root Identification and Function
Authors: Denne Pat , Gasson Peter
Published: March 2013

Differences in ray structure between root- and stem-wood of softwoods can cause confusion in identifying roots using keys based on stem-wood anatomy. Comparison of root- and stem-wood rays of Larix decidua showed root-wood had fewer ray tracheids, taller, wider but shorter ray parenchyma cells, and larger cross-field pits than stem-wood. The implications of these differences are considered in relation to the identification and function of roots.
Wood Anatomical Characteristics and Chemical Composition Of Prosopis Laevigata Grown in the Northeast of Mexico
Authors: Carrillo Artemio , Mayer Ingo , Koch Gerald , Hapla František
Published: March 2013

Structural heartwood characteristics for Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M.C. Johnst., including a histometrical evaluation, were obtained by light microscopy coupled with a digitised image analysis system. The growth ring boundaries of the semi-ring-porous or diffuseporous wood are often marked by a marginal parenchyma band. Average fibre length is 975 μm, the fibres are thick-walled with a single cell wall thickness of 13 μm on average. Average diameter of the vessels which are arranged in non-specific patterns differs significantly between earlywood (116 μm) and latewood (44 μm). The topochemical distribution of lignin and phenolic deposits in the tissue was investigated by means of scanning UV microspectrophotometry (UMSP). Thereby, in heartwood tissue the deposition of extractives in vessels, pit canals, parenchyma cells, fibre lumina and partly also in the S2 layers of the fibres was detected. Monosaccharides were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by borate complex anion exchange chromatography. Holocellulose content is between 61.5 and 64.7% and Klason lignin content between 29.8 and 31.4%. Subsequent extraction of the soluble compounds was performed with petrolether, acetone/water and methanol/water by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Total extractives content in heartwood ranges between 14 to 16% on a dry weight basis. Major compounds in acetone/water extracts were identified as (-)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin and taxifolin, and quantitatively determined by liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-UV).
Shiny Beech Wood is Confirmed as an Indicator of Tension Wood
Authors: Barbacci Adelin , Constant Thiéry , Farré Etienne , Harroué Maryline , Nepveu Gérard
Published: March 2013

This study sought to develop a method to quantify tension wood areas in stem discs. It was suggested that the shiny appearance of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) could provide an indication of tension wood. Each of 21 stem discs were digitised and the images analysed. Small areas of the discs were selected, and from these areas, anatomical sections were stained with astra-blue and safranine and the stained sections were compared with the wood disc images. The analysis showed that the shape of shiny areas and tension wood were similar; moreover, the measured ratios of shiny wood and tension wood were in good agreement. This confirms the assumption that in Fagus sylvatica shiny wood corresponds to tension wood.
Juvenile and Compression Wood Cell Wall Layers Differ in Lignin Structure in Norway Spruce and Scots Pine
Authors: Kukkola Eija , Saranpää Pekka , Fagerstedt Kurt
Published: March 2013

Dibenzodioxocin, an 8-ring substructure of lignin identified in the mid- 1990's, is known to occur in softwood cell walls especially in the S3-layers of normal wood. In this study the lignin substructure was immunolocalised in juvenile and mature wood as well as in different degrees of compression wood of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). In juvenile wood of Norway spruce, dibenzodioxocin was hardly present in the tracheid cell wall, while in Scots pine some dibenzodioxocin was found evenly distributed in the S2-layers. In mature normal wood, dibenzodioxocin was localised in the S3-layers in both Scots pine and Norway spruce. In contrast, in compression wood tracheids of Scots pine, where the S3-layer is not present, dibenzodioxocin was found in the S1-layers and in the outer part of the S2-layers, while in Norway spruce the innermost cell wall layer showed a strong signal. These findings support the idea that in mature wood the condensed dibenzodioxocin structure is formed in Norway spruce at the end of lignification, when the supply of monolignols and probably also hydrogen peroxide is diminishing. The reasons for Scots pine juvenile and compression wood showing a different pattern of dibenzodioxocin labelling is discussed.
Wood Anatomy of Anacardiaceae from India with Special Reference to Systematic Position of Rhus
Authors: Gupta Sangeeta , Agarwal Manisha
Published: March 2013

The present publication provides a comprehensive wood anatomical survey of woods of Indian tree species of the family Anacardiaceae. Thirtyfive species belonging to 19 genera are described as per the feature list of IAWA. Intrusive fibre cavities and perforated ray cells have been reported in Holigarna arnottiana and Pistacia terebinthus respectively. Two species, Choerospondias axillaris and Rhus hookeri, lacked helical thickening despite being ring-porous. Most tribes of the Anacardiaceae appear to be heterogeneous wood anatomically, except Semecarpeae which are homogeneous. The tribes Mangiferae and Semecarpeae are quite similar and may be placed together. Interesting findings were made regarding Indian species of Rhus, which can be divided into two groups. It is suggested to recognise Rhus Group II as a separate section. The ecological trends suggest that anatomical differentiation exists between tropical and temperate species as well as deciduous and evergreen species.
The Distribution of un-esterified and Methyl-Esterified Pectic Polysaccharides in Pinus Radiata
Authors: Putoczki Tracy L. , Gerrard Juliet A. , Butterfield Brian G. , Jackson Sandra L.
Published: March 2013

A cationic dye which binds acidic polymers such as pectin and monoclonal antibodies, directed against un-esterified and methyl-esterified (JIM5) and only methyl-esterified (JIM7) pectin epitopes, were used, in conjunction with light microscopy, confocal microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy, to study the spatial distribution of pectin in the xylem tissue of Pinus radiata D. Don. Histochemistry demonstrated that pectin was located in the compound middle lamella (CML) of the maturing tracheid cell wall, in addition to the pit membranes and the CML of the ray cell walls. Immunogold labeling showed differential distribution of the pectin epitopes within the CML of the maturing cell walls. Moreover, in the xylem, the JIM5 and JIM7 epitopes were found to be restricted to distinct tissues. Neither epitope occurred in the secondary walls of the xylem cells. These patterns of epitope expression were not maintained in the mature cell. These results represent the first demonstration of restricted spatial patterns of distribution of these epitopes in the xylem tissue of radiata pine and are consistent with results from other coniferous gymnosperms.
Variability in Apical Elongation of Wood Fibres in Lonchocarpus Sericeus
Authors: Jura-Morawiec Joanna , Włoch Wiesław , Kojs Paweł , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: March 2013

Morphological variability in wood fibres of Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth ex DC. (Leguminosae), a tropical hardwood tree with doublestoreyed cambium, was examined in thin tangential and transverse sections as well as in macerations of wood tissue. Occurrence of characteristic protrusions (lateral expansions) was detected on the extended part of the main fibre body. Distance between the adjacent protrusions corresponded to the height of a storey (horizontal tier) of the cambial initials. Rays were shorter in height than the neighbouring fusiform initials and therefore unable to reach the boundary of the storey. This situation facilitated the lateral expansion of the adjoining fibres during their apical elongation by intrusive growth. The presence of the characteristic protrusions on the fibre body thus indicated that the given fibre was associated with a double-storeyed cambium having rays shorter than the length of fusiform initials. The ultimate shape of fibres was thus correlated to the height of storeys and the height and width of rays.
The Effect of Preparation Techniques on Sem-Imaging of Pit Membranes
Authors: Jansen Steven , Pletsers Annelies , Sano Yuzou
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the effects of 30 preparation techniques on SEMimages of pit membranes in vessels and tracheids from the two latest growth rings in twigs of Pinus wallichiana, Fraxinus americana and Laurus nobilis. Most variation observed is due to coating and treatment with chemical solutions, such as acetone, ethanol and hydrogen peroxide. The effects of chemicals appear to be associated with the thickness of the pit membrane, resulting in an increased density and diameter of pores in pit membranes of F. americana and L. nobilis and an almost complete dissolution of the porous margo in P. wallichiana. Although different protocols offer advantages for different species, the following methods are recommended: (1) the use of fresh material, (2) air-drying without any chemical treatment, (3) splitting of dried samples, (4) vacuum evaporation with platinum, and (5) SEM-imaging at an accelerating voltage below 5 kV.
Anatomical Features Of Radial Resin Canals In Pinus Densiflora
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Fujii Tomoyuki , Abe Hisashi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Fujita Minoru , Takabe Keiji
Published: March 2013

We investigated radial resin canals in Pinus densiflora by means of serial tangential sections taken from phloem to xylem through the cambium. The canals were found within fusiform rays in both phloem and xylem. The ducts were closed in the cambial zone, but opened at widely differing distances from the cambium among individual radial resin canals, ranging from 120 to 340 μm on the phloem side and from 260 to 640 μm on the xylem side. Further, the ducts were not open continuously on both sides. The average number of radial resin canals in the tangential plane was 0.76/mm2. In the cambial zone, central cells of fusiform rays which might develop into epithelial cells later, were smaller and more deeply stained than the surrounding ray initial cells, allowing them to be identified at the initial stage. Two or more radial resin canals situated nearby each other were connected through an axial resin canal.
Tree-Ring Formation, Radial Increment Periodicity, and Phenology of Tree Species from a Seasonal Semi-Deciduous Forest in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Lisi Claudio S. , Tomazello Fo Mário , Botosso Paulo C. , Roig Fidel A. , Maria Vivian R.B. , Ferreira-Fedele Lígia , Voigt Alessandra R.A.
Published: March 2013

Many tropical tree species produce growth rings in response to seasonal environmental factors that influence the activity of the vascular cambium. We applied the following methods to analyze the annual nature of treering formation of 24 tree species from a seasonal semi-deciduous forest of southeast Brazil: describing wood anatomy and phenology, counting tree rings after cambium markings, and using permanent dendrometer bands. After 7 years of systematic observations and measurements, we found the following: the trees lost their leaves during the dry season and grew new leaves at the end of the same season; trunk increment dynamics corresponded to seasonal changes in precipitation, with higher increment (active period) during the rainy season (October–April) and lower increment (dormant period) during the dry season (May–September); the number of tree rings formed after injuries to the cambium coincided with the number of years since the extraction of the wood samples. As a result of these observations, it was concluded that most study trees formed one growth ring per year. This suggests that tree species from the seasonal semi-deciduous forests of Brazil have an annual cycle of wood formation. Therefore, these trees have potential for use in future studies of tree age and radial growth rates, as well as to infer ecological and regional climatic conditions. These future studies can provide important information for the management and conservation of these endangered forests.
Features of the Secondary Xylem that Facilitate Branch Abscission in Juvenile Wollemia Nobilis
Authors: Heady R.D. , Burrows G.E.
Published: March 2013

Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) does not shed individual leaves but instead cleanly self-prunes the whole first-order branch with all the leaves still attached. A zone of stranded xylem at the branch base, the site of branch abscission, is described here in relation to the profusion of bordered pits and ray parenchyma cells that occur in this region. We propose that the much higher occurrence frequencies of these two features, compared to those in the stem and in the outer regions of the branch, results in a zone of radially-orientated weakness which facilitates branch abscission. We also suggest that since the stranded xylem region has a smaller cross-sectional area than the outer regions of the branch, the prevalence of bordered pits promotes water flow, and thus may alleviate the effects of this region on water supply to the foliage. Our observations represent, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of the involvement of bordered pits and ray parenchyma in branch abscission.
Growth Stresses are Highly Controlled by the Amount of G-Layer in Poplar Tension Wood
Authors: Fang Chang-Hua , Clair Bruno , Gril Joseph , Liu Sheng-Quan
Published: March 2013

To determine how gelatinous fibres and gelatinous layers contribute to the magnitude of longitudinal growth stress in tension wood, anatomical measurements of gelatinous fibres were carried out on poplar tension wood (Populus I4551). It was found that (a) no gelatinous fibres were observed under a growth strain level of 0.06 to 0.08%; (b) almost 100% of the non-conductive tissues contained gelatinous fibres above a growth strain level of 0.15 to 0.19%; and (c) the area of fibres, the area of fibres with gelatinous layers per unit of tissue area, and the thickness of the gelatinous layers predominantly influenced the magnitude of growth stress