Within-tree variation in growth rate and cell dimensions in the wood of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

• Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is regarded as an important natural resource almost throughout the world but relatively little is known about the within-tree variability of the anatomical characteristics of its wood. Discs 2 cm thick were cut at 2.25 m intervals, from the ground level to the top from ten black locust trees, 18–37-years-old, from the University Forest of Taxiarchi, Chalkidiki, Greece. The discs were used for the determination of growth rate and cell dimensions (fiber length and vessel member length and diameter) and their withintree variability (radial, oblique, vertical). Growth rate increased within the first 5–9 growth rings from the pith and then gradually decreased. Oblique variation of growth rate did not exhibit any clear tendency but a decrease at the top. In the case of vertical variation, growth rate decreased gradually with the year of cambium formation. Radial variability curves were found to be typical for the dimensions of cells (fibers, vessel members) especially for the fiber length. A rapid increase in cell dimensions was observed in the first 7–11 growth rings, the juvenile zone. Oblique and vertical variation of cell dimensions did not exhibit any clear tendencies.

Subject headings

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske -- Trävetenskap (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -- Wood Science (hsv//eng)

Keyword

juvenile wood

Black locust

vessel members

fibers

within-tree variability

cell dimensions

growth rate

Forestry and Wood Technology

Skog och träteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)