Wood Density and Mechanical Properties of Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon in Malawi

Abstract

Successful development of an appropriate tree breeding strategy and wood utilization requires information on wood properties. This study was therefore conducted to assess wood density and mechanical properties of Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon grown in Malawi. Wood samples from six families of P. kesiya at the age of 30 years were used for the study. The estimated mean wood density, Modulus of Elasticity (MoE), Modulus of Rupture (MoR) and moisture content were 0.593˘0.001 g/cm 3 , 13.46˘0.07 GPa, 113.67˘0.57 MPa and 12.08%˘0.03%, respectively. There were statistically significant (p < 0.001) differences in wood density and mechanical properties along the radial direction and stem height. Wood density and mechanical properties increased from pith to bark and decreased from the butt upwards. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in wood density and mechanical properties among the families. This is an indication that any tree among the families can be selected for tree improvement programs if density is considered as a variable. Wood density had a strong positive significant linear relationship with both MoE (r = 0.790; p < 0.001) and MoR (r = 0.793; p < 0.001). This suggests that it has the potential to simultaneously improve the wood density and mechanical properties of this species. Therefore, controlling wood density for the tree improvement program of P. kesiya in Malawi would have a positive impact on mechanical properties.

Genetic Improvement of Wood Properties in Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon for Sawn Timber Production in Malawi

“…Wood sample processing and measurement was conducted as outlined by Missanjo and Matsumura [18]. Briefly, a total of 1080 wood specimens, measuring 20 mm × 20 mm × 320 mm, were collected from innerwood, middlewood and outerwood at 1.3 m, 3.3 m, 5.3 m and 7.3 m tree height.…”

Assessment of Oil Palm Wood Quality Improvement Through Integrated Treatment Process as Function of Sawing Pattern and Slab Thickness

“…Sulaiman et al (2012) suggested that the new mechanical properties of compressed OPW was observed as the cellular structure of OPW was altered permanently during compression process. The higher bending strength recorded in waned sample could be attributed to its higher initial density after sawing as density is the most important parameter that affect the properties of the material (Missanjo and Matsumura, 2016). Reverse cant sawing pattern produced slabs with higher density in comparison with polygon sawing and therefore showed better properties.…”

Multiple Trait Selection Index for Simultaneous Improvement of Wood Properties and Growth Traits in Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon in Malawi

“…The mean height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and volume of the trees expressed with standard deviations during sampling were 25.9 ± 2.8 m, 32.0 ± 3.9 cm and 0.989 ± 0.319 cm 3 , respectively. Wood sample processing and measurement was conducted as outlined by Missanjo and Matsumura [10]. Briefly, a total of 1080 wood specimens, measured 20 mm × 20 mm × 320 mm, were collected from innerwood, middlewood and outerwood at 1.3 m, 3.3 m, 5.3 m and 7.3 m of the stem height.…”

“…It is mainly used for sawn timber production. Its morphology, uses and application in Malawi have been well explained by other researchers [9,10]. The breeding programme for this species in Malawi started in early 1970s with the aim of improving growth characteristics and tree stem form [10].…”

“…Its morphology, uses and application in Malawi have been well explained by other researchers [9,10]. The breeding programme for this species in Malawi started in early 1970s with the aim of improving growth characteristics and tree stem form [10]. The selection of the second generation trees and evaluation of the wood properties of the first generation plus-tree clones are currently being undertaken [9].…”