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Genetic improvement for pulpwood and peeled veneer in Eucalyptus nitens

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 15:31 authored by Blackburn, D, Farrell, R, Hamilton, M, Volker, P, Christopher HarwoodChristopher Harwood, Williams, D, Bradley PottsBradley Potts
Genetic improvement of wood properties affecting the quality of pulpwood and peeled veneer products is of general interest to tree breeders worldwide. If the wood properties of Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden are under genetic control and the correlations between them are favourable, it may be possible to breed to simultaneously improve the plantation resource for both products. Acoustic wave velocity (AWV) measured in standing trees can predict wood stiffness, basic density, and kraft pulp yield (KPY) and therefore has the potential for use in tree breeding programs. From an E. nitens progeny trial in Tasmania, 540 trees were selected for rotary peeling. Of the wood properties assessed, there were significant differences among races in diameter, stem straightness, standing-tree, log, and billet AWV, and near infrared predicted cellulose content (CC). All traits displayed significant within-race genetic variation, and genetic correlations between AWV and veneer sheet modulus of elasticity (MOE) and between AWV and KPY and CC were strongly positive and highly significant. A similar relationship was found between veneer sheet MOE and KPY and between diameter at breast height and veneer sheet MOE. Basic density was genetically correlated with AWV and veneer sheet MOE. Results indicate that it should be possible for breeders to simultaneously improve properties in pulpwood and peeled veneer products and that AWV measured in the standing tree shows promise as a breeding selection criterion for both pulpwood and peeled veneer products.

History

Publication title

Canadian Journal of Forest Research

Volume

42

Issue

9

Pagination

1724-1732

ISSN

0045-5067

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

NRC Research Press

Place of publication

1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, K1A 0R6, Canada

Rights statement

Copyright 2012 The Authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Hardwood plantations

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