Cesium adsorption from aqueous solutions onto Japanese oak charcoal III: effects of water-extraction treatment

To remove group 1 and 2 metal ions from Japanese oak (Quercus serrata Thunb. and/or Quercus crispula Blume) charcoal (OC), a water-extraction treatment was employed. The treatment was repeated 1, 4, 8, or 12 times. The amounts of four metal (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) ions eluted from non-treated and treated OC were determined using an ion chromatographic apparatus. The effects of water-extraction treatment on the ability of OC to adsorb cesium were investigated using 2.50 × 10^?5 and 2.50 × 10^?6 mol/L aqueous cesium chloride solutions. As for both aqueous solutions, an unexpected result was obtained in that the cesium-adsorption ability of OC decreased suddenly when the repetition of water-extraction treatments exceeded a certain threshold. We explain the results in terms of pH of the sample solutions and the point of zero charge for OC.     

Moisture-dependent orthotropic viscoelastic properties of Chinese fir wood in low temperature environment

The influence of moisture content (MC) on the orthotropic viscoelasticity of Chinese fir wood (Cunninghamia lanceolata [Lamb.] Hook.) has been examined in low temperature environment. Storage modulus E′ and loss modulus E″ of wood with six different levels of MC ranging from 0.6 to 22.0% were determined from ??120 to 40 °C and at multi-frequency range of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 Hz using a TA instruments^® Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA 2980). The results showed that a distinct moisture dependency is exhibited by the orthotropic viscoelastic behaviour of Chinese fir wood. With the exception of some apparent activation energy (ΔE) for β-relaxation process, the E′ decreased and the E″ peak temperatures moved towards lower temperature and the ΔE for α-relaxation process became lower with MC increasing in all orthotropic directions, whereby individual decline of E′ and the E″ peak temperatures were affected by MC to different degrees. Besides, a little E″ peak at around 0 °C was only seen in L direction, which could be attributed to the melting of frozen water. Furthermore, the dynamic viscoelastic behavior of wood is also dependent on the measurement frequency. The findings suggest that the orthotropic structure and moisture content have an important influence on the viscoelastic performance in low temperature environment.     

Flammability of some companion species in cork oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus suber</Emphasis> L.) forests

Key message

The high flammability of some companion species in Quercus suber forests, estimated in laboratory tests, could potentially generate an increase in fire vulnerability and in fire risk.

Context

Recurrent wildfire is one of the main causes of forest degradation, especially in the Mediterranean region. Increased fire frequency and severity due to global change could reduce the natural resilience of cork oak to wildfire in the future. Hence, it is important to evaluate the flammability of companion species in cork oak forests in the particularly dry bioclimatic conditions of North Africa.

Aims

This study aimed to assess and compare flammability parameters at laboratory scale among ten companion frequent species in cork oak forests.

Methods

Fuel samples were collected in a cork oak (Quercus suber L) forest in the southern part of the mountains of Tlemcen (Western Algeria). A series of flammability tests were carried out using a Mass Loss Calorimeter device (FTT ®). A cluster analysis to classify flammability of the selected species was conducted using the K-means algorithm.

Results

The results revealed differences in the four flammability parameters (ignitability, sustainability, combustibility and consumability), in both fresh and dried fine fuel samples from Quercus suber, Pinus halepensis, Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea, Erica arborea, Arbutus unedo, Pistacia lentiscus, Calicotome spinosa, Juniperus oxycedrus and Tetraclinis articulata. Application of the K-means clustering algorithm showed that C. spinosa, T. articulata, J. oxycedrus and P. halepensis are highly flammable because of their high combustibility and sustainability.

Conclusion

The findings identify species that could potentially increase the vulnerability of cork oak forests to forest fires.

     

A dwarf bamboo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleioblastus chino</Emphasis>) and winter browsing by Japanese hare (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepus brachyurus</Emphasis>) combine to limit establishment of transplanted native tree seedlings in an abandoned agricultural field

Natural forest recovery on abandoned farmland is hindered by a variety of factors and active restoration plays an important role when quick afforestation is desired. We investigated seedling survival of four transplanted native tree species (Quercus myrsinifolia, Quercus serrata, Aphananthe aspera, and Rhus sylvestris) by experimentally manipulating the vegetation cover, which was mainly dominated by dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus chino), and herbivore access to the planting sites on farmland that had been abandoned for 15 years at the start of the study. Few transplanted seedlings of any species survived under intact vegetation cover, irrespective of herbivore presence. In gaps in the vegetation cover, winter browsing by Japanese hare (Lepus brachyurus) damaged all species. However, lower browsing frequency and higher resprouting ability after grazing of the seedlings enabled both Quercus species to survive better than the other species. These results indicate that dwarf bamboo and the hare jointly limit the establishment of native trees in old fields. If active afforestation by transplanting seedlings at sites dominated by dwarf bamboo is planned, a combination of vegetation removal, selection of suitable species, and temporary seedling protection will be most effective.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium nonalfalfae</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ailanthus altissima</Emphasis> and associated indigenous and invasive tree species in eastern Austria

The naturally occurring Verticillium nonalfalfae shows promise for biocontrol of the highly invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but might also bear a risk for non-target tree species. In this study, we conducted inoculations on potted seedlings of A. altissima as well as on eight indigenous and two invasive tree species associated with Tree of Heaven in Austria. Although vascular discolourations developed in all inoculated tree species, V. nonalfalfae was reisolated from Ailanthus and eight of the ten non-target-species, whereas typical disease symptoms and mortality only occurred on A. altissima. Results confirmed high susceptibility (S) of A. altissima to V. nonalfalfae but indicated tolerance (T) of Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur, possible resistance (PR) of Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra, Tilia cordata, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor and resistance (R) of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Robinia pseudoacacia to this potential biocontrol agent. Results from seedling inoculations were confirmed by cursory field observations in Ailanthus-inoculated forest stands, where admixed A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, F. excelsior, Populus alba, R. pseudoacacia and U. laevis canopy trees remained asymptomatic, while mortality was induced in Ailanthus.     

Assessing the roles of temperature,carbon inputs and airborne pollen as drivers of fructification in European temperate deciduous forests

We aimed at identifying which drivers control the spatio-temporal variability of fruit production in three major European temperate deciduous tree species: Quercus robur, Quercus petraea and Fagus sylvatica. We analysed the relations of fruit production with airborne pollen, carbon and water resources and meteorological data in 48 French forests over 14 years (1994–2007). In oak, acorn production was mainly related to temperature conditions during the pollen emission period, supporting the pollen synchrony hypothesis. In beech, a temperature signal over the two previous years eclipsed the airborne pollen load. Fruit production in Quercus and Fagus was related to climate drivers, carbon inputs and airborne pollen through strongly nonlinear, genus-specific relations. Quercus and Fagus also differed as regards the secondary growth versus fructification trade-off. While negative relationships were observed between secondary growth and fruit production in beech, more productive years benefited to both secondary growth and reproductive effort in oak.     

Impacts of mixed litter decomposition from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Robinia pseudoacacia</Emphasis> and other tree species on C loss and nutrient release in the Loess Plateau of China

The productivity of Robinia pseudoacacia (R.p.) pure forest usually declines at the late growth stage, and reforming it into mixed forests could be a promising way to resolve this problem. When choosing a suitable tree species that can be mixed with R.p., the interspecific relationship is an important issue. Therefore, we gathered the autumn litter fall from R.p. and 10 other species from the Loess Plateau of China were mixed in dual species litterbags (R.p. + each other species) and buried them in soil for a 345 days lab decay incubation. We measured the litter mass loss and nutrient contents to determine whether the nutrient release was affected by mixed species litter decomposition. The impacts of mixed litter decomposition on macro-elements release were more obvious than on micro-elements. The litters with similar substrate quality might show variable impacts on nutrients release in mixed decomposition. The C loss and release of nutrient was improved by descending order when R.p. litter was mixed with Hippophae rhamnoides, Ulmus pumila, Populus simonii, Larix principis-rupprechtii and Quercus liaotungensis (Q.l.). But, except for Q.l., only the other species were recommended as suitable mix-plants for R.p. since promoting a high turnover of the nutrient in the litter compartment and a rapid availability for tree.     

Effects of climatic conditions on tree-ring widths of three deciduous broad-leaved tree species at their northern distribution limit in Mont St. Hilaire,eastern Canada

This study examined the effects of climatic conditions on tree-ring widths of red oak (Quercus rubra), sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia) at their northern distribution limit in Mont St. Hilaire, eastern Canada. A residual chronology of tree-ring width index was developed for each species. The tree-ring width of Q. rubra showed negative and positive correlations with May temperature and June precipitation in the current year, respectively. A. saccharum also showed similar patterns with Q. rubra, i.e., negative and positive correlations with June temperature and precipitation in the current year, respectively. F. grandifolia showed neither positive nor negative correlations with temperature and precipitation. The expressed population signals of tree-ring width chronologies of the three species indicated that climatic factors more greatly influenced the variations in tree-ring widths in the order Q. rubra > A. saccharum > F. grandifolia. Therefore, the radial growth of Q. rubra was most restricted by drought stress in early summer among the three species. Global warming is suggested to affect the radial growth of the three species differently by increasing drought stress at Mont St. Hilaire in eastern Canada.     

Performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus suber</Emphasis> L. at nursery stage—application of two bio-inoculants under two distinct environments

Key message

Despite the fact that the technique of application of bioinoculants improved the quality of Quercus suber L. seedlings produced in nurseries, these benefits are dependent on the ecological conditions of the site and the composition of the applied inoculum, which interferes with the profile of the local fungal community.

Context

Quercus suber L. plays a key ecological and socio-economical role in the Iberian Peninsula. Symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi-ECM are crucial partners of several tree species, and assessing the efficacy of bioinoculants at nursery stage helps devising tools to increase plant resilience.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two inocula formulations of mixed ECM fungi and bacteria on the quality of seedlings produced in two forest nurseries, differing in environmental conditions and forest embedment.

Methods

Quercus suber L. seedlings were inoculated with a commercial product containing Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers) Coker & Couch, Scleroderma sp., and six bacterial species and with a non-commercial fungal and bacterial dual inoculum (Suillus granulatus (L.) Roussel + Mesorhizobium sp.). Biometric and nutritional parameters and morphological quality indexes were determined on seedlings. The ECM community was assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and cloning-sequencing.

Results

In both nurseries, the seedling quality index in inoculated was up to 2-fold higher than in non-inoculated seedlings. Plant biomass differed significantly among nurseries. The inoculum influenced the profile of the fungal community. S. granulatus and P. tinctorius persisted for 6 months in the inoculated seedlings.

Conclusion

The nursery ecosystem influenced plant growth. Inoculation treatments increased plant performance; however, the dual inoculum resulted in more consistent improvements of Q. suber at nursery stage, highlighting the importance of inocula selection.

     

Possibility of using three invasive non-forest tree species as an alternative source for energy production

Non-woody biomass species have high-energy potentials, which could be used for bioenergy production. Invasive species are species spreading into areas, where they are not native, consequently causing environmental and economic problems. Therefore, the present study evaluated the proximate, ultimate, chemical, and fuel characteristics of wood and charcoal of three invasive non-forest tree species in Saudi Arabia: Calotropis procera, Rhazya stricta, and Phragmites australis, which were compared with the wood of Acacia tortilis, a preferable local fuelwood. All these data were discussed to investigate the possibility of using the invasive plants for energy production. The thermal behavior of wood was analyzed using thermo-gravimetric and derivative thermo-gravimetric methods. Overall, compared with the wood of A. tortilis, the woods of R. stricta and P. australis are suitable for energy production. The charcoal produced from P. australis emitted less nitrogen (N) oxide than that of R. stricta.     

Probabilistic evaluation of the final moisture content of kiln-dried lumber using the bootstrap method

This paper presents a probabilistic method of evaluating the final moisture content (MC) of lumber obtained at the end of the kiln-drying process. The final MC data of three different drying tests conducted in past studies were analyzed using the bootstrap method. Target MC was tentatively set below 20 % in the analysis. Two characteristic parameters representing the final MC were estimated with bootstrap confidence intervals. These parameters were the standard deviation (SD) and the percentage of the population that met the MC requirement of less than 20 % (P ₂₀). The histograms of the final MC and the subsequent goodness-of-fit tests revealed that the final MC data of two drying tests did not follow any classical probability distributions, including Normal, Log-Normal, Weibull, and Gamma distributions, thus indicating the need for nonparametric statistics. The uncertainty of the final MC could be evaluated with the estimated SD and P ₂₀. After deriving the relationships between P ₂₀ and the corresponding probability that P ₂₀ is not achieved, we demonstrated how such relationships could provide a kiln operator with information to facilitate better decision-making in optimizing a drying schedule.     

Effect of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae on the Trialeurodes vaporariorum-Encarsia formosa system

The virulence of three strains of Beauveria bassiana and one of Metarhizium anisopliae was tested against Trialeurodes vaporariorum and its parasitoid Encarsia formosa in laboratory assays. These strains were previously selected for their virulence against Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor. The commercial B. bassiana strain ATCC 74040, both as pure fungal culture and formulated myco-insecticide (Naturalis), was included in the assays as positive control. First, the entomopathogenic fungal strains were tested for their virulence against T. vaporariorum nymphs on tomato leaf disks. Then, the E. formosa development was evaluated under treatment with the entomopathogenic fungal strains at five different time points from the parasitization of T. vaporariorum nymphs. The virulence of our entomopathogenic fungal strains was superior to that of ATCC 74040, although not significantly, resulting in a cumulative mortality (CM) of T. vaporariorum nymphs 7 days after inoculation (DAI) greater than 86 %. Our M. anisopliae strain CIST8 was the most effective (96.6 % CM 7 DAI), even superior to the myco-insecticide Naturalis (94.2 %), which was more effective than the ATCC 74040 pure strain (85.6 %). The entomopathogenic fungal strains, and especially Naturalis, negatively affected E. formosa development and its parasitization activity of T. vaporariorum nymphs. This effect was more pronounced when the fungal strains were applied before parasitization. Results suggest that the application of entomopathogenic fungi is incompatible with E. formosa release on crops.     

紫金山两种主要林型有机物层中丝状真菌多样性

本文对紫金山两种主要林型,栓皮栎林(Quercus variabilis)和马尾松-枫香(Pinus massoniana-Liguidam barformasana)混交林的有机物层(L, F, H层及土壤淋溶A层)可培养丝状真菌多样性进行了研究。通过分离鉴定,共得到真菌67种,其中接合菌3种、子囊菌5种、半知菌类56种和未确定种3种,半知菌类最为丰富。两种林型分解真菌优势种群为链格孢(Alternaria sp.)、曲霉(Aspergillus spp.)、枝孢(Cladosporium sp.)、毛霉(Mucor sp.)、青霉(Penicillium sp.)、木霉(Trichoderma spp.)、根霉(Rhizopus sp.)、粘帚霉(Gliocladium sp.)。混交林型中真菌的种类和数量明显高于栓皮栎林。两个林型均以F层真菌种类最多,但F层之间和L层之间真菌多样性差异较大。在混交林型中从马尾松针叶上分离的真菌种类和数量比从枫香上分离得到的少; 从马尾松针叶上分离的真菌丰富度随着有机物层深度增加而增加,枫香则反之。比较两个林型以及混交林的两种落叶上真菌种类发现,随着有机物层深度的增加,真菌的种类差异性却随之减少,即同时出现在两个林型或两种针叶上的真菌种类增多。真菌种类随着分解过程的进行具有明显的演替现象。混交林型中同一层内不同落叶上分解真菌多样性的差异,表明凋落物基质的差异是决定真菌种类和数量的重要因素     

Field attraction of Cerambyx welensii to fermentation odors and host monoterpenes

Cerambyx welensii Küster is one of the greatest threats to Quercus suber L. and Quercus ilex L. in Spain. Efficient control methods for this species are currently being tested, and the use of traps baited with food-related products for their monitoring and control has been proposed. Cerambyx welensii adults prefer to colonize old or decayed trees, in which cortical exudates frequently release fermentation odors. Fermentation-related compounds, such as ethanol, have been cited as attractants to various hardwood woodborers (as Cerambyx cerdo L.), used either alone or sometimes in combination with other host odors. In this work, we conducted field experiments to ascertain whether chemical blends mimicking fermentation odors were attractive for C. welensii. To this end, we used three types of traps (multiple funnel, cross-vane and single-funnel) baited with six synthetic blends including one or more fermentation-related chemicals (ethanol, ethyl acetate, 3-methyl-1-butanol, acetaldehyde, 2-methyl-1-propanol and 2-methyl-1-butanol), various food-related products (beer, melon and red wine mixed with peach juice) and host monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, α-phellandrene and camphene). At high release rates (5–11 g/day), various synthetic blends proved attractive irrespective of trap type. Our results contribute to understand the impact of volatile organic compounds in host selection by woodborers infesting deciduous trees. The results hold promise for optimizing trapping strategies to control C. welensii within an integrated pest management framework.     

The effects of chemical components and particle size on the mechanical properties of binderless boards made from oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus</Emphasis> spp.) logs degraded by shiitake fungi <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Lentinula edodes</Emphasis>)

Binderless boards are composite boards that rely on self-bonding mechanisms for inter-fibre bonding. Quercus acutissima and Quercus serrata logs degraded by Lentinula edodes (shiitake fungi) were used in this study to investigate whether physical and chemical changes induced by shiitake fungi can enhance board mechanical properties. Binderless boards were manufactured with 0.8 g/cm³ target density, 220 °C pressing temperature, 5 MPa pressure, and pressing duration of 10 min. Boards made from logs degraded for ≥?26 months were stronger than control boards and met modulus of rupture (MOR) and internal bonding (IB) requirements for fibreboards. Chemical composition and particle size distribution of the wood powder used to make the boards were determined to elucidate the drivers of board mechanical properties. The proportion of small particles (<?150 µm) showed a strong positive correlation with MOR for both species and hot water extractives showed a strong positive correlation with IB for Q. acutissima boards. Introduction of shiitake fungi pre-treatment to the production process may enhance the mechanical strength of binderless boards.     

Horizontal niche differentiation of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae and Platypodidae) within the standing trunk of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus serrata</Emphasis>

Niche differentiation, in terms of time and space, has been reported within a community of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae and Platypodidae) in a tree trunk. Two platypodid ambrosia beetles, Platypus quercivorus (Murray) and Platypus calamus Blandford, utilize a similar height range with respect to the Quercus serrata Murray (Fagaceae) trunk. The sapwood and heartwood (i.e., wood types) are known to differ in their physical and chemical characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the differences among ambrosia beetles, in terms of wood type preferences, in a Q. serrata tree trunk. We analyzed the horizontal distribution patterns of ambrosia beetles within two mature Q. serrata tree trunks. Platypus calamus and the other ambrosia beetles [P. quercivorus, Ambrosiodmus lewisi (Blandford), Ambrosiophilus atratus Eichhoff, and Xyleborus sp.] showed different horizontal distribution patterns within the wood. The former tended to utilize the heartwood, whereas the latter utilized the sapwood. These results suggest that the wood type can be regarded as one of the niche dimensions of ambrosia beetles in a Q. serrata trunk.     

Exploring range shifts of contrasting tree species across a bioclimatic transition zone

Bioclimatic transition zones are supposed to encompass sensitive areas to global change effects on forest ecosystems. In this study, we attempt to detect shifts in the ranges of contrasting Iberian tree species in the submediterranean transition zone in Navarra, northern Spain. These shifts are analysed in the context of a significant increase in temperature over recent decades along with moderate land use changes. Data from national forest inventories (1971 and 2010) are compared through universal kriging (UK) and block kriging models to assess the shifts in the ranges of Quercus subpyrenaica, Quercus ilex, Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica. UK results predicted an increase in the presence probability of the four target species for the whole Navarra region. However, in the submediterranean zone, the presence probability of Q. subpyrenaica, P. sylvestris and F. sylvatica shows a shrinking trend, whereas Q. ilex is expanding its range, supporting a previous hypothesis of a “mediterranization” of this bioclimatic transition region. These trends are concomitant with recent elevational shift patterns towards higher elevations in the case of Q. subpyrenaica, P. sylvestris and F. sylvatica in the transition zone. Moreover, the expected increase in species richness as a consequence of geographical shifts and vegetation recovery is identified. The moderate human influence detected in the study area confirms the major role of climate warming as driver of species range shifts over the period. The results of this study highlight the suitability of bioclimatic transition zones for monitoring the effects of global change on natural ecosystems, providing evidences of the complex mechanisms affecting the distribution of forests.     

Conservation status evaluation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Berberis</Emphasis> species across the Karakoram Mountain Ranges,Pakistan using IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria

Berberis species are endangered, high-value medicinal plants in Pakistan with important eco-cultural, commercial and livelihood roles in mountain communities. To assess the geographical distribution of Berberis species across the Karakoram Mountain Ranges in Pakistan, we used IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (2001) to calculate the extent of occurrence (EOO, <100 km²) and the area of occupancy (AOO, <10 km²) of Berberis pseudumbellata subsp. pseudumbellata and B. pseudumbellata subsp. gilgitica. Overgrazing and habitat loss were key population-limiting factors. The two subspecies had contrasting responses to temperature, elevation, precipitation and insect susceptibility. B. pseudumbellata subsp. gilgitica is endemic to Gilgit-Baltistan and grows in single-cropping zone (areas > 200 m a.s.l.). Status evaluation revealed that both subspecies meet the criteria set for critically endangered species. Prolonged disregard of its declining population trend might lead to its extinction; therefore, integrated conservation efforts are necessary.     

Tree leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix babylonica</Emphasis> extract as a natural anthelmintic for small-ruminant farms in a semiarid region in Mexico

The study aimed to test the potential anthelmintic activity of Salix babylonica (SB) extract for the control of gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasites in sheep and goats under field conditions. A representative sample of 20 % of all animals reared in 8 sheep and 7 goat farms was used in the study. Animals from each farm were randomly selected for a total number of 93 sheep and 75 goats. Animals suffered a natural gastrointestinal nematode infection and had never been treated with chemical anthelmintic drugs. The SB extract (20 mL) was orally administered weekly before the morning feeding to each animal for 60 days. Fecal eggs or oocysts were counted at 0, 1, 20, 40, and 60 days after starting the extract administration. Differences (P < 0.01) in the fecal oocyst and egg output of Eimeria, Dictyocaulus, and Moniezia were observed between sheep and goats. In addition, the treatment influenced (P < 0.05) egg outputs of Cooperia, Dictyocaulus, and Trichuris. Fecal egg or oocyst counts of Haemonchus contortus, Eimeria, Cooperia, Chabertia, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and Ostertagia were time-dependent (P < 0.05). For sheep, administration of SB decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal eggs count of H. contortus, Cooperia, Chabertia, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and Trichuris. After 20 days of treatment, H. contortus, Cooperia, or Moniezia were not detected. For goats, SB reduced (P < 0.05) the fecal egg counts of H. contortus, Cooperia, Chabertia, and Moniezia. Moreover, decreases were observed (P < 0.05) for Chabertia, Trichostrongylus, and Ostertagia. Eggs of H. contortus and Moniezia were not present in the feces after 1 day of administration of the extract. It could be concluded that the weekly administration of SB extract at 20 mL per animal can be used to treat gastrointestinal and lung nematodes of small ruminants in organic and traditional farming systems of tropical regions.     

Impact of thermal modification on color and chemical changes of spruce and oak wood

Thermal modification of wood is an environment-friendly alternative method for improving several properties of wood without the use of chemicals. This paper deals with the examination of color and chemical changes in spruce (Picea abies L.) and oak wood (Quercus robur F.) that occur due to thermal treatment. The thermal modification was performed at 160, 180, and 210 °C according to thermowood process. The color changes were measured by the spectrophotometer and described in the L*a*b* color system. Chemical changes were examined by wet chemistry methods, infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography. During the experiment, oak samples showed smaller color changes than spruce samples at all temperature values. During thermal modification, the content of cellulose, lignin, and extractives increases; however, the hemicellulose content drops by 58.85% (oak) and by 37.40% (spruce). In addition to deacetylation, new carbonyl and carboxyl groups are formed as a result of oxidation. Bonds in lignin (mainly β-O-4) and methoxyl groups are cleaved, and lignin is condensed at higher temperatures.