Improving harvester estimates of bark thickness for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don)

Harvesters estimate bark thickness primarily from diameter over bark (DOB) and use it to estimate log volume and value. Harvester bark thickness estimation errors can reduce returns through poor bucking optimisation and out-of-specification logs. Radiata pine bark thickness data from harvested logs and permanent sample plots (PSP) were analysed to determine best-fit coefficients for current and potential future harvester bark thickness models. The most suitable current harvester bark thickness model for radiata pine is: double bark thickness = b ₀ + b ₁*DOB (the ‘DOB model’). This describes a straight line, whereas radiata pine bark relative to DOB is thicker near the stem base and consistent over the remainder. PSP data set coefficients for this model overestimated upper stem bark thickness and underestimated lower stem values. The harvester model for Scots pine bark fitted better than the DOB model for diameters <400 mm but performed poorly for larger logs, as it is restricted to trees with a diameter at breast height <590 mm. Two better models were identified: (1) a model using relative height to account for bark thickness changes with height, and (2) implementing separate DOB models for the bottom 10% and top 90% of the stem split by relative height. These approaches require approval by the StanForD committee to be implemented. Prior to approval, the upper 90% model coefficients could be applied to the entire stem to improve upper 90% stem volume and value predictions at the expense of the lower 10%. Further research will determine if this approach produces acceptable results when optimising bucking. Increasing variability of bark thickness estimates with increasing DOB in the PSP data set may reflect manual measurement errors with thicker bark or may show that additional explanatory variables are needed. Efforts to identify new variables would need to be weighed against additional returns and probable reductions in numbers of larger trees by as the clearfell age is reduced.     

Estimating individual tree heights of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations in mountainous areas using small-footprint airborne LiDAR

Recently, it was shown that individual tree heights could be accurately estimated using small-footprint airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing. Because most of the areas studied previously were limited to flat terrain, we investigated the accuracy of LiDAR-derived individual tree height estimates for different types of topographical features in mountainous forests with a steeper and more complex topography. Several middle-aged (40–50 years old) sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations are found in the mountainous regions in Japan; hence, we chose 48-year-old sugi plantations to investigate the accuracy of these estimates. The surveyed area was divided into three types of topographical features; steep slope (mean slope ± SD; 37.6° ± 5.8°), gentle slope (15.6° ± 3.7°), and gentle yet rough terrain (16.8° ± 7.8°). Before estimating tree heights, the number of detected trees within each topographical feature was researched. In each of these terrains, the percentage of trees detected correctly was 74%, 86%, and 92%; the average error between LiDAR-derived and field-measured tree heights was 0.227m, –0.473m, and –0.183m; and the accuracy of the LiDAR-derived tree height estimates, given as root mean square error (RMSE), was 0.901m, 0.846m, and 0.576m, respectively. Consequently, the procedure presented in this study could detect most canopy trees and estimate individual tree heights with an accuracy better than 1m, even in a forest with a mean slope angle of approximately 38°; thus, indicating that small-footprint airborne LiDAR will be a useful tool for accurately estimating the heights of individual canopy trees in sugi plantations in mountainous areas.     

Experiments in rooting bishop pine (Pinus muricata D. Don) cuttings

Presented here are results of rooting studies using hedges established from juvenile seedlings of blue and green foliaged bishop pine (Pinus muricata D. Don) from Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, California. Rootability, averaged over all clones and all setting dates, was 88%. The average time for 50% of the cuttings to root was 6 months. In general, cuttings began to root rapidly in late winter/early spring. The time of year when cuttings were set determined how soon they began a phase of rapid rooting, with cuttings set in winter and early spring beginning faster than other setting dates. The period of rapid rooting lasted 2–3 months until mid/late summer, beyond which time, rooting was slow. Population and family differences in rooting were not significant; differences in rooting among clones, however, were large and significant. Analyses of clones in two experiments indicated that rooting was heritable.     

Forest characteristics affecting the rate of shoot pruning by the pine shoot beetle (Tomicuspiniperda L.) in Pinus radiata D. Don and P. sylvestris L. plantations

Different variables, such as altitude and presence of defoliators,were studied in Bizkaia (northern Spain) in order to assessthe susceptibility of Pinus radiata (D. Don) and P. sylvestris(L.) stands to Tomicus piniperda (L.) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae).Altitudes higher than 400 m, presence of logs, degree of thinningand incidence of fires, all increased the susceptibility ofP. radiata monocultures to shoot attack by T. piniperda. P.sylvestris plantations were more affected at alti tudes lowerthan 400 m and by poor forest hygiene. The presence of the processionarymoth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Den and Schiff.) had a significanteffect on the rate of shoot pruning on the trees; vigorous treesand those with bare leader were more affected by the bark beetleattack if T. pityocampa larvae were feeding on their needles,while trees with dominance taken by the side shoots were lessattacked when moth larvae were present.     

Effects of Eucalyptus obliqua (L'Herit) density on young stands of even-aged Pinus radiata (D. Don)

In a 10-year-old Pinus radiata plantation, increasing densities of Eucalyptus obliqua, a woody weed species, caused reductions in the canopy leaf area and total stem volume of P. radiata. As the density of E. obliqua increased stand volume (the sum of stem volumes of the two species) was constant, but the sum of projected leaf area of the two species decreased. Higher E. obliqua density also resulted in higher mean height to diameter ratio of P. radiata. With increasing E. obliqua density the size distribution of P. radiata became more positively skewed and the size hierarchy of P. radiata increased. The effects of E. obliqua density on P. radiata are more likely due to below-ground competition than competition for light above-ground. Understanding the effects of E. obliqua density on the characteristics of P. radiata can benefit weed control programs and subsequent management of plantations with naturally regenerated E. obliqua.     

Lignin distribution in wood from a progeny trial of genetically selected Pinus radiata D. Don

Summary Cell wall lignin distribution was assessed in Pinus radiata wood using quantitative interference microscopy. Three groups of trees were examined. Five trees, offspring of NZ clone 850-55, and five trees of NZ 850-55 crossed with several parents of the Guadelupe provenance, were compared with five trees of unselected P. radiata. Lignin concentration in the cell corner middle lamella region was significantly lower in both offspring groups of NZ 850-55 when compared with the unselected control trees. No difference in S2 lignin concentration was observed among the three groups. This result represents the first indication that variations in lignin distribution are genetically controlled in pines.The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Dr. C. J. A. Shelbourne, Mr. G. D. Young, FRI, and Mr. R. S. Foster, Papro (NZ), during the course of this work     

Lignin distribution across tracheid cell walls of poorly lignified wood from deformed copper deficient Pinus radiata (D. Don)

Summary Lignin topochemistry of tracheid walls from a deformed, copper deficient Pinus radiata (D. Don) tree was examined by linescan and point analyses using a Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry. Both opposite and compression wood had abnormal lignin distributions compared to those observed in normal wood from a straight tree. Lignin contents in the compound middle lamella were lower than lignin contents in the secondary wall in both opposite and compression wood tracheids.One of us (G. D.) held a Commonwealth Forestry Postgraduate Research Award during this study. The research was supported in part by a grant from the Reserve Bank of Australia Rural Credits Development Fund, the Pine Fund, and members of the forest industry     

Seasonal changes in lignin distribution during tracheid development in Pinus radiata D. Don

Summary Lignin distribution in developing tracheids of Pinus radiata was studied throughout the growth' season using quantitative interference microscopy. The pattern of lignification remained constant although the number of lignifying cells varied reaching a maximum in summer. Lignification of the secondary wall of latewood tracheids was incomplete at the onset of winter. Each stage of lignification was preceded by deposition of carbohydrates with lignification of the middle lamella starting after S1 formation and lignification of the secondary wall starting after S3 formation. Lignification of the middle lamella was completed before the start of lignin deposition in the secondary wall. In one of the trees examined, the secondary wall lignified concurrently with the middle lamella and this was associated with a low lignin concentration in the middle lamella of mature cells. The secondary wall reached a mature lignin concentration of 21–22% v/v except in one specimen containing severe compression wood which reached 28% v/v. The cell corner middle lamella reached a mature lignin concentration of 74–87% v/v.     

Root reinforcement in plantations of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don: effect of tree age and stand structure on slope stability

The role of vegetation in preventing shallow soil mass movement is now fairly well understood, particularly at the individual plant level. However, how soil is reinforced on a larger scale and the influence of changes in vegetation over time has rarely been investigated. Therefore we carried out a study on the temporal and spatial changes within stands of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don, growing in the Sichuan province of China, an area where shallow landslides are frequent.     

干旱地带辐射松整地造林研究

经过连续3年采用不同的整地方式对辐射松(Pinus radiataD.Don)造林及幼林生长的试验研究,结果表明:(1)干旱地带采用水平沟、短册状整地比穴状整地造林成活率提高2.4~7.8个百分点,保存率提高1.0~7.6个百分点,高生长量提高7.8 cm~28.4 cm,地径生长量提高0.28 cm~0.84 cm。(2)水平沟整地比短册状、穴状整地0~100 cm土壤含水量全年分别提高1.29个百分点和2.08个百分点,旱季分别提高1.36个百分点和1.37个百分点,雨季分别提高1.16个百分点和2.87个百分点;短册状整地比穴状整地0~100 cm土壤含水量全年提高0.80个百分点,旱季提高0.01个百分点,雨季提高1.72个百分点。     

A model of the juvenile growth and survival of Pinus radiata D. Don; Adding the effects of initial seedling diameter and plant handling

New Forests - Initial ground line diameter (GLD) of Pinus radiata D.Don and the care of treesduring transport to the field growing siteaffect subsequent tree growth and survival. Anexisting model...     

Methods for the very early selection of Pinus radiata D. Don. for solid wood products

? Introduction

There has been an increasing interest in very early selection of radiata pine to reduce the breeding cycle for solid wood products. For such selection, new approaches are required to assess wood quality in wood from very young stems.

? Methods

Nursery seedlings of clones of radiata pine were grown in leant condition using two leaning strategies for 18–20 months. Opposite wood and compression wood were isolated from the leaning stems and tested for dynamic modulus of elasticity, density, longitudinal shrinkage, volumetric shrinkage and compression wood area using new methods evolved for testing small size samples quickly and reliably. The methods were tested for their efficiency in differentiating clones by their wood properties.

? Results

Leaning of stems provided distinct opposite and compression wood for testing. Automated image analysis method used for compression wood area assessment was found to be a quick and effective method for processing large number of samples from young stems. Compression wood was characterised by high basic density, high longitudinal shrinkage and low volumetric shrinkage than that of opposite wood. Acoustic velocity in opposite wood had a strong negative association with longitudinal shrinkage. The study signifies the importance of preventing mixing of opposite wood with compression wood while assessing wood quality in young stems thus making leaning a critical strategy. The comparison of wood properties of opposite wood revealed significant differences between clones. Opposite wood of the clone with the lowest dynamic modulus of elasticity exhibited the highest longitudinal shrinkage.

? Conclusion

Significant differences in measurable wood properties between clones suggest the prospects of early selection for solid wood products.     

Genetic correlations among juvenile wood quality and growth traits and implications for selection strategy in Pinus radiata D. Don

? Juvenile wood quality in Pinus radiata is affected by factors such as low density, stiffness, and high microfibril angle, spiral grain, and shrinkage. Adverse genetic correlations between growth and wood quality traits remain as one of the main constraints in radiata pine advanced generation selection breeding program.

? Juvenile wood property data for this study were available from two progeny tests aged 7 and 6 y. We estimated the genetic correlations between stiffness, density, microfibril angle, spiral grain, shrinkage in the juvenile core and DBH growth in radiata pine, and) to evaluated various selection scenarios to deal with multiple objective traits.

? Negative genetic correlations were found for modulus of elasticity (MoE) and density with microfibril angle, spiral grain, shrinkage, and DBH. We observed low to moderate unfavourable genetic correlations between all wood quality traits and DBH growth.

? These low to moderate genetic correlations suggest that there may be some genotypes which have high DBH growth performance while also having high wood stiffness and density, and that the adverse correlation between DBH and MoE may not entirely prohibit the improvement of both traits. Results indicate that, in the short term, the optimal strategy is index selection using economic weights for breeding objective traits (MAI and stiffness) in radiata pine.

? In the long-term, simultaneously purging of the adverse genetic correlation and optimizing index selection may be the best selection strategy in multiple-trait selection breeding programs with adverse genetic correlations.

     

Nitrogen fixation and accretion by wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) in slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations

The effects of wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera L.) on the nitrogen cycle were examined in a 23-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) plantation located near Gainesville, FL. These shrubs occurred naturally as an understory and had a crown cover of 8% of the study area. The potential rate of nitrogen fixation by wax myrtle was estimated to be 13 g N m^?2 year^?1, or 10.6 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 on a stand wide basis. Wax myrtle fixed substantial amounts of nitrogen throughout the year although winter rates were significantly less due to the greatly reduced activity of old nodules during that season. The average accumulation rate of nitrogen beneath wax myrtle was 1.5 g N m^?2 year^?1 in the soil and 0.9 g N m^?2 year^?1 in the forest floor. On a stand wide basis this amounted to an accretion of 1.9 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 in the soil and forest floor.     

Additive prediction of aboveground biomass for Pinus radiata (D. Don) plantations

A general and two country-specific systems of additive equations were developed to predict aboveground biomass of Pinus radiata plantations from stand variables that are routinely measured in inventory plots and predicted by conventional growth and yield models. The data for this work consisted of 319 plot-based biomass estimates that were derived from individual tree biomass equations developed in situ. These plot-based biomass estimates were compiled from studies reported in the forestry and ecological literature since 1960 and also from personal communications. They represent more than 60 sites worldwide with a majority in Australia and New Zealand. The systems of additive biomass equations developed from these data provide an alternative and addition to the current methods of estimating the aboveground biomass of P. radiata plantations. They also provide a direct linkage between forest inventory measures, outputs from conventional growth and yield models and biomass and carbon stock estimates at the same spatial scale. This direct linkage provides a new basis for scaling to a remote sensing image from which biomass and carbon stocks across the landscape can be mapped. Comparisons of prediction accuracies between this approach and other methods such as scaling up from individual tree biomass estimates and biomass expansion factors highlighted considerable methodological differences in the estimates of aboveground biomass and associated uncertainties over a range of stand age and conditions. These differences should be carefully evaluated before adopting a particular method to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon stocks of P. radiata plantations at a local, regional or national scale.     

Productivity of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don.) clones in monoclonal and clonal mixture plots at age 12 years

Productivities of monoclonal plots and clonal mixtures of 10 radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don.) clones were compared in a trial established in 1993 at Dalethorpe, Canterbury, New Zealand. Ten monoclonal and one mixture of the 10 clones were planted in a complete randomised block design with three replications using 40-tree plots (un-thinned, pruned to 2.5 m, stocking of 1250 stems per hectare). The study was conducted to determine if mode of deployment (monoclonal versus clonal mixture) affected overall productivity and how or if each clone was affected by mode of deployment.     

Analysis of needle proteins and N-terminal amino acid sequences of two photosystem II proteins of western white pine (Pinus monticola D. Don)

A method is described for extracting needle proteins from mature western white pine (Pinus monticola D. Don) trees. Extracted proteins were separated into 26 components by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The predominant protein component (32-39%) had a molecular weight of 57 kDa. The second most predominant protein component (14-25%) had a molecular weight of 16 kDa. The amino acid composition of the twenty-six protein components was determined and a few selected proteins were subjected to further amino acid sequence analysis. Of these, two proteins, designated as Pin m I and Pin m II, were identified by sequence homology with other Photosystem II proteins. The Pin m I and Pin m II proteins had molecular weights of 22.6 kDa and 23.4 kDa, respectively. Pin m I had a much higher proline content than Pin m II.