Assessment of certain wood quality parameters of selected genotypes of Melia dubia Cav. grown in a seedling seed orchard
Certain wood quality parameters of about 9-year-old Melia dubia Cav. trees grown in a seedling seed orchard at Yeshwanthpura Research Station of Kolar research range, Karnataka India were studied. Trees were categorized into three classes depending upon their girth at the breast height––small (<40 cm), medium (40–60 cm) and big (>60 cm). Different anatomical (gross structure), physical and mechanical properties of the wood were evaluated using standard testing procedures and Indian Standards. The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference in the heartwood percentage and specific gravity among three girth classes. High shrinkage values from green to oven-dry condition in all the classes indicate that the timber is dimensionally unstable compared to teak. The static bending strength parameters––FS at LP, MOR and MOE, compression strength parallel to grain, compressive strength perpendicular to grain at limit of proportionality and surface hardness (side and end) were evaluated and compared among all the three girth classes. The data on mechanical properties were statistically analysed using ANOVA between three girth classes. The results on wood quality parameters may be utilized in selection of suitable genotypes for raising large scale plantations.
Comparative studies of important wood quality parameters of Melia dubia Cav. of different age groups for finding their suitability in various applications
The wood quality of two different age groups (5–6 and 9–10 years old) of Melia dubia Cav. (Syn. Melia composita willd.) was evaluated on the basis of physical and mechanical properties. The average GBH of 5–6 year-old Melia was found to be around 40–60 cm and that of 9–10 years was 55–80 cm. The highest heartwood proportion of stem wood was around 60% and the lowest 40% in case of 5–6-year-old trees and was 65% and 45% in case of 9–10-year-old Melia trees. Evaluation of various physical and mechanical properties of both 5–6- and 9–10-year-old trees under green and air-dry conditions has been carried out. Based on physical and mechanical properties, suitability indices of 9–10-year-old M. dubia wood were found to be 10–12% higher than 5–6-year-old. Timber of both age groups was classified as moderately heavy, soft, liable to warp crack (due to higher shrinkage) and not tough. The timber of 9–10-year-old trees was comparatively stronger than that of 5–6-year-old trees. The suitability indices also indicate that timber of both age groups is suitable for applications such as tool handles, construction, light packing cases and furniture. Based on good working quality parameters, timber is also found to be suitable for turnery items.
PLANTATION TECHNOLOGY FOR NINE INDIGENOUS TREE SPECIES OF KERALA
of Project Proposal 1. Code : KFRI 343/2000 2. Title : Plantation technology for nine indigenous tree species of Kerala 3. Principal Investigator : K.K.N. Nair Botany Division 4. Co-investigators : C. Mohanan Plant Pathology Division George Mathew Entomology Division 5. Objectives : To generate data on seed, nursery and plantation aspects of the nine indigenous tree species, including protection from pests and diseases at different stages of plantation establishment. To establish pilot scale plantations of the species with propagules collected from forest trees, to evaluate the field performance of each of them and transfer the technology developed to the Forest Department. To prepare a detailed report on the plantation aspects of the species studied and to publish package of plantation practices for all the nine species in the form of Information Bulletins. 6. Expected outcome : Exhaustive data on the plantation aspects of the nine indigenous tree species Package of plantation practices for all the nine species Demonstration cum data source on native species plantation in the State 6. Date of commencement : April, 2000 7. Date of completion : March, 2002 8. Funding agency : Kerala Forest Department (Kerala Forestry Project supported by the World Bank)