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Detailed analysis of the geometric relationship between external traits and the shape of red heartwood in beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.)

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Abstract

Frequently occurring red heartwood decisively restricts the volume of light-coloured beech wood, which can be processed to high-grade appearance products. Forestry and wood industry lack suitable means for maximising the yield of light timber, since the intra-tree extent of red heartwood varies considerably. The present study characterised in detail the intra-tree shape of red heartwood and its relationships to tree-external traits (dead branches, branch scars), considered as possible initiation points of red heartwood formation. An experimental method based on log scanning and image analysis was developed and applied. Using its output for three-dimensional visualisation and data analyses, external traits being linked to the local red heartwood shape were identified. Furthermore geometric relationships were established for characterising these external traits and for deriving discriminating criteria.

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Notes

  1. About 25–75 cm in stem-axial direction above a wound.

  2. Dead branches were found to be linked to the red heart as well, but their number was too small to be subjected to further analyses.

  3. The resolutions are given in the course of the description of the different steps of the measurements.

  4. Tacheometer: Model LEICA TCR307 reflectorless, angle measurement 5”, maximal distance measurement 80 m, accuracy 3 mm at 80 m, measurement time 3 s, magnification 30×.

  5. The apparatus used was built in the LERFoB laboratory and is called Appareil de Mesure de l’Enveloppe des Billons (AMEB). Angular coder: HEINDENHAIN ROD 450, minimal angular step 1/100°. Laser: LIMAB LMS6035S, accuracy 0.5 mm at 600 mm. 1axis robot: CHARLY ROBOT PE225, length 2.25 m, step by step motor 140 Ncm, minimal step 12.5 μm, accuracy 0.1 mm at 2 m.

  6. The original method was applied to sample trees B01 and B08, the modifications to C04 and C06.

  7. Longitudinal step: 40 mm, angular step: 10° (in few cases: 15°).

  8. Longitudinal step: 5 mm (in few cases: 10 mm), angular step: 2.5°.

  9. Disc thickness: 5 cm.

  10. Image size: 2048×1536 pixels.

  11. Range = [8 mm, 24 mm] which corresponds to [38 mm, 115 mm] for 35 mm cameras; 0.56″-CCD with 3.34 million pixels.

  12. Using the same camera and focal length, the difference between measurements on distorted and rectified images was found to be less than 1%.

  13. In forestry practice, the term Chinese moustache is often used instead of branch scar.

  14. Artificial pruning of green branches; tree age: about 40–50 years, branch diameter: 2.5–4.5 cm, branch inclination: 30–60°.

  15. Artificial pruning of green branches; tree age 50–55 years, maximum branch diameter: 50 mm.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to H.-O. Denstorf and G. Weiß (Waldgesellschaft der Riedesel Freiherren zu Eisenbach GbR) for their co-operation during the field work as well as to E. Farré, C. Houssement, A. Mercanti and A. Perrin (LERFoB) for their assistance in laboratory work. The research was partly funded by the European Commission (Marie-Curie Training Site at INRA, Nancy, France) and a grant (LGFG) from the Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Equipe Qualité des Bois, Laboratoire d’Etude des Ressources Forêt-Bois (LERFoB, UMR INRA-ENGREF 1092), Centre INRA de Nancy, 54280, Champenoux, France

    H. Wernsdörfer, T. Constant, F. Mothe, M. A. Badia & G. Nepveu

  2. Institut für Forstbenutzung und Forstliche Arbeitswissenschaft, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg i. Br., Werderring 6, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

    H. Wernsdörfer & U. Seeling

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  1. H. Wernsdörfer
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  2. T. Constant
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  3. F. Mothe
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  4. M. A. Badia
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  5. G. Nepveu
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  6. U. Seeling
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Correspondence to H. Wernsdörfer.

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Wernsdörfer, H., Constant, T., Mothe, F. et al. Detailed analysis of the geometric relationship between external traits and the shape of red heartwood in beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.). Trees 19, 482–491 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-005-0410-y

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