Variability in physical properties of plantation-grown progenies of Melia composita and determination of a kiln-drying schedule

Abstract

Plantation-grown progenies of Melia composita Willd. were studied for variability in several physical properties: density, radial and tangential shrinkage, longitudinal permeability of heartwood and sapwood. Furthermore, flat-sawn planks from each of the progeny were subjected to a quick-drying test for determination of kiln-drying schedule. The mean density of the species was 0.39 g cm⁻³ and the wood may be categorized as light wood. Mean radial shrinkage (%) for the species was 2.8% with progeny-wise variation in radial shrinkage from 1.56 to 4.11%. Mean tangential shrinkage (%) for the species was 5.54% with progeny-wise variation in tangential shrinkage from 3.69 to 7.71%. The resultant tangential-radial shrinkage ratio was 1.98 (less than two), which suggests that the wood is relatively stable with respect to drying behavior. Mean sapwood and heartwood longitudinal permeability of the species were 3.38 and 2.02 Darcy, respectively. Higher longitudinal permeability of sapwood and heartwood indicate better drying and preservative properties of the species. Terazawa quick-drying test method suggests that the species is less susceptible to drying defects. During the test, only moderate checks and cracks were observed. A tentative kiln-drying schedule was recommended based on these results.