Douglas-fir trees from 39 open-pollinated families at four test locations were assessed to estimate heritability of modulus of elasticity (MOE) and basic density. After trees were felled, sound velocity was measured on 4-m logs with the Director HM200. Disks were taken to estimate dry and green wood density; dynamic MOE...
We determined the axial and radial xylem tension gradients in trunks of young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. Axial specific conductivity (ks-a) and sap flux density (Js) were measured at four consecutive depths within the sapwood at a stem height of 1 m. By definition, at a given position...
Bark plays a critical role in the life of a tree when it is standing. Once the tree is felled, however, bark has minimal value and
may be a net financial loss to the forest industry. Because of bark’s limited worth, logs are often bought and sold based on under...
The air‐seeding hypothesis predicts that xylem embolism resistance is linked directly to bordered pit functioning. We tested this prediction in trunks, roots, and branches at different vertical and radial locations in young and old trees of Pseudotsuga menziesii. Dimensions of bordered pits were measured from light and scanning electron micrographs,...
The width of earlywood and latewood in conifer xylem may have a profound effect on water transport and storage, vulnerability to embolism, and wood strength, yet the controls over the timing of latewood formation are unclear. Tracheids differentiating in the cambial zone are influenced by IAA indole-3 acetic acid, the...