Canadian Forest Service Publications
Transition from juvenile to mature wood in black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. 2005. Koubaa, A.; Isabel, N.; Zhang, S.Y.; Beaulieu, J.; Bousquet, J. Wood Fiber Sci. 37: 445-455.
Year: 2005
Issued by: Laurentian Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 25824
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
The radial patterns of several intra-ring traits in increment cores of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) plantation trees were modeled with polynomials to characterize their trends and to estimate the transition age from juvenile to mature wood. Wood density, ring width, latewood density, and latewood proportion were obtained by X-ray densitometry. Average radial trends were similar to those reported earlier in Picea species. For all traits measured, significant differences were found among diameter classes. Thus, the juvenile wood production period varies with growth rate. In addition, transition age for a given diameter class varies, depending on trait. Hence, transition age needs to be defined more precisely, basing it on biological processes.
