ISSN:
1432-5225
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Summary After determining growth stresses at 10 positions around the periphery of the stem of a bent, 22 years old conifer (Pinus radiata), morphological details, density, increment rate, and strength were recorded for wood from each position. The trend of average microfibril angle exhibited a strong inverse relationship to the gravitationally induced strains at each position on the periphery, and correspondingly influenced the strength properties of the tissues there. The intensity of growth-stress generation was closely related to variations in microfibril angle, but not to lignin content. Together with changes in rate of differentiation, each was related to externally induced strains. It was concluded that the strains stimulated corresponding morphological controls of the differentiating tissue. Thus they modulated structural responses of the bent tree at all positions around its periphery, and so developed efficiently integrated action to reorient the stem to a stabilized vertical position. Similar conclusions resulted from a less comprehensive study on a straight tree of the same age and species. Further, somewhat compatible published data on growth stresses and property relationships in a large number of eucalypts indicated that the conclusions drawn from the detailed study of the bent Pinus radiata tree were generally applicable to other trees and species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00351365
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