Tissue Proportion, Fibre, and Vessel Characteristics of Young Eucalyptus Hybrid Grown as Exotic Hardwood for Wood Utilization

Abstract

This study sought to determine selected anatomical properties of young Eucalyptus hybrid species (E. grandis x E. urophylla) grown in Ghana. Images of fibres from macerated wood, and micro–sections produced with microtome were analysed using a compound digital microscope associated with Motic Image Plus Software (MIPS), version 2.0, installed on a computer. Images were initially processed using ImageJ software. Study data were analysed using an R statistical package. The overall mean value for fibre length was 907.67 µm, whereas double fibre wall thickness was 7.76 µm. Both variables had higher mean values in sapwood than in heartwood. Nevertheless, the found values decreased from the butt to the top portion. Statistically, axial and radial positions had no influence on fibre characteristics. In a 1 mm2 of the cross-section, the proportion of fibres was 38%, vessels were 19%, axial parenchyma were 22%, and radial parenchyma were 21% on average. Again, the radial and axial positions had no statistical influence on tissue proportion traits for the young eucalyptus wood. Mean value for vessel area was 9462.04 µm2, whereas vessel frequency per mm2 was about 14. Vessels were significantly larger in area (range 9982.50 – 13544.41 µm2), yet reduced in frequency (range 6 – 17 per mm2) for sapwood. In heartwood, vessel area was comparatively smaller (range 6321.15 – 7816.69 µm2), whereas their frequency was high (range 15 – 18 vessels per mm2). Axial and radial position had statistical influence on vessel frequency and area for the young Eucalyptus grown in a plantation in Ghana.