Variation of pulpwood quality with provenances and site in Eucalyptus globulus

Abstract

Differences in basic wood density, fibre morphology, chemical composition and pulp yield were studied among 4 provenances of Eucalyptus globulus planted in trials at three sites. Sampling was carried out at the age of 9 years. Provenances and site were not found to have a significant effect on wood density. Fibre length increased radially from pith to bark, with a pattern similar for all provenances. Provenance and site were significant sources of variation for fibre length, cell wall thickness and lumen diameter. At the worst growth quality site, fibres were shorter, with thicker cell walls and smaller lumen diameter. In relation to chemical composition, only extractives showed within tree variation and significant provenance and sites effects. Pulp yield ranged from 56.9 to 60.9% at Kappa numbers from 13.2 to 17.5, with provenance a highly significant influencing factor.