Determining vessel characteristics and occlusions of hybrid poplar genotypes ( Populus × canadensis Moench)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The present study investigated the anatomical variability among three genotypes of Populus × canadensis, focusing particularly on vessel characteristics and occlusions by tylosis. The aim was to evaluate their potential role in the inhomogeneous distribution of impregnation solutions commonly observed in poplar wood. Measurements of vessel diameter, vessel frequency, solitary vessel index, and contact area ratio revealed only minor genotype-specific variations, suggesting these parameters have a limited impact on permeability differences. Despite the typical low levels of tylosis reported for poplar, this study found a significant degree of tylosis in all genotypes, particularly in the transition zone between sapwood and heartwood. Thus, tylosis is identified as a key factor in reducing fluid uptake and contributing to the occurrence of non-impregnated areas. The investigation of the effects of technical drying on tylosis formation revealed no significant differences compared to air drying. Moreover, tension wood, identified in several specimens, did not appear to affect the vessel characteristics, though its potential influence on impregnability warrants further investigation.
Authors: Andreas Buschalsky, Hannah Lutz, Holger Militz, Tim Koddenberg
Institution: University of Göttingen
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
OpenAlex ID: W4415285987