Abstract
Within-tree variations, whole-tree values and the representative heights for the whole-tree values of lignin content and lignin S/G ratio by thioacidolysis were analysed for Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. globulus to do quality breeding using an increment core without cutting the tree.
Within-tree variations of lignin content in both species were very small. In contrast, lignin S/G rations were higher in pith side and upper part of E. camalduensis, and were very different between trees of E. globulus.
The whole-tree content of lignin and lignin S/G ratio were 23. 2, 21. 8%, and 1.85, 1.71 for E. camaldulensis, and 18.0, 15.3%, and 3.16, 3.78 for E. globulus. Since the whole -tree content of lignin was lower, and that of lignin S/G ratio was higher in E globulus, E. globulus would have higher pulp yield and digestability.
Representative heights, the whole-tree contents ± 5%, of lignin content and lignin S/G. ratio were calculated below 3.3 m height to consider for sampling of an increment core. The results were 2.32.8 m for E. camaldulensis, and 0.31.8 m and 3.3 m for E. globulus, regardless to the whole-tree height and the difference of within-tree variation of lignin.
It is expected that whole-tree pulp properties are predicted by the increment core taken from these representative heights.
