Relationship between branch-scar parameters and knot features of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Libsky)

ABSTRACT

The classification of roundwood is inextricably linked to the measurement of a particular single wood defect. The appearance, location, and number of defects are important in the quality evaluation of logs and sawn timber, and the most important defects are knots. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the appearance of branch scars and features of the related knot inside oriental beech logs, and to model the relationship between well-defined branch-scar and knot parameters. One hundred and fifty knots in 15 stems of oriental beech trees were studied. Image analysis software was used to measure the branch-scar and knot features. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the branch-scar parameter “moustache length” and the knot length. The ratio of branch-seal length to width was found to be a good estimator of the stem diameter at the time of knot occlusion and the amount of clear wood between the knot occlusion and the bark. The relationship obtained for the oriental beech stem radius at time of knot occlusion confirms relationship reported for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).

KEYWORDS:

• Log grading
• timber quality
• moustache length

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Dick Sandberg http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4526-9391

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Center for International Scientific studies and Collaboration (CISSC) of Iran [grant number 1202].