PT Journal
AU Amusant, N
   Beauchene, J
   Fournier, M
   Janin, G
   Thevenon, M
TI Decay resistance in Dicorynia guianensis Amsh.: analysis of inter-tree and intra-tree variability and relations with wood colour
SO Annals of Forest Science
JI Ann. For. Sci.
PY 2004
BP 373
EP 380
VL 61
IS 4
DE Dicorynia guianensis; Amazonian wood; wood colour/decay resistance; heartwood; variability
AB Dicorynia guianensis Amsh. is very widespread in the forests of French Guiana and moreover is the leading species harvested in this area, but its main defect remains the great variability of wood durability, especially with respect to fungal decay. The aim of this work was to study this inter- and intra-tree variability in order to identify the parameters responsible for this variation (growth area, height and radial position) within the tree. The resistance decrease from the outer heartwood to the pith. Measurement of colour variation using the CIELAB (L*, a*, b*, C*, h*) system was performed at the intra-tree level to highlight the longitudinal and radial gradients of variation. Dicorynia guianensis becomes less red and dark from the outer to the inner heartwood and from the base to the top. Lastly, variations of colour and durability were correlated: the wood is less resistant the redder and darker it is.
ER