WOOD RESEARCH Volume 70, Number 3, 2025
LEIF PORTAL and MARIO TOMAZELLO

VARIABILITY OF THE APPARENT DENSITY IN THE WOOD OF SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND CEDRELA ODORATA IN THE AMAZON REGION OF PERU

This study examines the radial variability of apparent wood density in two tropical commercial species, Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) and Cedrela odorata (cedar), in the Peruvian Amazon. The hypothesis states that both species will present different radial variation patterns in wood density, with C. odorata showing greater heterogeneity due to its older age and the presence of mineral inclusions. Advanced methods, including X-ray microdensitometry and visual analysis with QGIS, were used to obtain radial density profiles. Results showed that C. odorata exhibited higher variability and a wider density range than S. macrophylla, mainly attributed to age and mineral inclusions affecting density measurements. These differences are important for the timber industry, influencing mechanical properties and material selection. The findings emphasize the significance of density variability for sustainable management and improving timber quality in the Amazon region.

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 70, Number 1, 2025
JUAN DOMINGUEZ, INGRID CASSANA, and LEIF PORTAL

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN WOOD ANATOMY, PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND COLORIMETRY IN TRICHILIA DAZAE T.D. PENN.: AN ENDEMIC SPECIES OF THE HUMID MONTANE FOREST OF PERU

Trichilia dazae, an endemic tree from the humid montane forests of the Peruvian Andes, plays an important ecological and potential economic role. Despite this, there is a significant gap in the characterization of its wood. This study aimed to analyze the anatomical, physical, and colorimetric properties of T. dazae wood to assess its technological potential and promote its sustainable use. Samples from three trees in the San Carlos district, Bongará, Peru, were collected. Anatomical description and physical properties were evaluated using international standards, while colorimetric analysis was conducted using the CIE Lab* system. The results showed distinct anatomical characteristics, such as diffuse porosity and heterocellular rays, associated with a basic density of 0.64 g/cm³. Significant correlations were found between basic density and anatomical features, suggesting a balance between mechanical strength and hydraulic conductivity. These findings emphasize the species’ value for both structural and decorative applications

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
LEIF PORTAL, ROGER CHAMBI, JÚLIA GIL, GABRIEL PEREIRA, and MARIO TOMAZELLO

MAPPING WOOD DENSITY VARIATION USING QGIS: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF OCHROMA PYRAMIDALE, ACACIA MANGIUM, EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS, AND PINUS SP.

This study explores the innovative application of QGIS for mapping radial wood density variation across the entire cross-section of selected native and non-native forest species, aiming to enhance wood characterization. Using samples from Ochroma pyramidale, Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus grandis, and Pinus sp., we applied X-ray densitometry to obtain high-resolution images, which were then analyzed with QGIS to create detailed density maps. These maps provided a clear visualization of radial density variation, offering insights into the internal structure of the wood. The integration of QGIS with X-ray densitometry proved to be an effective tool for assessing wood density variation, supporting more precise and sustainable forest management practices