Effect of the position in a stem on the length of tracheids in spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) with the occurrence of reaction wood

Abstract

The paper was aimed at the determination of variability of tracheid dimensions in spruce wood in relation to the position in a spruce stem. Significant changes in dimensions were found in early-wood and late-wood tracheids along the stem length and radius. There were statistically significant differences (variability along the radius) between particular annual rings. The height of 22 m showed statistically significant differences as compared with other heights (variability along the height). Differences between the length of early-wood and late-wood tracheids were not corroborated in zones CW, OW and SWL. Only in the SWP zone, statistically significant differences were found. Data sets (early-wood and late-wood tracheids) from the CW zone showed statistically significant differences as compared with other zones. On the basis of the results obtained, 3D models were created (for CW, OW, SWL and SWP zones; models for an early-wood and late-wood tracheid) describing changes in tracheid dimensions in spruce in relation to the position in a stem. In the models, the length of tracheids decreases with the height of a stem and on the other hand, with an increasing distance from the stem pith the length of tracheids increases. The importance of the paper consists in the enlargement of findings on the structure of spruce wood. In addition to this, the paper can contribute to the partial explanation of the different behaviour of physical and mechanical properties of wood in particular parts of the spruce stem.

Keywords

• spruce
• tracheid
• length of tracheids
• compression wood