Comparative Analysis for Anatomical Differences between Branch and Trunk in White Mulberry Wood

Abstract

In the tree, branch wood constitutes approximately 30% of total wood volume. From an industrial point of view, branch wood can be a good alternative for a variety of applications. In this case the properties need to be known. Branch wood and stem wood differ in anatomical characteristics. In this study, some anatomical features of White mulberry tree trunk and branch wood were compared. According to the results of statistical analysis in the measurements made for the two wood types, the difference in number of vessel, ray properties and fiber cell properties were significant. According to the measurements, vessel frequency in the stem early wood is 4% and stem late wood is 69% higher. Again, the ray height of the trunk wood was 34% more. The fibers were determined to be 11% short in branch heartwood and 20% short in branch sapwood. Fibre width in branch heartwood and sapwood is 18% and 20% and lumen width in branch heartwood and sapwood is 29% and 18% higher. Fiber wall thickness was found to be 3% and 6% more in branch heartwood and sapwood respectively. The results of the study show that the differences in cellular structure of trunk and branch wood is a factor to be considered in wood processing and use.

Keywords

• morus alba
• stem wood
• branch wood
• wood anatomy