Abstract
Micropropagated hybrid aspen clones (Populus tremuloides Michx.×Populus tremula L.) and a plus-tree (superior phenotypes selected) aspen (Populus tremula L.) were grown under similar conditions in the central part of Latvia. After cutting at the age of 12 years, 64 sample trees were examined. The dimensions of the vessels and the content of cellulose, lignin, extractives and ash were determined. The cell walls were characterised by UV microspectrophotometry (UMSP) in the UV range. The dimensions of fibres obtained by kraft pulping were determined such as length, width, and their shape factors. Coarseness measurements were performed, and strength properties of the handsheets were tested. One of the clones (no. 44) had a significantly higher stem volume of 208 dm3 and stem diameter of 17 cm at a height of 1.3 m. This clone had otherwise no notable differences to the other clones concerning the chemical composition, except a slightly higher lignin content (20.0% as compared with the mean value of 19.3% for other clones). Kraft cooking of hybrid aspen chips gave pulp yields in the range of 48.6–52.4%. Slightly higher strength properties (10–15%) were found for the handsheets prepared from a common aspen pulp (reference) as compared with those from hybrid aspen fibres.
This research was accomplished in the framework of the ESF project No. 2009/0200/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/09/APIA/VIAA/146 “Importance of Genetic Factors in Formation of Forest Stands with High Adaptability and Qualitative Wood Properties”. We would like to thank Dr Uwe Noldt, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute (vTI)/Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries Institute of Wood Technology and Wood Biology (HTB), Hamburg, Germany for his assistance in writing individual sections.
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