UAF-Sitka Forest Products Program

Transcription

1 UAF-Sitka Forest Products Program Physical, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties of Alaska Birch Investigators Valerie Barber, Jan Dawe, Nancy Bigelow (UAF) Pavel Krasutsky (U Minn Duluth) Kevin Curtis (KWTC) Andy Soria (UAF) Funding by USDA CSREES- WUR Program

2 Scope of Research Measure physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of Alaska birch lumber and bark Compare Alaska birch properties with other North American birch Identify value added products and find new markets for AK birch based on test results Identify birch species found in Alaska using traditional taxonomic methods and genetics Preliminary investigation of hybridization between shrub birch (Betula nana, B. glandulosa) and tree birch species (B. neoalaskana, B. kenaica and B. papyrifera)

3 Mission Statement Harvest a geographically representative sample of birch trees from locations around Alaska Test and analyze the physical and mechanical properties Ketchikan Wood Technology Center Determine the chemical properties of the bark and wood of Alaska birch species Pavel Krasutsky, University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute Andy Soria- new Wood Chemist Determine if hybridization is occurring (Pilot study) Nancy Bigelow and Jan Dawe Look for genetic component to differences we may find in physical/mechanical/chemical properties and determine the nature of the genetic component.

4 Site Selection Choose a representative sampling of birches from different habitats and geographic areas around Alaska Packee/Malone long-term growth and yield plots provided previously established and well-documented sample areas 24 of these plots were initially identified as possible sampling sites 12 Western AK 12 Eastern AK

5 Focus of effort 2006 field season Anchorage-Fairbanks corridor Northern Kenai Peninsula Focus of effort 2007 field season Steese Highway Fairbanks to Tok Tok Cut-off Glennellen Haines Kodiak*

6 2006 field season Visited 18 possible sites 8 found suitable 4 sites in Wasilla area 4 in Fairbanks area Kenai sites targeted not suitable.

7 On-site data collection Trees identified, marked & cut Trees delimbed and cut (30ft) Logs winched or skidded out of the woods

8 3 trees harvested from each site

9 On-site data collection Basal discs cut for age determination and tree-ring width measurement (climate sensitivity) Sampled trees tagged and labeled Log ends sealed to prevent moisture loss

10 Chemical Analyses Bark samples for chemical analysis by P. Krasutsky (UMD NRRI )) Preliminary studies showed high levels of Betulin and Betulinic Acid Indications of potential use for HIV and cancer treatment Chemical Analysis on lumber (A. Soria) Preservation, resins, kiln efflux

11 On-site data collection Plots established at each site for taxonomy and evolutionary relationship studies

12 On-site data collection Leaves and reproductive material from at least 3 standing trees collected Trees documented for location, stature, diameter, general health, and surrounding vegetation. Complete description of the site, vegetation, and soils were recorded

13 On-site data collection logs decked at each site a contractor was hired to retrieve and deliver them to Anchorage Barged to Ketchikan

14 Transport of logs Once in Ketchikan, logs were cut, weighed, and ends sealed Bark will be peeled and weighed to calculate percentage of total tree weight Bark will be used in a NTFP workshop after the Boreal Forest Disturbance Conference next spring

15 Ketchikan Wood Technology Center Birch lumber will be tested: Basic properties Bending Hardness (ball) Compression Shear Specific gravity Preliminary grade recovery and yield Kiln drying schedules

16 Physical and Mechanical Testing

17 Results of P/M Testing Test results will be used by an Alaskan birch marketing group to identify unique uses and potential niche markets for Alaska Birch

18 Taxonomic and Systematic Relationships Pilot study with 20 sites for reference collection 5 taxa and hybrids will be examined

19 B. papyrifera var. commutata (Regel) Fernald North America: southern boreal forest; 2n = 56, 70, 84; not resinous

20 Betula neoalaskana Sargent Eastern Beringian boreal forest, expanding into Canada; 2n = 28

21 Betula kenaica W. H. Evans N.A.: southern Beringian; 2n = 70; small tree (12m); bark reddish brown

22 Betula nana subsp. exilis (Sukaczev) Hultén Arctic/Alpine: Siberia to Hudson Bay; 2n = 28; resinous twigs

23 . Betula glandulosa Michaux North American boreal & Rocky Mt.; 2n = 28; ascending shrub to 3 m; cuneate leaf; resinous twigs

24 Taxonomy and Systematic Relationships Can we identify Pure populations of target species What morphologic features are most discriminating Is there evidence of introgressive hybridization in samples collected (individual, stand and landscape levels) Chromosomes and molecular genetics

25 Thanks to Tom Malone, Matanuska Borough, DNR, State and Pri Forestry, Stu Pechek,, Bob Gorman, The Field Crew (Dan, Andrew David, Nancy, Jan, Margaret, Oreo, Mikki), Dave Poppert,, Lynden Transport and AML, Martin Gibson, Glenn Juday,, Allen Bracklley anyone else I may have overlooked, like Bobby Ott.