Volume 7 Issue 1

Volume 7

Issue 2

April 2014 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Visit of Teak Researchers from Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Guangzhou, 1 Chinese Academy of Forestry Wood Anatomy of Naturally Grown Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.) 2 Prices of Plantation Teak Imported to India

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Editorial In this issue, we bring you an interesting article on the endemic Philippine teak, Tectona philippinensis with respect to its anatomy and utilization. A brief highlight of the visit of Chinese scientists to TEAKNET is also included. Readers may be interested to note that the next World Teak Conference 2015 will be held in Ecuador, South America and you can expect the first announcement in mid-April 2014. TEAKNET website has been updated and readers are welcome to visit us on www.teaknet.org. As usual, information on teak price in international market is provided in the Bulletin.

Visit of Teak Researchers from Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Guangzhou, Chinese Academy of Forestry A team of four teak researchers from the Research Institute of Tropical

Forestry

(RITF),

Chinese

Academy

of

Forestry,

Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China visited TEAKNET and KFRI during 24 February - 1 March 2014. The research team consisted

of

Prof.

Liang

Kunnan,

Prof.

Zhou

Zaizhi,

Dr. Ma Huaming and Dr. Huang Guihua. Their visit was part of a training programme and study tour organized by TEAKNET to the important teak growing areas of South India with particular emphasis

on

teak

genetic

improvement,

silviculture

and

utilization of harvested wood products. During the visit, the team had a meeting with teak researchers of KFRI and the Institute

of

Forest

Genetics

&

Tree

Breeding

(IFGTB),

Coimbatore.

We look forward to receiving articles of interest to teak growers, traders and researchers to be shared among the teak community. With warm regards P.K. Thulasidas TEAKNET Coordinator

Interaction meeting with scientists of Kerala Forest Research Institute Read more on page 9

Wood Anatomy of Naturally Grown Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.) Arsenio B. Ella, Emmanuel P. Domingo and Florena B. Samiano Researchers, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), College, Laguna 4031 Philippines Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.) is the country’s endemic forest tree species belonging to the family Verbenaceae, predominantly found in dry and exposed ridges of Lobo, Batangas. The wood of Philippine teak is classified as comparatively heavy and durable and can be substituted for Molave (Vitex parviflora Juss.). The local residents in Batangas utilized them for posts and general construction as a substitute for Molave. Its potential as first class timber has not yet been investigated. Study of the basic wood anatomical and morphological characteristics would ultimately lead to the optimum utilization of the species. Macroscopic observations and other physical attributes showed that the wood of Philippine teak is light yellow, grain is slightly wavy and texture is fine, glossy, hard and heavy. Fiber measurements indicate that Philippine teak is medium-sized and thin-walled. Rays are observed to be of two kinds: uniseriate and multiseriate and are classified as extremely low. Philippine teakwood could be differentiated from teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) with the former having smaller pores and thinner rays. The most common anatomical features of the two Tectonas are the presence of whitish deposits and tyloses. The study addresses a gap in technical information that will lead to harnessing the potential of the Philippine teak. Being heavy and hard with relative density 0.710 indicates that Philippine teak could be a strong potential for use as a structural timber. Results of the study could possibly lead to establishments of plantations for raw materials and benefit the researchers, Batangas farmers and wood-using industries to maximize the utilization of Philippine teak not only in raw form but also in engineered and other finished products. Introduction At present, there is a growing interest among Filipino scientists and educators to utilize fully the country’s endemic forest tree species like Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.) of the family Verbenaceae. The species is predominantly found in dry exposed ridges of South-Eastern Batangas, particularly the municipality of Lobo and San Juan. The species is less popular compared to teak (Tectona grandis L.f.). The wood of Philippine teak is classified as comparatively heavy and durable and can be used as substitute for Molave (Vitex parviflora Juss.). The local residents in Batangas utilized them for posts and general construction often substituted for Molave and Dungon (Heritiera sylvatica Vidal.) for building Spanish galleons. It serves to protect forests particularly on deep ravine or relief susceptible to landslide and soil, as well as coastal zone stabilizer. Woody stem is used locally as building material, tables, stairways, benches and flooring. The wood of Philippine teak resembles that of Batitinan [Lagerstroemia pyriformis Kohne forma batitinan (Vidal) Furt Sris.]. The latter, however, does not have the odor and the greasy feel of the former. Earlier investigation conducted by Read more on page 3

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014

Page 2 of 10

Continued from page 2

Merrill (1923) revealed that the species is found in thickets and secondary forests at low altitudes in Batangas, Iling Island (Mindoro) and Mt. Makiling (Laguna). The species was first collected by English botanist Hugh Cuming in Batangas between 1836-1840 and verified to be extant in 1987 by Ridsdal and Reynoso and last observed extant by Madulid in November 1989. So far, Lobo in Batangas is the only verified and documented habitat of Philippine teak (Fig. 1). Natural stands of the species were observed in Barangays Nagtoctoc, Banalo, Haybanga and Mabilog na Bundok by Pangga in 1993. Further, the species is still found in the remaining patches of molave forest while others are found in ravine and abyss or on the relief limestone hills with slopes ranging from 18 to 300. No medicinal or other economic use of the species is so far recorded.

Earlier studies focused more on the propagation of Philippine teak by direct seeding, bare-root wildings and cuttings. Generalao et. al. (1970) revealed the propagation by cutting was found to be more feasible and successful than the two other modes of propagation. Recent study by Pangga (1993) on propagation showed that nicking method for viability test may damage the seed of Philippine teak. Nicking was done to let water enter the viable seeds to break dormancy. She further suggested that wilding should be potted and allowed to harden for one month before actual field planting. No comprehensive studies have been reported on the wood anatomy of Philippine teak. In the same manner, literature on the variations in structural wood anatomical properties within and between trees are scarce. In other words, its potential as a first-class timber has not been fully studied. Study of the basic wood anatomical properties would ultimately lead to the optimum utilization of the species.

Figure 1. Map of Batangas Province showing collection site of experimental log materials for the study. Read more on page 4


Page 3 of 10


Objectives 1.

To study the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of naturally grown Philippine teak and determine their distinct features that could possibly help in their identification; and

2.

To identify other potential uses of Philippine teak according to its anatomical properties.

Materials and methods Field sampling Three experimental trees of naturally grown Philippine teak were collected in Barangay Sawang, Lobo, Batangas. For each tree, three (3) meters long bolt were taken representing the height levels (butt, middle and top portions). Bolts were labeled with corresponding tree number and height levels. Discs 152 mm (6”) thick were cut from the end portion of each bolt where the anatomical (including fiber and vessel measurements) and physical properties specimens were taken. The remaining portion of the bolt, sticks or flitches of about 64 mm x 64 mm (2.5” x 2.5”) were sawn for testing the mechanical properties. Table 1. Collection data of experimental trees in Lobo, Batangas Tree No.

DBH (cm)

Merchantable height (m)

Total height (m)

1

40

4.8

5.4

2

40

3.5

6.2

3

28

5.0

5.8

The log samples were transported to the FPRDI sawmill located in the University of the Philippines Los Baños – College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR) Campus, Los Baños, Laguna. These were processed into experimental/sample materials. Sampling scheme used in the study is presented in Fig. 3. Preparations of specimens/wood samples for various tests were conducted following the standard testing methods and procedures.

Figure 2. Visual inspection and reconnaissance survey of experimental Philippine teak. Read more on page 5


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Laboratory sampling

A. Sections for anatomical observation and description Sample size of 1 x 1 x 2 cm cubical blocks were prepared from the threeinch material. The blocks were cleaned and boiled in water until softened (about 3 hours) and 25 µm sections were cut from transverse, radial and tangential faces on a sledge microtome. Transverse, tangential and radial sections of the wood were washed in 50, 75, 85 and 95% ethyl alcohol, respectively. Further, sections were rinsed in tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and cleared in xylene. The sections were stained with Safranin “O” (prepared in 1% solution of methyl cellusolve and 50% ethyl alcohol). After 20-30 minutes, the sections were simultaneously Figure 3. Sampling scheme used in the study. differentiated and dehydrated with 95% alcohol to which 0.5% picric acid crystals were added for 10 seconds. The sections were immersed in 95% alcohol with 4 to 5 drops of ammonia for 2 min. To complete the dehydration, the sections were washed with absolute alcohol after which the sections were counter-stained with fast green for 10 seconds. The stained sections were rinsed with clove oil. A mixture of 50 parts clove oil, 25 parts of alcohol and 25 parts xylol was used for clearing. The clearing agent was then removed by a thorough washing of the sections with xylene to which 3 to 4 drops of absolute alcohol was added. The stained sections were mounted on properly labeled clean slides using Canada balsam as mounting medium. The slides were placed in an oven at about 50OC for about a week for complete drying. The species were described using the terminology of the International Association of Wood Anatomists (1989) and Standards and Procedures for Descriptions of Dicotyledonous Woods by Tamolang et. al. (1963).

B. Fiber and vessel measurements Samples for fiber and vessel measurements were cut into match-sized splints and placed in test tubes. The Franklin (1945) method of maceration using a 50-50 v/v mixture of 60% glacial acetic acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide was employed. The test tubes were placed in a hot water bath for about 1-2 h or until the splints turned whitish and soft. The macerated samples were washed thoroughly with running water until they were acid free. These were then soaked in 50-75% ethyl alcohol prior to measurements. The fibers were separated by shaking the sample in sufficient 50-75% ethyl alcohol. They were measured using the method employed by Lantican (1972). Fibers were stained with Safranin O, pipetted into a slide and spread evenly on the surface For each macerated sample, 25 unbroken fibers were measured using a light microscope at a magnification of 40x. Measurements was taken at the widest portion of the fiber. The mean fiber dimensions were computed for each sample. Read more on page 6


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Information concerning some physical properties and macroscopic observation of Philippine teak were based on the initial works of Reyes (1938) and Meniado et. al. (1975). Details for microscopic examination followed those of Tamolang et. al. (1963). Photographs of the wood blocks’ cross sections (magnified 10x) and transverse, tangential and radial sections (30x or higher magnifications) were taken to accompany species descriptions. Besides IAWA Bulletin, FPRDI’s Standards and Procedures for Descriptions of Dicotyledonous Woods (1963) was also consulted in the course of describing the wood anatomical characteristics of Philippine teak. Results and discussion

Physical properties and macroscopic observations The wood is light yellow in colour, grain is wavy, texture is fine, glossy, hard, heavy and tough. Table 2. Philippine Teak- relative density and moisture content. Height Level

Relative Density

Moisture content (%)

Butt

0.734

56.69

Middle

0.700

58.78

Top

0.698

60.32

0.710

58.60

Mean

Anatomical Observations in Philippine Teak Table 3. Results of fiber and vessel measurements. Fiber Tree No.

Length (mm)

Range

Diameter (µm)

Vessel (mm)

Lumen width (µm)

Mean

Range

Mean

0.86 1.15

1.01

17-24

20

6 - 13

2

0.971.12

1.07

16-19

18

5-8

3

0.831.07

0.98

20-23

22

11 - 13

1

Range

Cell wall thickness (µm)

Mean

Range

Mean

10

5-6

7

12

Length

Width

Range

Mean

Range

Mean

5.2

0.19 0.26

0.22

0.080.10

0.090

5-7

5.5

0.20 0.26

0.23

0.080.10

0.088

4 -5

5.0

0.23 0.28

0.25

0.080.09

0.090

Read more on page 7


Page 6 of 10


Table 4. Other microscopic features observed in Philippine teak. Tree No.

Vessel/ mm2

Ray width (µm)

Ray height (mm)

Range

Mean

Range

Mean

Range

Mean

20-91

49.31

30-65

40.51

0.15-0.40

0.24

2

29-88

56.59

30-55

42.45

0.16-0.42

0.26

3

28-87

57.09

28-50

35.23

0.16-0.46

0.27

1

Fibers, moderately short to medium-sized, 0.83-1.15 mm; thin-walled, 4.8-6.6 µm; lumen width, 5-13 µm; diameter, 16-24 µm. Vessels moderately numerous to very numerous, 20-91 (ave. 49) per sq. mm almost exclusively solitary; extremely small to very small, 0.084-0.090 mm (ave. 0.090 mm) in tangential diameter. Vessels extremely short, 0.186-0.277 mm; tyloses present. Parenchyma very few, apotracheal (marginal as observed in terminal bands) and diffuse and in short uniseriate bands); occasionally paratracheal (confluent to narrow vasicentric); strands mostly of 3-5 or slightly more cells wide.

Figure 5. A typical wood (cross section) of Philippine teak.

Figure 7. Tangential section showing rays mostly heterocellular multiseriate and tyloses present (35X). Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014

Figure 6. Cross section of Tectona philippinensis showing almost exclusively solitary pores with confluent parenchyma (35x).

Figure 8. Radial section showing white deposits and tyloses (35x). Read more on page 8 Page 7 of 10


Rays numerous to very numerous, 7-15 per mm2 (ave. 9); of two kinds, uniseriate and multiseriate; the multiseriate is heterocellular, 2-3 (mostly 3 cells wide); the uniseriate rays composed mostly of square to upright cells; ray width are fine to moderately fine, 40-54 µm (ave. 47); and ray height as extremely low from 0.23 to 0.37 mm (ave. 0.312 mm). Deposits observed in the form of tyloses. Discussion The important macroscopic and microscopic features of Philippine teak are shown in Tables 3 & 4 and Figures 5, 6, 7 & 8. Sapwood is whitish to light yellow, not sharply demarcated from the heartwood, which is yellow turning dark yellow with age; grain is wavy; texture is moderately fine to fine and glossy. Growth rings distinct to the naked eye, vessels solitary and in radial multiples of 2 to 3. Tyloses and whitish deposits are observed in some pores. Parenchyma is visible only with a hand lens as narrow sheath to the pores or vasicentric and terminal. Rays are slightly visible to the naked eye. Fiber measurements demonstrated that Philippine teak is classified as medium-sized with an average fiber length of 1.02 mm. Fiber diameter did not vary significantly among the three trees investigated, average diameter 20 µm. On the other hand, cell wall thickness was considered “thin” because lumen width was higher than the cell wall. This is in accordance with the IAWA Standard terms for cell wall thickness of wood fibers. Vessel length is very short with an average length of 0.231 mm. Observations showed that vessels of Philippine teak are very small and numerous with an average count of 49 per mm2. Tyloses are present in the form of deposits in vessels. Generally, parenchyma are observed in paratracheal pattern as evidenced by confluent to narrow vasicentric. Another important anatomical feature of the species are the two kinds of rays, uniseriate and multiseriate. The rays are classified as extremely low. Conclusions and Recommendations Specific identification of the Philippine teak wood based on macro-anatomical structure is not complicated. Microscopic features like minute details, e.g., pore sizes, rays and fiber dimensions are sufficient criteria for specific identification of the species. Results of the study on anatomical characteristics of Philippine teak have differentiated it from the more popular Tectona grandis with the former having smaller pores and thinner rays. However, the most common anatomical features present in the two Tectonas are the whitish deposits and tyloses. Being heavy and hard with relative density 0.710 is an indicator that Philippine teak could be a strong potential for structural timber. It is recommended that collection of other Philippine teak woods from other sources where it abounds, e.g., Iling Island (Mindoro) and Verde Island (East Batangas) be carried out for further wood anatomical studies. Literature Cited American Society for Testing and Materials. 2000. Annual Book of ASTM Standards. ASTM Designation D143-94. Standard Method of Testing Small Clear Specimens of Timber. Part 16. ASTM Pa., USA. 300p. Caringal, A. M. and J. R. Castillo. 2002. Conservation Status of Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. &

Hook. f. Verbenaceae): An Academe’s Research Initiative on Mountain Ecosystems Management in Southeastern Batangas. Paper presented at the National Conference and Scientific Meeting on Mountain Ecosystems Management of the Environmental Education Network of the Philippines, Inc. (EENP). 18p. Franklin, F.L. 1945. Nature 155. No. 3924, p. 51. Generalao, M. M. and F. Lapitan. 1970. Growing Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis) in Mt. Makiling. Research Note, Bureau of Forestry, Research Division, Los Baños Experimental Station, College, Laguna. Read more on page 9 Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014

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Lantican, C.B. 1975. Variability and control of wood quality. (Inaugural lecture given on 13 August 1975 and the UPLB College of Forestry, College, Laguna. 45p. Lemmens, R. H. M. J., and I. Soerianegara (eds.). 1993. Plant Resources of South-East Asia. No. 5(1) Timber Trees: Major Commercial Timbers. Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen, pp. 448–454. Madulid, D. A. and E. M. G. Agoo. 1990. Conservation Status of Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f., A Threatened Philippine Plant. Acta Manila 38:41–55. Meniado, J. A., F. N. Tamolang, F. R. Lopez, W. M. America and D. S. Alonso. 1975. Wood Identification Handbook for Philippine Timbers. Vol. 1. Government Printing Office, Manila. pp. 351-352. Merrill, E. D. 1923. An Enumeration of Philippine Flowering Plants, Vol. 3, Bureau of Printing, Manila. 403p. Pangga, I. C. 1993. Ex-Situ Genebank for Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis). Unpublished Report. PAWB, DENR, Diliman, Quezon City. Reyes, L. J. 1938. Philippine Woods. Technical Bulletin 7. Commonwealth of the Philippines. Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Bureau of Printing. Manila. Tamolang, F. N., R. R. Valbuena, J. A. Meniado and B. C. de Vela. 1963. Standards and Procedures for Description of Dicotyledonous Woods. Forest Products Research Institute, College, Laguna. 46p. Wheeler, E. A., P. Baas and P. E. Gasson. 1989. IAWA List of Microscopic Features for Hardwood Identification. IAWA Bulletin n.s. 10(3):219-332. Continued from page 1

Dr.K.Palanisamy, Scientist, IFGTB accompanied them to the Clonal Seed Orchard (CSO) and Seed Production Areas (SPAs) of Walayar and Top Slip at Parambikulam, respectively and elaborated about the plus tree selection and breeding of superior quality teak. They also visited Conolly’s Plot- the oldest teak plantation in the world and auction depots of Kerala Forest Department and the Teak Museum at Nilambur. Their visit opened up avenues for further opportunities to promote academic exchanges and collaboration between teak researchers in China and India. With Dr. K. Palanisamy at the Clonal Seed Orchard

Meeting at the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding chaired by the Director, Dr. N. Krishna Kumar


Visit to Nilambur Teak Plantations

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TEAKNET DirectoryOnline Form

Prices of Plantation Teak Imported to India India’s total imports of wood and wood products for the month of February 2014 were US$ 207.51 million and exports were US$ 23,04 million. Domestic demand continues to be firm. Current C & F prices , Indian ports per cubic meter Country

US$ per cu. m

Benin logs

340-650

Brazil logs

350-750

Cameroon logs

350-510

Colombia logs

400-685

Congo logs

450-550

Costa Rica logs

355-700

Côte d'Ivoire logs

390-750

El-Salvador logs

340-695

Ghana logs

375-650

Guatemala logs

400-550

Guyana logs

300-450

Kenya logs

390-600

Laos logs

300-605

Teaknet is routinely updating the Directory of Traders, Planters, Government Officials and Researchers in order to effectively link all the stakeholders across the globe and share information and events related to teak. You are welcome to submit the online form using the link http:// www.teaknet.org/teaknet-directory-online-form The Secretariat will do the needful to include your name in the Directory and inform you accordingly.

Editorial Committee Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

P.K. Thulasidas Mammen Chundamannil E. M. Muralidharan S. Sandeep

Liberia logs

350-460

Malaysian teak logs

325-525

Teaknet Bulletin is a quarterly electronic

Nicaragua logs

370-535

Nigeria squares

370-450

Panama logs

360-550

PNG logs

400-575

Sudan logs

480-700

Thailand logs

460-700

Togo logs

380-715

newsletter of TEAKNET brought out through its website. It is intended for circulation among the members of TEAKNET and other stakeholders of global teak sector. The views expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization. The readers are welcome to express their opinions or pass on information of value to teak growers, traders, researchers or others concerned with teak. However, TEAKNET reserves the right to choose the contributions for publishing and also to make necessary editorial modifications in the articles in consultation with the authors.

Trinidad and Tobago logs

420-680

Uganda logs

440-780

Benin sawn

435-800

Tanzania teak, sawn

350-885

Uganda Teak sawn

680-800

Brazil squares

360-680

Address all communications to:

Ecuador squares

330-540

TEAKNET Coordinator Kerala Forest Research Institute Peechi-680 653, Thrissur, Kerala, India Tel: +91 487 2690396 Fax: +91 487 2690111 Email: [email protected]

Variations are based on quality, lengths of logs and the average girth. Courtesy: ITTO TTM Report 18(5): 1-15 March 2014


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