Wood property profiling of coconut palms grown in different agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district, Kerala

Abstract

Wood anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of samples collected from 51 coconut palms belonging to three age groups viz., 15-25 years (young), 35- 45 years (mature) and 55-65 years (over mature), grown in three agro-climatic zones (Malayoram, Central midland and Coastal sandy) of Thrissur district, Kerala were profiled in this study. Dermal, sub-dermal and core wood from each sample were used for assessing physical and anatomical properties and samples of density above 650 kg m -3 were selected for profiling mechanical properties. Nested analysis of variance was carried out to analyse the variation in coconut palm wood properties due to location, age and radial position. Most of the physical, anatomical and mechanical properties did not vary significantly across agro-climatic zones and age groups. However, across age groups, basic density, vascular bundle percentage, fibre lumen diameter, fibre wall thickness and compression parallel to grain (maximum load and compressive stress at maximum load) were found to vary significantly. Along the radial positions there was significant difference in physical and anatomical properties. Basic density, being highly positively correlated with mechanical and anatomical properties, estimation of density can be used as a key to determine end use under field conditions for potential utilization at the industrial level.