DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wood structure of eight tree species grown in Balochistan was studied and basic anatomical data were compiled to evaluate their technological properties supportive to improve the quality of wood before utilization. Permanent slides of cross, radial and tangential sections of each wood species were prepared and observed under the microscope for various structural features. Results revealed that Babul and Phulai wood may be strong and hard and Jand, Mulberry, Ghaz, Ash and Ber wood may be better in strength and moderately hard due to longer, thick-walled or narrow lumened fibers. The Apple wood may be medium in strength and comparatively soft because of thin-walled and wide lumened fibers. The wood of all the studied species may be non-durable due to higher frequency or larger size of wood rays and need preservative treatment to increase the service life. The process of wood seasoning and preservation may be slow because of small to medium diameter of vessels however Mulberry and Ash wood could behave better due to larger diameter of earlywood vessels. Further, on the basis of fiber morphological characteristics, the wood of all the studied species may also be suitable for pulp and paper manufacture.