Near infrared analysis as a tool for rapid screening of some major wood characteristics in a eucalyptus breeding program

Abstract

The cost and time required to perform traditional chemical and technological tests to assess wood characteristics for breeding programmes is still a major constraint. Near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a highly promising method that could be adapted for rapid measurements on wood. In the Congo, the best genotypes for clonal plantations are selected from hybridised eucalyptus full-sib families. From this narrow genetic base, ground wood-meal samples (extractive-free or not) were analysed to determine quantitative relations between NIR spectral bands and extractive content, lignin composition, surface longitudinal growth strain and shrinkage relative to prediction accuracy. The results revealed that NIRS can be used effectively to predict characteristics linked closely with the chemical composition of wood. However, the reference measurements must be accurate and must represent a wide range of values to achieve valid predictions. Methodological and metrological improvements are possible.