Effects of localized environment on eucalyptus clone chemical composition

Eucalyptus wood is becoming the most important feedstock for bleached kraft pulp production, particularly in South America. However, pulp manufacturers have observed that some eucalyptus clones are resistant to wind action and others are not. Those lacking wind resistance are prone to breaking, which results in productivity losses. This study aims to investigate a correlation between the chemical composition of eucalyptus clones and their resistance to wind action. We found differences among the wind-resistant and non-wind-resistant clones, but that the fragility of trees studied for wind resistance does not correlate to the chemical composition of the wood. Four notable differences were observed. First, clones grown at lower altitudes differed from clones grown at higher altitudes in their acetyl, insoluble lignin, and extractives contents, and in their syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratios. However, we found no relationship among these components and wind susceptibility. Second, soluble lignin content increased with the increase of wind resistance in the high altitude clones. Third, the low altitude clones showed slightly lower xylan content (12.4%) and higher lignin content (29.6%) than the others. Finally, the insoluble lignin content, total acetyl groups, extractives, ash contents, and S/G ratios of the clones were influenced by the region where they were grown.