INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Volume 7 Issue 2

April 2014

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 Chi-nese 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. 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

1

2

10 10

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.

Read more on page 9

Interaction meeting with scientists of Kerala Forest Research Institute

Visit of Teak Researchers from Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Guangzhou, Chinese Academy of Forestry Wood Anatomy of Naturally Grown Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.)

Prices of Plantation Teak Imported to India TEAKNET Directory Online Form

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 2 of 10

Wood Anatomy of Naturally Grown Philippine Teak Wood Anatomy of Naturally Grown Philippine Teak ((Tectona philippinensis Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.)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: Arsie_Ella@yahoo.com; Arsenioella@gmail.com 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 po-tential 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 3 of 10

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

Continued from page 2

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 4 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

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.

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

Continued from page 3

Read more on page 5

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 5 of 10

Figure 3. Sampling scheme used in the study.

Continued from page 4

Read more on page 6

Laboratory sampling A. Sections for anatomical observa-

tion and description Sample size of 1 x 1 x 2 cm cubical blocks were prepared from the three-inch 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 micro-tome. 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

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 Frank-lin (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.

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 6 of 10

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.

Anatomical Observations in Philippine Teak

Table 3. Results of fiber and vessel measurements.

Height Level Relative Density Moisture 

content (%)

Butt 0.734 56.69

Middle 0.700 58.78

Top 0.698 60.32

Mean 0.710 58.60

Continued from page 5

Read more on page 7

Tree No.

Fiber Vessel (mm)

Length (mm) Diameter

(µm) Lumen width

(µm)

Cell wall thickness

(µm) Length Width

1

Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean

0.86 -1.15

1.01 17-24 20 6 - 13 10 5-6 5.2 0.19 - 0.26

0.22 0.08-0.10

0.090

2 0.97-1.12

1.07 16-19 18 5 - 8 7 5-7 5.5 0.20 - 0.26

0.23 0.08-0.10

0.088

3 0.83-1.07

0.98 20-23 22 11 - 13 12 4 -5 5.0 0.23 - 0.28

0.25 0.08-0.09

0.090

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 7 of 10

Table 4. Other microscopic features observed in Philippine teak.

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.

Continued from page 6

Read more on page 8

Tree No. Vessel/ mm2 Ray width (µm) Ray height (mm)

1 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

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

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

Figure 7. Tangential section showing rays mostly heterocellular multiseriate and tyloses present (35X).

Figure 8. Radial section showing white deposits and tyloses (35x).

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 8 of 10

Rays numerous to very numerous, 7-15 per mm2 (ave. 9); of two kinds, uniseriate and multiseriate; the multiseri-ate 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 na-ked 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. An-other 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. Micro-scopic 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.

Continued from page 7

Read more on page 9

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 9 of 10

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

Continued from page 1

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

With Dr. K. Palanisamy at the Clonal Seed Orchard

Visit to Nilambur Teak Plantations

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, respec-tively and elaborated about the plus tree selection and breeding of superior quality teak. They also visited Co-nolly’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.

Teaknet Bulletin 7(2):2014 Page 10 of 10

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

Variations are based on quality, lengths of logs and the average girth.

Courtesy: ITTO TTM Report 18(5): 1-15 March 2014

Editorial Committee Dr. P.K. Thulasidas Dr. Mammen Chundamannil Dr. E. M. Muralidharan Dr. S. Sandeep Teaknet Bulletin is a quarterly electronic 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 au-thors.

Address all communications to:

TEAKNET Coordinator Kerala Forest Research Institute Peechi-680 653, Thrissur, Kerala, India Tel: +91 487 2690396 Fax: +91 487 2690111 Email: coordinator@teaknet.org

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

Liberia logs 350-460

Malaysian teak logs 325-525

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

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

Ecuador squares 330-540

TEAKNET Directory- Online Form

Teaknet is routinely updating the Directory of Traders, P l an ters , 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.