University of Toronto and Ontario Research Foundation. The purpose of these 

 studies is to obtain an understanding of the specific physical and chemical char- 

 acteristics which provide the basis for the preference of forest industry for certain 

 wood species. 



RESEARCH BRANCH 



During the past year the Research Branch has: a) established the nucleus of 

 a staff specifically concerned with this project; b) designated two species, black 

 spruce and red pine, for study in order of priority; c) conducted field surveys to 

 locate superior trees, and supplied sampling material to the Ontario Research 

 Foundation for laboratory analysis. 



ONTARIO RESEARCH FOUNDATION 



The Ontario Research Foundation has: a) established the nucleus of a 

 laboratory staff specifically concerned with this project; b) assembled and designed 

 special laboratory equipment and developed special techniques; c) conducted 

 laboratory studies of samples supplied by the Department and provided appropriate 

 technical reports. 



Poplar was selected as the first species for examination during the orientation 

 period. One of the objectives was to assess the normal variation which might be 

 expected between trees of the same genetic background and the same life history. 

 Using physical-chemical and pulping tests, significant differences between individual 

 specimens were found. However, the differences were not consistent between 

 groups of trees of similar parentage, except for one factor analyzed, that of per- 

 centage of lignin content. It was concluded that either differences in micro- 

 environment controlled wood properties, or the trees selected were not truly of the 

 same parentage. 



When black spruce was accepted as the species of first importance, prelimi- 

 nary studies were carried out to relate the external characteristics of tree foliage to 

 internal wood fibre properties such as fibre length and diameter, cell wall thickness 

 and wood density. Preliminary analysis indicated an incidental relationship 

 between needle spacing and tree growth. In the middle of the needle density range 

 higher densities were associated with greater height growth, whereas extremely 

 high and low densities were associated respectively with very poor and very good 

 growth. Verification of this hypothesis is now being made. 



UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 



The program of the University of Toronto was not started in 1962. Plans 

 were, however, formulated to commence early in 1963 with their studies on the 

 effect of environmental factors on diameter, wall thickness, and lignification of 

 wood fibre cells. These fibre attributes will be correlated with environmental 

 conditions under strict control in growth chambers. 



White Pine Blister Rust Reconnaissance Surveys 



Reconnaissance surveys are conducted annually by the Research Branch, in 

 co-operation with the Forest Protection Branch and the Forest Districts which are 

 within the commercial range of white pine in Ontario. 



The purpose of the surveys, as well as the coincident scientific examinations 

 and appraisals, is to obtain information and provide a basis for recommendations 

 which will assist the Department in its protection and timber management plans 



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