Tailoring fiber properties to paper manufacture: recent developments

Opportunities for more closely matching wood and fiber properties to end-use requirements are manifold and have long been recognized. Until recently, many approaches to capitalize on such opportunities were only hypotheses; few were being implemented. Benefits had not been realized due to long rotations for most U.S. commercial tree species. Only general approaches, e.g., plantation management, were yielding returns. Other approaches are now providing or are poised to provide increased control over wood variability and quality. For example, plantations established with seed from early southern pine breeding are nearing harvest or are being harvested; stems are straighter and have finer, flatter branches. Reduced reaction wood and greater uniformity are the result. Brazilian scientists have more than doubled growth of Eucalyptus hybrids while also adjusting specific gravity to desired levels, narrowing its range of variability, and increasing cellulose content. This paper describes similar developments from across the spectrum of research and development. Examples range from classical breeding through silvicultural practices to harvesting and wood preparation in the woodyard. Possibilities for further manipulation via cloning, molecular genetics, and genetic transformation are also reviewed.