Environmental and genetic control over blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) timber colour, density, and recovery

该项目将研究环境和遗传在黑木木材特性表达中的作用。它将确定有价值的黑木木材性状的潜在遗传力，并提供对颜色表达基础的良好理解。心材特性，特别是颜色、密度、环宽和多节决定了黑木的商业价值。对这些特征的有限研究，都是在澳大利亚以外进行的，指出了遗传和环境控制的结合。通过了解环境条件和遗传物质在生产理想木材性状方面的相对重要性，种植者将能够更好地实现黑木的全部商业价值。

The project will investigate the roles of environment and genetics in the expression of wood characteristics in blackwood. It will determine the potential heritability of valuable blackwood wood traits and provide a sound understanding of the basis of colour expression. Heartwood characteristics, particularly colour, density, ring width and knottiness determine the commercial value of blackwood. The limited research on these characteristics, all undertaken outside Australia, points to combined genetic and environmental control. By understanding the relative importance that environmental conditions and genetic material have in producing desirable wood traits, growers will be better able to realise the full commercial value of blackwood.