Struktur makro, mikro dan ultramikroskopik kayu jati unggul nusantara dan kayu jati konvensional

Abstract

Fast growing teaks become a solution to overcome teak supplies scarcity due to the long rotation in planting. However, many suspect that teak timbers from fast growing or shorter rotation trees have inferior wood properties than conventional long rotation teak. Jati Unggul Nusantara (JUN) as one of Indonesian fast growing teak is promoted more superior than other fast growing teaks. The tree will be harvested at 5 years age as veneer and furniture materials. Unfortunately, research regarding wood properties and appropriate utilization has not already conducted. It is important to find out its wood characteristics. The objectives of this research were to describe anatomical structure changes in faster growing teak compare to conventional one in the same age (4 and 5 years old), and study the suitability as veneer and furniture materials by conducted research on anatomical feature and other basic properties. The results showed that there are some differences in anatomical structure. JUN had fewer figures and more coarse texture that could decrease its properties as fancy veneer and furniture. The mean microfibril angle of JUN was 22,09°, which is narrower than that of conventional teak of the same age, which was about 25,29°. The crystallites degree increased (crystallites degree of JUN was 43,89% while conventional teak was 40,32%). Veneer recovery was 37% for 5 years JUN and 27% in 4 years JUN. Based on its characteristics, 5 years JUN is suitable for veneer and furniture materials but in medium quality. It is better if we wait for until these trees reach its maturation. Note that these research results just hold the characteristics of immature JUN and could not be generalized as whole properties of JUN, so it need more research regularly to observe the properties adjustment in the older tree to make an optimum age decision in harvesting.