Despite the high demand of falcata, tree farmers and wood processors experience an odd market price on logs because of wood defects such as radial cracks and lumber crooking. These defects result inlow recovery of wood for processing, which depreciates the value of logs.
To minimize and prevent these defects, researchers from the Central Mindanao University (CMU), in cooperation with the Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (ERDB-FWRDEC), is implementing the project, “Growth stress attributes and measures to minimize the wood defects of falcata (Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby & Grimes).”
The three-year project is being funded and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
According to CMU Project Leader Mark Jun A. Rojo, wood defects can be attributed to longitudinal growth stress. The project will find ways to minimize the formation of radial cracks at the log-end and lumber crooking in both stem and branch through application of potential treatments.
These growth stress-related defects caused significant negative impact to our local falcata farmer-growers and sawmill operators. On the average, 12.6 percent of the potential lumber tally is lost due to multiple defects, which is equivalent to an estimated P22,680 per hectare.
At the end of the project, the research team hopes to recommend the best treatment and protocol to minimize wood defects. Improved awareness on management practices to minimize growth stress-related defects can help optimize use of raw materials.