Wood Studies – Camcore

Sappi Wood Quality Study

In late July of 2019 Camcore’s Andy Whittier traveled to South Africa to assist in the assessment of wood quality traits in both an eight year old pine hybrid and six year old eucalyptus trial located outside the Ngwodana Mill. This trip is just one of many international visits undertaken by Camcore to assess wood quality traits of novel pine hybrids and lesser planted eucalyptus species located on our members lands.

Working closely with Sappi Research Officer Lebogang Mphahele and her two teams we were able to successfully sample 540 pine trees and 180 eucalyptus trees in just over one week! Many thanks are extended to Lebo and her team for such a well organized and enjoyable trip.

Research Officer Lebogang Mphahlele coring a eight year old SAPPI pine hybrids.

Edward and John coring another SAPPI pine hybrid.

Robert with SAPPI measuring the resistance of a pine hybrid.

Merensky Wood Sampling

The week of August 6th Willi Woodbridge and Andy Whittier with Camcore traveled to South Africa to assist Merensky in a wood sampling study. The goal of this trip was to analyze the wood properties of some of the lesser known eucalyptus species that Merensky had planted. Field work was a success due to the well marked trees and excellent crew assisting us. Thanks go to Research and Nursery Manger Sonia Du Buisson and Researcher George Dowse for coordinating such a smooth and enjoyable trip. Now on to to analyzing the data and processing the wood samples.