Variability of wood fibres of mature pedunculate oak in flooded and non-flooded area

Abstract

The paper deals with anatomical characteristics of wood fibres of Quercus robur L. Fiber length, double-cell wall thickness and fiber lumen diameter were analysed from samples in flooded and non-flooded area along Sava river in Serbia. All anatomical elements were measured from pith to bark in order to establish variation with cambial age, not only between researched sites, but also between individuals within each locality. In this study, there was no statistically significant difference only for mean values of fiber length between individual trees at non-flooded area, and in fiber lumen diameter at flooded area. Increasing of mean values of observed anatomical parameters with cambial age is valid for flooded area (MU "Grabovako-vitojevacko ostrvo 20e"), while for another locality (MU "Blata-Malovanci") it is the case just for double-cell wall thickness. Mean values of all analysed anatomical elements are bigger in flooded area and this could be a consequence of more suitable ecological conditions for Quercus robur L. development present in this locality. Obtained variations show nonhomogeneous wood fibre features at both localities.