Dear <<First Name>>,
Welcome to the October edition of R&DWorks.
Today we bring you details of some of the significant timber-related research initiatives happening around Australia. Highlights include new technologies used for the rapid detection of pests, and various efforts to combat giant pine scale. We also remind growers to have their say as part of a consultation process managed by the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), considering proposed changes to the levy for research and biosecurity.
In addition, we provide a snapshot of interesting research news from around the world, including a newly-developed wound dressing made from pine nanocellulose, and the results of a study suggesting triploid clones experience better growth than diploid equivalents.
I hope you enjoy this edition.
Chris Lafferty
RD&E Manager, Forest and Wood Products Australia
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Increasing the grower levy for research and biosecurity - Have your say!
The peak national body for Australia’s forest, wood and paper products industry, the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), is asking forest growers to support a proposed increase to the sector’s levies for research, development and extension (RD&E), and biosecurity.
The increase represents an opportunity to increase funding and capacity for vital forest science initiatives in Australia, and to tackle ever-increasing biosecurity threats.
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Cross-industry collaboration yields great results for pest detection
A project working to speed up the detection of airborne pests and diseases via more accurate testing is showing great promise at the trial stages.
In a unique collaboration utilising the latest technologies, FWPA last year joined forces with Australia’s other agriculture and horticulture industries to develop the exciting, more accurate diagnostic technology, aimed at boosting productivity and profitability for the forestry industry.
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Efforts to combat giant pine scale gather pace in Australia
Extensive work is underway in Australia and Europe to develop an understanding of the most effective biological and chemical control strategies for the recently introduced pest, giant pine scale.
Here, we focus on three FWPA-supported projects seeking to mitigate the risk posed by this sap-sucking pest.
Continue reading...
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Sounding off! Overcoming barriers to timber use in mid-rise construction by solving a decades-old puzzle
Innovative solutions to enhance the acoustic performance of timber building systems are being developed thanks to a collaboration between FWPA and the ARC Centre for Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated Housing (CAMPH).
The work is intended to help make the most of new opportunities for timber framing products associated with last year’s change to the National Construction Code (NCC) which allows for timber to be used in structures of up to 25 metres.
Continue reading...
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Extensive field trial to offer more information on timber durability than ever before!
While many new wood-based products and treatments have entered the Australian market over the past 20 years, there are few public evaluations to help users determine which material is most appropriate for their needs.
Now, scientists are seeking to address the issue through new research.
Continue reading...
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Growing the Northern Territory Timberlands
There are exciting opportunities for the development of African mahogany timberlands in the Northern Territory according to a new study, which has identified the most effective approaches to value-adding and attracting new investment. African mahogany is an internationally important, high-value forest tree species, native to the arid tropical zone of the Sahel region of Africa.
Continue reading...
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Listen in - Supporting Indigenous communities in the NT to create a sustainable forestry industry
The latest episode of the WoodChat podcast series focuses on a new research project investigating the potential for commercial Indigenous forestry in the Northern Territory’s East Arnhem Land.
The goal of the research is to support the Traditional Owners to facilitate a sustainable forest-based livelihood.
You can listen to WoodChat on SoundCloud, iTunes and Spotify.
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New light shed on internal processes that decide the architecture of plants
Scientists have gained extra insights into the mechanisms by which plants control their own growth and development, in light of cues received from their surroundings. The physical traits of plants are shaped by internal processes prompted by environmental signals, which include the length of days and presence of nutrients.
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Robots take flight to improve forestry
Researchers from around the world are following Australia’s lead by investigating the potential use of drones and other emerging technologies to support and enhance forest management practices.
Image credit: University of Pennsylvania
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Wound dressing made from pine nanocellulose ‘1,000 times cheaper’ than alternatives
A Brazilian chemist has been named as one of four finalists for the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Young Innovator Prize.
The acknowledgement is for the development of a low-cost dressing to treat wounds, in particular burns, created using pine nanocellulose.
Continue reading...
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Growth of triploid clones observed as superior to diploid equivalents
The advantages of using triploid Acacia clones in breeding programs have been clearly demonstrated, as the results of new research indicate the great potential of this promising new approach for improving the growth performance of various tree species.
Continue reading...
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Adapting silvicultural practices for the benefit of forestry and the environment
Forest managers in North America are soon to be offered strong examples demonstrating some of the practical ways silvicultural planning can be adapted to reduce the impact of forestry on climate change.
Continue reading...
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