Extract Stimulation for Wood Rosin Production–Increasing the Extractive Content in Ponderosa Pine

Four ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa Laws) from 21 to 28 inches d.b.h. were chosen at random. The wounds were placed in the trees during the latter part of May by driving a thin, sharp, metal loggers’ falling-wedge at slightly downward angle across the face of the tree about 16 inches above the ground level and about 4 inches deep beyond the cambium. The wounding continued until there was a continuous incision across 1/2 to 1/3 the circumference of the tree. In two trees, 40 percent sulfuric acid was introduced into the wound by means of a polyethylene wash bottle. The other two trees received no acid treatment. Five months later, 4-inch deep, 3/4-inch auger and bit borings were taken from each tree at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12-inch levels above and below the wound, and were extracted with acetone. This procedure of sampling and extraction was again repeated 1 year after the wounds were placed in the tree. The average extract content over the 24-inch area had increased to 9.7-9.4 percent in the untreated wounded tree. The acid-stimulated trees averaged 17.8-18.9 percent extract. Also, more extract was produced above the incision than below, in the acid stimulated wounds. Extract stimulation did not appear to take place laterally beyond the dimension of the incised area. The wounding not only induces the tree to lay down a heavy deposition of extract, but likewise produces a remarkable change in percentage component fractions. The percentage component fractions of the stimulated extract approaches that found in the heartwood. Test was made using the chromatography method to find out whether the stimulated extract area has been converted to heartwood. However, it was found that while the stimulated extract may contain traces of the heartwood phenolics, the amount did not exceed the quantity found in normal sapwood. Using the method of extract stimulation, considerable quantities of extract can be produced in ponderosa pine sapwood in a relatively short time. The extract so produced approaches the amount of extract found in the butt heartwood of old growth pine trees. It is believed that the method may also be used in the southern pine region.

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