Comparison of inter-specific wood properties in Leucaena species for pulp and bioenergy

Abstract

Pulp, paper and energy consumption across the globe have increased tremendously. It is necessary to meet future demand by evaluating and identifying alternative sources of raw material for these industries. In this context, this paper describes the growth attributes and wood physico-chemical variability of five different species of Leucaena, viz. Leucaena leucocephala, L. diversifolia, L. collinsii, L. lanceolata and L. shanonii. In each of the species, the growth, biomass, wood fibre morphology, cellulose, holocellulose, total lignin, alcohol-benzene extractives, hot water solubility, NaOH solubility and fuelwood characters such as basic density, moisture, ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and calorific value have been characterised. Our results revealed better pulpwood properties of L. leucocephala, while L. collinsii had better attributes of being fuelwood. However, the latter had comparable levels of lignocellulosic properties with L. leucocephala, suggesting a new source of raw material for pulp and bioenergy. Further, it could be used as a donor parent for interspecific hybridisation to produce superior hybrids for the utilisation of wood-based industries. Finally, L. collinsii could be used as an alternative species for minimising the demand for pulp and bioenergy requirements.