Abstract:

To look for impact of trunk rot on growth and wood properties of poplar tree on beaches along Yangtzer River, the growth of poplar tree was investigated and some wood properties were determined. The value of green moisture content of internal part of rotted poplar tree is smaller than that of normal one. The values of basic density and ratio of drying shrinkage of rotted poplar tree are higher than that of normal one. The tension wood was detected in rotted poplar wood by scan electronic microscope. Fungi and bacteria attack the poplar trees through check of bark pocket . The mycelium spreads from vessels and ray cells to fiber cells in poplar wood.

Key words: Rotten poplar tree on the flood beaches, Tension wood, Bark pocket, Mycelium