Potential of near infrared spectroscopy to assess hot-water-soluble extractive content and decay resistance of a tropical hardwood

The ability to identify both low- and high-durability samples in a population of naturally durable samples would allow more rational use of these materials, for example, using samples in the lower ranges of durability in non-soil contact. One possible method for rapidly assessing differences in heartwood characteristics related to durability is near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) coupled with multivariate statistical methods. A number of recent studies suggest that NIR can be related to a variety of wood properties, including extractive content. There are, however, few data on the ability of this technique to assess decay resistance, especially in hardwoods or species with high natural durability. In this report, the ability of NIR to predict both extractive content and resistance to fungal attack in Goncalo alves (Astronium graveolens) was assessed. NIR spectra accurately predicted hot-water-soluble extractive content of A. graveolens and its susceptibility to the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. A. graveolens was very resistant to attack by the brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum and NIR spectra were not useful predictors of weight loss. NIR spectroscopy may be a useful tool for rapidly assessing the extractive content and decay resistance of naturally durable wood. © 2007 Springer-Verlag