Evaluation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex. Benth. Wood from Second Generation (F-2) Plantation

This study evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of families 3, 11, and 12 from a 4-year-old second-generation (F-2) Acacia auriculiformis progeny trial to assess potential genetic improvements in wood quality and possible end uses. A total of 9 selected trees from 3 families were used to investigate growth characteristics, wood properties and their internal relationships. The results showed significant differences among the families for free-branched height, moisture content at green condition (MCg), basic density (BD), modulus of elasticity, tangential shrinkage, longitudinal shrinkage, and compressive strength parallel to grain, suggesting that these properties are genetically controlled. Based on the the correlation results demonstrated that MCg and BD were reliable indicators of mechanical properties and dimensional stability. In addition, potential crossbreeding between families 12 and 3 is recommended to develop genetic materials with improved wood quality. The findings provide preliminary insights into the variation of wood properties, supporting future optimization of tree improvement strategies and potential utilization in solid-wood and light structural applications, pending further testing on larger and older samples.