Application of thermogravimetric analysis as a pre-selection tool for Eucalyptus spp.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of thermogravimetric analysis in the pre-selection of genetic materials. Twenty-five Eucalyptus spp. genetic materials were used. The analysis of the data consisted of three stages; first, was carried out an exploratory study of the wood and charcoal properties. Subsequently, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the parameters of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the properties of wood and charcoal. Finally, once the presence of significant correlations between these properties was verified, pre-selection of genetic material was carried out. The loss of mass in the temperature range of 300-450ºC, from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), showed the highest number of correlations between wood and charcoal properties, which allowed the use of this TGA variable in pre-selection of genetic materials. Genetic materials 9 (Hybrids of E. urophylla and E. maidenii), 10 (Hybrids of E. urophylla and Eucalyptus sp.), 19 (Hybrids of E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis, E. grandis and Eucalyptus sp.) And 21 (Hybrids of E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis, E. grandis and Eucalyptus sp.) presented potentials for charcoal production, through pre-selection.