Possiility of industrial afforestation by utilizing Melaleuca tree species in the abandoned acidic cultivation area in northern part of Okinawa prefecture

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25450218
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Forest science
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: SUWA Ryuichi 琉球大学, 農学部, 准教授 (30560536)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 谷口 真吾 琉球大学, 農学部, 教授 (80444909) ; 高嶋 敦史 琉球大学, 農学部, 助教 (40433099)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): TAKASHIMA Atsushi 琉球大学, 農学部, 助教 (40433099)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: Melaleuca alterniforｌa / tee tree oil / terpinene-4-ol / acidic soil

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the possibility of cultivation of Melaleuca trees in the acidic abandoned cultivation area in Okinawa Prefecture.The growth of various Melaleuca species was well documented.We could find terpinene-4-ol rich M. alternifolia line among several deferent seeds collection site.The essential oil collected from the leaves contained high terpinene-4-ol regardless of the seasonal factor and the vertical distribution position of the leaves. That is, it was shown that a large amount of essential oil of high quality can be stably produced.
In addition, from this tree species the material density of the breast height diameter part was 0.48 g / cm 3, and the longitudinal compression ratio at the moisture content of 12.6% was 36.3 N / mm 2. Although this tree species is a fast growing wild tree, it was shown that it also has value as a good quality wood application.

Free Research Field

作物学