Comparative Radial and Axial Variation in the Physical Properties of Bagalunga (Melia azedarach L.) and Two Plantation-Grown Wood Species

Authors

  • Oliver Segundo Marasigan Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
  • Shereyl Aguirre Daguinod Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
  • Dundaele Kyle Bayer Melendez Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
  • Jayric Fuentes Villareal College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Mindanao State University-Maguindanao; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23960/jsl.v14i1.1254

Abstract

The wood properties of the tree vary from radial to axial position. Limited local studies focusing on these attributes hinder the improvement of wood applications. This study examined the variation in the physical properties of bagalunga (Melia azedarach L.), teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King.) across radial and axial positions. Physical properties were evaluated in accordance with the ASMT D143-2019 standard. Five trees per species were collected in Quezon Province, Philippines. Results showed significant variation in physical properties across species. Bagalunga (161.39%) displayed significantly higher green moisture content (GMC), 57.0% and 43.2% higher than mahogany (89.76%) and teak (104.10%), respectively. In terms of specific gravity (SG), bagalunga (0.42) had the lowest value, while teak (0.56) had the highest. Regarding shrinkage properties, bagalunga recorded the highest tangential and radial shrinkage, which were 49.2% and 48.9% higher than those of teak, and 77.6% and 18.4% higher than those of mahogany, respectively. Along the axial position, volumetric shrinkage (VS) declined from the butt to the middle portion. The VS of bagalunga was stable across axial position, whereas teak and mahogany decreased by 10.3% and 28.6%, respectively. In terms of radial position, a significant decrease in GMC was observed from pith to bark, ranging from 9.46% to 26.99% across species. On the other hand, SG increased towards the bark portion. Bagalunga displayed the highest RS and VS at the bark, while teak showed the lowest. Based on their physical properties, bagalunga, being dimensionally stable, is suited for non-structural applications, while mahogany can be used for structural applications, cabinetry, and furniture, and teak is optimal for high-value products.

Keywords: Melia azedarach, specific gravity, Swietenia macrophylla, Tectona grandis, volumetric shrinkage

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Published

05-12-2025

How to Cite

Marasigan, O. S., Daguinod, S. A., Melendez, D. K. B., & Villareal, J. F. (2025). Comparative Radial and Axial Variation in the Physical Properties of Bagalunga (Melia azedarach L.) and Two Plantation-Grown Wood Species. Jurnal Sylva Lestari, 14(1), 60–79. https://doi.org/10.23960/jsl.v14i1.1254

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): January

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Oliver Segundo Marasigan, Shereyl Aguirre Daguinod, Dundaele Kyle Bayer Melendez, Jayric Fuentes Villareal

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