Efforts to protect the remaining Araucaria Forest fragments in Southern Brazil have focused on large forests dominated by the threatened species Araucaria angustifolia. However, such an approach can miss significant biodiversity by ignoring smaller forest fragments scattered throughout the landscape, many of which exist on small farms. Here, I evaluate the method used to define a set of natural reserves in Southern Brazil to assess if it captures and preserves the significant biodiversity that exists in this unique biome. I used a relatively simple field sampling methodology and statistical analyses to evaluate floristic and structural parameters, comparing tree species diversity within a large forest fragment (with and without A. angustifolia dominance) to smaller fragments in the surrounding landscape. While stands dominated by A. angustifolia showed primary forest-like physiognomy, they did not have the levels of diversity expected for old-growth forests. Traditional forestry parameters, especially basal area and number of individuals, are useful for differentiating forest types in terms of structure. While no single diversity index provides a complete picture of the composition and variation of diversity in forest fragments, when taken together and assessed using extrapolation and comparative statistics, they provide a meaningful method for comparing and identifying high priority areas for conservation. Future conservation strategies should look to alternative approaches for assessing biodiversity across the landscape, while including small-scale landowners in conservation efforts.

Os esforços para proteger os fragmentos remanescentes da Floresta com Araucária no Sul do Brasil tiveram foco em grandes áreas dominadas por sua espécie símbolo, a Araucaria angustifolia. Tal abordagem pode estar desconsiderando significativa biodiversidade ao ignorar pequenos fragmentos esparsos pela paisagem e localizados geralmente em propriedades rurais de pequenas dimensões. Neste estudo, o método utilizado para a definição de unidades de conservação da Floresta com Araucária no Sul do Brasil foi replicado objetivando sua avaliação quanto a sua capacidade de captar e preservar a biodiversidade deste bioma. Dados de simples obtenção foram analisados por meio de várias análises estatísticas atuais para a avaliação da florística e estrutura florestal, possibilitando, desta forma, a comparação de um grande fragmento florestal (composto por áreas com e sem a dominância de A. angustifolia) em relação a fragmentos menores localizados em seu entorno. Baseado nos resultados, conclui-se que grandes fragmentos dominados por A. angustifolia e de fisionomia similar ao de florestas primárias podem apresentar níveis de diversidade abaixo do esperado. Apesar de nenhum índice de diversidade fornecer uma avaliação completa da composição e variação da diversidade de fragmentos florestais, sua análise conjunta, atrelada a métodos estatísticos comparativos e de extrapolação, estabelecem uma metodologia eficiente para a comparação e identificação de áreas prioritárias para a conservação. Estratégias futuras visando a conservação da Floresta com Araucária devem utilizar metodologias alternativas para avaliar a biodiversidade no nível de paisagem e incluir pequenas propriedades aos esforços visando a manutenção das florestas e sua diversidade de espécies.

Previously extensive tracts of primary rain forest have been degraded by human activities, and we examined how the effects of forest disturbance arising from habitat fragmentation and commercial selective logging affected ecosystem functioning in these habitats by studying leaf litter decomposition rates in litter bags placed on the forest floor. The rain forests of Borneo are dominated by trees from the family Dipterocarpaceae, and we compared leaf litter decomposition rates of three dipterocarp species at eight forest fragment sites (area 3–3529 ha) that had different histories of disturbance pre-fragmentation: four fragments had been selectively logged prior to fragmentation and four had been formed from previously undisturbed forest. We compared these logged and unlogged forest fragments with sites in continuous forest that had been selectively logged (two sites) and fully protected and undisturbed (two sites). After 120 d, undisturbed continuous forest sites had the fastest rates of decomposition (52% mass loss). Forest fragments formed from unlogged forest (32% mass loss) had faster decomposition rates than logged forest fragments (28% mass loss), but slower rates than continuous logged forest (39% mass loss). Leaves of a light-demanding species (Parashorea malaanonan) decomposed faster than those of a shade-tolerant species (Hopea nervosa), but decomposition of all three dipterocarp species that we studied responded similarly to logging and fragmentation effects. Reduced decomposition rates in logged and fragmented forest sites may affect nutrient cycling and thus have detrimental consequences for forest regeneration. Conservation management to improve forest quality should be a priority, particularly in logged forest fragments.

Sebahagian besar kawasan hutan hujan primer yang telah dibalak dan fragmentasi adalah melalui aktiviti manusia, dan, kami mengkaji bagaimana habitat terdegradasi daripada aktiviti pembalakan dan fragmentasi hutan akan menjejaskan fungsi ekosistem. Kami memeriksa kadar penguraian daun sarap dengan menggunakan beg daun sarap yang disimpan di permukaan tanah hutan. Hutan hujan Borneo didominasi oleh pokok Dipterocarp dan kami mengkaji perbezaan kadar penguraian daun sarap tiga spesis dipterocarp mengikut keamatan cahaya yang berbeza di lapan hutan terserpih (3–3529 ha): empat telah dibalak sebelum fragmentasi dan empat terbentuk dari hutan primer. Kajian kami juga merangkumi empat kawasan hutan berterusan: dua hutan yang telah dibalak dan dua berikutnya merupakan hutan primer. Selepas 120 hari, hutan tersepih yang terbentuk selepas pembalakan mempunyai kadar penguraian yang paling rendah (28%), lebih rendah daripada hutan berterusan (52%). Sebaliknya, hutan terserpih yang terbentuk daripada hutan primer mempunyai kadar penguraian (33%) sama dengan hutan berterusan yang telah dibalak (39%). Daun sarap daripada spesis penggemar cahaya (Parashorea malaanonan) mereput lebih cepat daripada spesis pengemar teduh (Hopea nervosa), namun demikian, kadar penguraian ketiga-tiga spesies adalah bertindak secara sama terhadap kesan pembalakan dan fragmentasi hutan. Kadar penguraian yang rendah di hutan yang telah dibalak dan terserpih boleh menjejaskan kitaran nutrien dan regenerasi hutan. Oleh itu, pengurusan konservasi bagi meningkatkan kualiti hutan hendaklah diberi keutamaan, khususnya di hutan terserpih.

Functional effects of ants in rainforest canopies depend on difficult to characterize ant diets. In Bornean dipterocarp forests, certain diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and ecologically dominant ‘COCY’ ant species (Colobopsis cylindrica clade) grazed epiphytic biofilms on adaxial leaf surfaces, as well as on tree trunks and branches. Microscopic examination of worker buccal pellets revealed numerous (mainly ascomycete) fungal spores, together with insect appendages and cuticle. Direct observations, video-imaging, and δ15N isotope data rule out feeding by predation, but isotopes cannot separate fungi from plant and insect exudates as principal nitrogen sources. Lipid-rich products, extracted from pellets in situ, are hypothesized sources of essential sterols. Also present in pellets were colorful mandibular gland (MG) compounds unique to this ant clade and deployed, as a derived character state, in suicidal defense of foraging territories. Mildly antimicrobial and highly adhesive MG products also occur basally in the clade and may have first evolved for roles in microbial sterilization and food-gathering and processing. Proteomic studies of YG COCY ants detected 2% proteins in hypertrophied, product-filled MG reservoirs, but SDS-PAGE qualitative analysis revealed mostly low-molecular mass proteins and peptides (8–15 kDa), too small for enzymes but consistent with membrane-binding proteins and/or antimicrobial peptides. Breakdown of chitin and chitosan in pellets may occur with enzymes derived from molting fluids in insect cuticle (proteases and chitinases) and/or fungi and bacteria. To the extent that COCY workers collect and consume pathogenic and/or beneficial phyllosphere microbes, ant effects on plants may be mediated by these activities.

Sejauh mana terdapat kesan fungsi semut di kanopi hutan hujan berasaskan kesukaran mengkaji pemakanan semut tersebut. Di dalam hutan dipterokarp Borneo spesies tertentu dari klad Camponotus (Colobopsis) cylindricus (spesies ‘COCY’) yang giat pada siang, tinggal di pokok, mempertahankan kawasan dan berekologi dominan didapati memakan lapisan nipis (biofilem) hidupan epifit pada permukaan daun dan juga batang dan dahan pokok. Pemerhatian pelet yang masih dalam mulut pekerja semut yang belum lagi tukar kepada produk yang berlipid tinggi mendedahkan banyak spora kulat (kebanyakannya ‘ascomycete’) yang tercampur dengan bahagian badan dan kutikal serangga. Pemerhatian dan data isotop δ15N menunjukkan ketiadaan predasi tetapi tidak dapat menunjukkan bahawa kulat dan cecair dari tumbuhan merupakan punca nitrogen utama. Pelet juga mengandungi kompaun glanda mandibular (MG) yang unik kepada klad semut tersebut yang digunakan oleh spesies-spesies yang tertentu dalam pertahanan kawasan pemakanan sehingga mati, iaitu satu ciri yang kemudian muncul. Produk MG yang kuat melekat mungkin muncul untuk memainkan peranan dalam pemungutan bahan makanan dan mungkin juga merendahkan kesan mikrob semasa pemerosesan makanan untuk dapat N dan/atau lipid (misalnya sterol sejati). Kajian proteomik dapat mengesani protin sebanyak 2 peratus yang terkandung di dalam takungan MG yang diisikan dengan produk, juga penganalisis kualitatif SDS-PAGE menunjukkan protin dan peptid yang bermolekular rendah (8-15 kDa) yang terlalu halus bagi enzim tetapi boleh jadi protin pengikatan membran atau peptid antimikrob. Penghancuran kitin dan kitosan dalam bahan pelet mungkin berlaku berkesan dari enzim yang berpunca dari kutikal serangga (yang mengandungi kitinas) dan/atau kulat dan bakteria. Kesan semut ke atas tumbuh-tumbuhan kemungkinan dipengaruhi aktiviti tersebut sejauh mana pekerja COCY memungut dan makan mikrob filoplan yang patogenik dan/atau berguna.

The fate of Pantanal, one of the world's largest, most pristine and diverse wetlands, stands in the balance. The most recent (2014) and comprehensive land-cover change assessment of the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB), comprising both lowlands (the Pantanal floodplain) and its surrounding upland savannas (Cerrado plateaus), demonstrates the extent of decline of native vegetation (Fig. 1a). Around 80% of the Pantanal floodplain native vegetation remains, whereas more than 60% of its Cerrado plateaus have been converted into pasture and croplands (Fig. 1b) (SOS-Pantanal et al. 2015). The most worrying aspect is the fast rate of land clearing during the last 30 years (Supporting Information). In fact, the Cerrado is experiencing higher native vegetation conversion rates than Amazon and Atlantic Forest ecosystems in recent years, but still is largely neglected by enforcement and protection policies (Overbeck et al. 2015).

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The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is highly toxic to Gyps vultures and its recent widespread use in South Asia caused catastrophic declines in at least three scavenging raptors. The manufacture of veterinary formulations of diclofenac has since been banned across the region with mixed success. However, at least 12 other NSAIDs are available for veterinary use in South Asia. Aceclofenac is one of these compounds and it is known to metabolise into diclofenac in some mammal species. The metabolic pathway of aceclofenac in cattle, the primary food of vultures in South Asia, is unknown. In this study, we give six cattle the recommended dose of aceclofenac (2 mg/kg), collect blood along a time series and undertake a pharmacokinetic analysis of aceclofenac and diclofenac-metabolites in their plasma using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. We found that nearly all of the aceclofenac administered to the cattle was very rapidly metabolised into diclofenac. Therefore, treating livestock with pure diclofenac or aceclofenac poses the same risk to vultures. This fact, coupled with the risk that aceclofenac may replace diclofenac in the veterinary market, fortifies the need for an immediate ban on all aceclofenac formulations that can be used to treat livestock. Without such a ban, the recovery of vultures across South Asia will not be successful.

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Approximately 25% of globally reported shark catches occur in Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries. Strong declines in shark populations have been detected in the North Atlantic, whereas in the South Atlantic the situation is less clear, although fishing effort has been increasing in this region since the late 1970s. We synthesized information on shark catch rates (based on 871,177 sharks caught on 86,492 longline sets) for the major species caught by multiple fleets in the South Atlantic between 1979 and 2011. We complied records from fishing logbooks of fishing companies, fishers, and onboard observers that were supplied to Brazilian institutions. By using exploratory data analysis and literature sources, we identified 3 phases of exploitation in these data (Supporting Information). From 1979 to 1997 (phase A), 5 fleets (40 vessels) fished mainly for tunas. From 1998 to 2008 (phase B), 20 fleets (100 vessels) fished for tunas, swordfishes, and sharks. From 2008 to 2011 (phase C), 3 fleets (30 vessels) fished for multiple species, but restrictive measures were implemented. We used generalized linear models to standardize catch rates and identify trends in each of these phases. Shark catch rates increased from 1979 to 1997, when fishing effort was low, decreased from 1998 to 2008, when fishing effort increased substantially, and remained stable or increased from 2008 to 2011, when fishing effort was again low. Our results indicate that most shark populations affected by longlines in the South Atlantic are currently depleted, but these populations may recover if fishing effort is reduced accordingly. In this context, it is problematic that comprehensive data collection, monitoring, and management of these fisheries ceased after 2012. Concurrently with the fact that Brazil is newly identified by FAO among the largest (and in fastest expansion) shark sub-products consumer market worldwide.

Tendencias en la Explotación de las Poblaciones de Tiburones del Atlántico Sur

Aproximadamente el 25% de las capturas de tiburones reportadas a nivel mundial suceden en las pesquerías de palangre del Atlántico. Se han detectado fuertes declinaciones en el Atlántico Norte, mientras que en el Atlántico Sur la situación es menos clara, aunque los esfuerzos de pesca han incrementado en esta región desde finales de la década de 1970. Sintetizamos la información sobre las tasas de captura de tiburones (basadas en 871, 177 tiburones capturados en 86, 492 series de palangre) para las principales especies atrapadas por múltiples flotas en el Atlántico Sur entre 1979 y 2011. Compilamos los registros, que fueron suministrados a instituciones brasileñas, de las bitácoras de pesca de las compañías pesqueras, los pescadores y los observadores abordo. Con el uso de análisis exploratorios de datos y fuentes literarias identificamos tres fases de explotación en estos datos. De 1979 a 1997 (fase A), cinco flotas (40 navíos) pescaron principalmente atún. De 1998 a 2008 (fase B), 20 flotas (100 navíos) pescaron atún, peces espada y tiburones. De 2008 a 2011 (fase C), tres flotas (30 navíos) pescaron múltiples especies, pero se implementaron medidas restrictivas. Usamos modelos lineales generalizados para estandarizar las tasas de captura e identificar las tendencias en cada una de estas fases. Las tasas de captura de tiburones incrementaron de 1979 a 1997, cuando el esfuerzo de pesca era bajo; disminuyeron de 1998 a 2008, cuando los esfuerzos de pesca incrementaron sustancialmente; y permanecieron estables o incrementaron de 2008 a 2011, cuando el esfuerzo de pesca de nuevo fue bajo. Nuestros resultados indican que la mayoría de las poblaciones de tiburones afectadas por palangres en el Atlántico Sur actualmente se encuentran mermadas, pero estas poblaciones pueden recuperarse si el esfuerzo de pesca se reduce adecuadamente. En este contexto, es un problema que la colecta de datos, el monitoreo y el manejo de estas pesqueras hayan cesado después de 2012. Simultáneamente con el hecho de que Brasil ha sido recientemente identificado per la FAO entre los más grandes (y en más rápida expansión) mercados de consumo de sub-productos de tiburones in el mundo.

The objective of this study was to compare the utility of combinations of data from airborne laser scanning (ALS), RapidEye satellite imagery and auxiliary environmental data to predict stand structure in a plantation forest. Both parametric and non-parametric modelling techniques that could simultaneously predict a multivariate response were employed and found to produce predictions with similar levels of accuracy. Response variables were derived from 463 field measurement plots that were used during model development; a further 60 randomly selected plots were set aside for validation of model performance. Candidate predictor variables were extracted from the ALS data, satellite data and auxiliary environmental data, and the variables with the greatest explanatory power were used to create six separate models based on combinations of the data sources. Model validation showed that models using RapidEye data only were the least precise and that adding auxiliary environmental data only led to a moderate improvement in model precision. The model precision observed was similar to those reported previously from studies using satellite data to predict stand structure. Models developed using data from ALS were by far the most precise and adding information from satellite data or auxiliary environmental data led to negligible improvement in the prediction of stand structure. Although the outputs of both model types were similar, the practical efficiencies of using the non-parametric approach make it appealing to meet the demands of managers of industrial plantation forest managers.

We studied biophysical (biotic and abiotic) factors correlating with dominant height and basal area (BA) development within 110 ha of evergreen mixed conifer forest dominated by coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.) in north coastal California. Various descriptors of species composition, topography, soil properties and moisture, light and harvest disturbance were assessed in a grid of 234 permanent sample plots. Within the study area characterized by heterogeneous topography and variable species composition, site descriptors alone were poor predictors of stand volume production in multiple linear regressions. Multivariate canonical correlation analysis revealed that redwood height growth was related to a different suite of biophysical variables than BA growth. Greater stand volume production was measured in areas with less hardwood, more Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirbel) Franco), higher soil pH and at lower slope positions. Sheltered lower slopes were more amenable to redwood height growth. Exposed upper slopes and ridges receiving more light favoured BA over height growth in redwood. Our analysis provides a framework for refining estimates of forest growth, yield and carbon stocks in natural forests in accordance with divergent dimensions of productivity and allied biophysical gradients.

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) understory seedlings, growing in partially harvested plots with different canopy cover in a boreal spruce stand, were spot fertilized (Hydro 15-4-12) 9 years after planting. The principal aim was to test the hypothesis that nitrogen (N) availability influences growth of understory seedlings at intermediate but not at low levels of irradiance. In addition, we tested the combined influences of N and light availability on selected morphological and phenological traits, covering a 2-year period after treatment. Diffuse radiation (DIFR) at the seedling level was estimated from hemispherical photographs and ranged from 19 to 46 per cent of DIFR in open conditions. Fertilizer application was associated with a marked increase in foliar N concentration. The fertilized seedlings grew better in height and root collar diameter compared with unfertilized controls. While the absolute growth in both diameter and height increased with increasing DIFR, seedlings also responded to improved nutrient availability across the range of light conditions studied. Fertilizer treatment did not affect the number of nodal buds, but we observed a higher apical dominance ratio and advanced bud burst in fertilized seedlings. In conclusion, nutrient availability influenced growth and bud phenology of understory Norway spruce seedlings at least down to 20 per cent DIFR.

Megaplatypus mutatus (syn. Platypus sulcatus) is an ambrosia beetle native to South America, which represents the main forest pest in Argentina of Poplar plantations and is also an emerging pest in Europe, representing a potential risk to forest and fruit plantations globally due to its low specificity. Knowledge of the interactions this insect has with microbes will be important in understanding its impacts and management. In this study, we characterized the fungal diversity associated with M. mutatus in Populus trees in Argentina. The fungal community of 28 attacked trees was studied by evaluating 1104 gallery fragments and 110 fragments of insects. Fungal isolates were identified using morphology and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of nDNA. Nineteen taxa were identified, the most relevant Fusarium solani species complex, three species of Raffaelea and Graphium basitruncatum. Despite the lower frequency occurred by Raffaelea spp. and G. basitruncatum, we detected a specificity between male/female and location in the gallery. Additionally, the topology of the galleries is described based on analyses with computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Enhancing these techniques, an image combining both data was produced, suggesting that the water circulation across outer sections might be involved in the modulation of the gallery topology.

The structural attributes of an old-growth forest remnant of Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii located in southern Spain and those from nearby managed forests were compared. Data on environmental and structural variables were collected in 74 forest inventory plots. Significant differences were tested by means of the Mann–Whitney U-test. A partial redundancy analysis was conducted to assess the relative contribution of both environmental and management variables in explaining differences in the current structure of old-growth and managed stands. Additionally, 25 trees of different size (range 25.4–98 cm) and age (67–803 years) were cored and dendrochronological methods and bootstrap linear regression were used to study the effects of size and age on tree growth. The old-growth stand exhibited a higher density of large trees (diameter at breast height >50 cm) and greater variability in tree size than managed stands, but lower tree density and, consequently, similar values of stand basal area and volume. Environmental variables accounted for 5.7 per cent of the total variance observed in structural attributes, while the contrasting silvicultural condition (old-growth vs managed) accounted for 10.2 per cent. Growth, measured in units of stand basal area, increased continuously with tree size.

While there is considerable interest in transforming even-aged stands into species-diverse, irregular structures, the rarity of stands close to the end of the transformation process has resulted in a lack of knowledge on optimum target structures that are considered sustainable. This study examined this problem in a mixed-species selection stand that has undergone transformation for over 60 years. Complete inventories of a one-hectare permanent sample plot were carried out in 2015 and previously in 2009, 2003 and 1997. The diameter distribution remained relatively static with the q factor remaining at 1.4 since the 2009 inventory. An improvement in the number of regenerating seedlings and saplings available for recruitment from previous inventories suggests that the current structure is relatively stable although shade-tolerating conifers are gradually dominating the stand. Not all the sustainability criteria were met; however, the stand could be described as having reached a balanced condition. It is recommended that the current stocking density and basal area (~350 stems ha–1 and 26–27 m2 ha–1, respectively) should be maintained and that future harvesting interventions should aim to reduce the number of large diameter stems (>55 cm DBH), which represent 14 per cent of the stocking but 48 per cent of the stand basal area.

The inclusion of quadratic mean diameter (QMD) and relative spacing index (RSI) substantially improved the predictive capacity of height–diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) and crown ratio models (CR), respectively. Data were obtained from 208 permanent plots established in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma during 1985–1987 and remeasured for the sixth time (2012–2014). Existing height–d.b.h. and CR estimation models for naturally occurring shortleaf pine forests (Pinus echinata Mill.) were updated and modified for improved performance. Additionally, eight height–d.b.h. relationship models that use only d.b.h. (fundamental local models) were modified using covariates. The model performance was evaluated using fit statistics [root mean square error (RMSE), Fit index and Akaike information criteria (AIC)]. The results showed that the best model form which was an extended non-linear model with autoregressive first order AR (1) structure and power variance function performed better than extended mixed-effects models and predicted well as an ordinary least squares non-linear model. The autocorrelation within individual trees was larger for the height–d.b.h. relationship than for CR estimation. The addition of QMD to mean dominant height (HD) greatly improved height–d.b.h. relationship with a reduction of 8 per cent in RMSE, compared with the use of basal area per hectare. Similarly, multiplying a fundamental local model by using QMD raised to a parametric power reduced RMSE by 16 per cent, improved Fit index by 12 per cent and decreased the AIC value by 7 per cent. D.b.h., HD and RSI best explained the crown ratio relationship with an improved Fit index by 6.7 per cent compared with alternative non-linear models without RSI. The logistic model for CR also provided prediction accuracy similar to that of a commonly used non-linear model. A non-linear model with an application of remedial measures to enhance adherence to modelling assumptions can provide better parameter estimates than mixed-effects modelling approach.

Dendrolimus pini L. is a common and widespread moth in Europe, where severe outbreaks can defoliate Pinus sylvestris L. stands. Outbreaks are thought to be climate driven and may become more frequent and widespread with climate warming. The recent discovery of breeding populations of the moth in P. sylvestris plantations in Scotland has highlighted the importance of predicting outbreaks both within the core areas and at the margins of its current range. In this investigation, we used published data of damaging outbreaks plus historical climate data from Germany to build a relationship between climate conditions and outbreaks, and to develop a prediction model. Our analytical approach used principal component analysis and decision-tree data mining. German historical outbreaks showed relationships with climate variables, and provided evidence for a new damaging outbreak prediction model. The model uses the Seljaninov hydrothermal coefficient and decision-tree models on climate observations to predict where and when outbreaks may occur. The model was applied to European observed climate data and two climate projections using a GIS. In Europe, the model predicted future outbreaks in the Baltic States, Scandinavia, Russia and Scotland. In Scotland, more detailed analysis with probabilistic climate change projections showed an increasing risk of outbreaks through the twenty-first century.

There is little information about the impacts of past Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.) tree breeding on wood properties because the emphasis has traditionally been on improving stem form and growth rates. This study used both SilviScan and mechanical testing to investigate the radial variations in wood stiffness, bending strength, density and microfibril angle in defect-free samples taken from the first United Kingdom progeny trial to reach merchantable size. We tested for differences in these radial patterns of variation in half-sibling progeny of three plus trees originally selected for superior growth rate and stem form against a non-selected control. Large differences in all of the properties were observed with radial position, with properties generally being less desirable in the corewood. Significant undesirable differences between the improved families and the control were found for stiffness, strength and microfibril angle. There was no significant relationship between wood density and stiffness in samples taken from the inner part of the tree, where stiffness was more closely associated with microfibril angle. Overall, previous selections for growth rate and/or stem form have compromised timber properties. It is recommended that current breeding programmes focus on corewood stiffness to prevent further degradation in the wood properties of the future timber supply.