Site variability in chemical compositions and color parameters of black locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.) wood

Abstract Robinia pseudoacacia L. has a valuable wood due to its natural durability and resistance to decay and external environments. This durability is attributed to its high content of extractives and the amount of tyloses in earlywood vessels. Given the widespread occurrence of black locust across Hungary, the wood chemical components may differ depending on site growth conditions. This research investigated the chemical extractives and color parameters of wood from Robinia pseudoacacia L. from different counties and growth conditions in Hungary. The relationship between chemical extractives and color based on the CIElab system was also analysed. The results indicated that both counties and growth conditions showed significant variations in chemical extractives and color parameters. The counties of Vas and Győr-Moson-Sopron exhibited the highest total contents of extractives, polyphenol, antioxidant capacity and intense lightness. Compatible outcomes were recorded under poor growth condition mixed species. Lightness was significantly associated with extractives from methanol-water and total phenol contents with lightness. While the extractive from the cyclohexane-ethanol solvent system was linked with all color parameters. Subsequent research will investigate the impact of extractives on wood durability under different locations and growth conditions.