Research Note of Southern

To investigate properties that might be related to utilization, needles were sampled on one tree of each of the four major species. Tensile strength was measured on loblolly needles only; it ranged from 4,630 to 6,980 psi. Maximum load averaged 4.1 pounds per needle, with a modulus of elasticity of 220,000 psi. Specific gravity (ovendry weight, green vol~) of individual needles of the four species varied from 0.34 to 0.45. Upon drying, loblolly pine needles averaged 1.58 percent longitudinal shrinkage; longleaf. 1.65; shortleaf, 1.85; and slash, 2.31. Total ash for loblolly needles was 3.46 pen:ent. Green moisture content (dry weight basis) was: loblolly, 97 percent; longleaf, 112; shortleaf, 122; and slash, 121. Heat of combustion was 9,030 Btu per ovendry pound in specimens with an alcohol-benzene extractive content of 28.8 percent. Fibers up to 5 mm in length (usually 1.2 to 3 mm) were observed in macerated tissue. D UR.ING A NORMAL YEAR, needle fall from a southern pine tree may equal or exceed the weight of wood added to the stem. Thus, the foliage comprises a considerable amount of readily available fiber. The utilization potential of southern pine needles, however, is as yet undetermined. In the hope of providiqg information helpful in planning utilization studies, this paper describes needle anatomy and reports limited data on physical and chemical properties. The intent is not to characterize the species but merely to indicate an approximate range of properties to be expected. and the West. Fiber was produced by boiling needles in alkaline solution and carding; yields were as high as 50 percent. Textures varied from a fine wool-like product to one resembling hemp. The strong elastic fiber could be spun, felted, or woven; it was used for surgical dressings, medicated underclothing, carpets, coarse matting, and other textiles as well as for upholstering, mattress filling, and felt production. By 1896, 29 looms had been installed to use the fiber (Mohr 1896). Unfortunately, specific characteristics of these materials are incompletely described. Pine needle oil was The author is Associate Research Chemist, USDA Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, Pineville, La. This paper was received for publication in December 1971. PaSt Uses In the late 18005 and early 19005, .. small pine needle industry functioned in the South 281 WO OD SCIENC E Vol. 5, No. . dry matter, and ash content have been in' gated by various researchers. Reported I ture contents range from 100 to ~OO perce ovendry weight; ash contents of 1.2 to 4.1 cent are reported. Caloric value of ne from some species has been determine. Hough (1969) and Madgwick (1970). Lit data on organic composition may be foul Schorger (1914}, Meyer (1928), He (194'), Bailey (1948), Takahashi (1960); Barnes (1962). Information on other pr ties is lacking. steam-distilled for use as a scenting agent and for medicinal preparations (Mohr 1896, Record 1916, Mississippi Forests and Parks 1936). Unstable local supply conditions and increased labor costs probably caused the decline of this industry. Today pine needles are used only as mulch and by local craftsmen in weaving decorative trays and baskets.