Modelling microfibril angle variation in New Zealand-grown radiata pine

Background Microfibril angle (MFA) is a property of wood cell walls that has a strong influence on end-product quality, particularly for solid timber. Forest managers, tree breeders and wood processors require more quantitative information on the inter- and intra-stem variation in MFA in order to understand the impacts of their decisions on wood quality. The aim of this study was to develop parametric models that can be used to predict the intra- and inter-stem variation in MFA in radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) trees growing in New Zealand