Combining chemical and genetic wood analysis improves detection of illegal timber trade

Combining chemical and genetic wood analysis improves detection of illegal timber trade

By combining chemical and genetic properties of wood, the origin of tropical hardwood can be determined much more accurately. This precision is needed to detect illegal timber trade. This is the main outcome of a study by Wageningen University & Research and international partners. The researchers determined the chemical and genetic properties of nearly 250 trees from Central Africa. By combining wood properties, they were able to estimate the o…