Collecting wood core samples from Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) for multi-purpose analysis using pickering punch.

Sample collection activities for a study of population genetics across the natural distribution of targeted tree species require a lot of resources, mainly if repeated field visits are necessary. Conventionally, population genetic studies use good sample material like leaves. In addition, cambium or small pieces of fresh wood can be used to replace leaf samples. Currently, restrictions from the permit regulation have caused only a limited number of samples that can be collected. Therefore, efficient use of samples must be designed to maximize their uses for research. Due to the small amount of successfully sampled materials, hence there are limitations to extend their uses for other analyses and are often sufficient only for genetic analysis. Therefore, innovation in sampling methods using pickering punch (https://www.agroisolab.com/pickering-punch) to collect ebony wood cores in this study is required to cover multi-analyses not only limited to genetics but also for other analyses such as isotopes, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs), anatomy, and chemical compounds.•Pickering punch is recommended for efficient wood core sample collection from ebony standing trees.•323 wood core samples were successfully collected from 16 natural populations across Celebes (Sulawesi).•Multi-analyses studies on sampled wood cores are possible for ebony wood identification (e.g., species and origin/provenance).

Fraud and misrepresentation in retail forest products exceeds U.S. forensic wood science capacity.

Fraud and misrepresentation in forest products supply chains is often associated with illegal logging, but the extent of fraud in the U.S. forest products market, and the availability of forensic expertise to detect it, is unknown. We used forensic wood anatomy to test 183 specimens from 73 consumer products acquired from major U.S. retailers, surveyed U.S. experts regarding their forensic wood anatomy capacity, and conducted a proficiency-testing program of those experts. 62% of tested products (45 of 73) had one or more type of fraudulent or misrepresented claim. Survey respondents reported a total capacity of 830 wood specimens per year, and participants' identification accuracy ranged from 6% to 92%. Given the extent of fraud and misrepresentation, U.S. wood forensic wood anatomy capacity does not scale with the need for such expertise. We call for increased training in forensic wood anatomy and its broader application in forest products supply chains to eliminate fraud and combat illegal logging.

Alignment-free genome comparison enables accurate geographic sourcing of white oak DNA.

BACKGROUND: The application of genomic data and bioinformatics for the identification of restricted or illegally-sourced natural products is urgently needed. The taxonomic identity and geographic provenance of raw and processed materials have implications in sustainable-use commercial practices, and relevance to the enforcement of laws that regulate or restrict illegally harvested materials, such as timber. Improvements in genomics make it possible to capture and sequence partial-to-complete genomes from challenging tissues, such as wood and wood products. RESULTS: In this paper, we report the success of an alignment-free genome comparison method, [Formula: see text] that differentiates different geographic sources of white oak (Quercus) species with a high level of accuracy with very small amount of genomic data. The method is robust to sequencing errors, different sequencing laboratories and sequencing platforms. CONCLUSIONS: This method offers an approach based on genome-scale data, rather than panels of pre-selected markers for specific taxa. The method provides a generalizable platform for the identification and sourcing of materials using a unified next generation sequencing and analysis framework.