Cell wall macromolecules and reaction wood (CEMARE)

After Jozsa and Middleton (1994)

Summary

This programme aims to achieve a better understanding of the structure and biosynthesis of wood macromolecules like lignin, hemicelluloses and cellulose and their impact on wall assembly and wood properties, including reaction wood, for the development of new products based on wood.

Research objectives

Bring together scientists from a broad background of research on cell-wall macromolecules, wood formation, wood and fibre properties, to exchange their knowledge, techniques and methodologies in a synergistic way.
Find better methods and tools for the analysis and characterisation of wood fibre cell walls, their native structure and developing new techniques for changing the structure using chemical, mechanical and enzymatic treatments.
Understand and possibly control the assembly of fibre walls and studying the regulation of reaction wood formation by identifying genetic traits involved in the biogenesis pathways.
Compile and analysing data on the properties of abnormal and normal wood tissues and wood fibres, as well as of related problems at the processing and utilization stages.
Develop basic science on fibre structure, formation and properties necessary for addressing the practical problems related to the fibre wall structure and reaction wood occurrence in the various areas of the whole wood chain, including forestry and tree breeding as well as the wood and paper industries.
Create a European network on these topics.