TMIC Node Leader James Harynuk’s research program focuses on the development and application of cutting-edge methods in multidimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) – mass spectrometry (MS). His group aims to use their expertise in GCxGC-MS to direct their efforts to understanding the metabolomic profiles within Canadian timber species, particularly targeting spruce, pine, and fir (SPF), for this project.
The Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) Fibre Solutions Program is a part of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Forest Innovation Program, and assists with research, development, and sharing technology to support Canada’s growing bioeconomy, aligning with the Government of Canada’s priorities in the forest sector.
After a rigorous and competitive selection process, TMIC’s Harynuk Node is pleased to announce it has been awarded $537, 000 in financial support under this program. The Harynuk Node plans to build a first of its kind database, Functional Omics Resource for Evaluating Species of Timber (FOREST), of wood metabolites for species-level identification of economically important timber using this funding. We will make this database freely accessible for public use.
Importance of Accurate Lumber Identification
The lumber industry in Canada plays a crucial role in both domestic and global markets, with Canada being a top producer and exporter of lumber. To meet standards set by the National Building Code of Canada, we must be accurately grade and identify lumber as per CSA-O141 Softwood Lumber. Norway spruce, for example, cannot be graded and traded as SPF lumber but once it is milled into lumber, it is virtually indistinguishable from some species included in the SPF mix. With no effective tools to distinguish look-alike lumber species, the supply chain is susceptible to illegal mixing and the sale of misidentified wood, Norway spruce being but one example. To address this issue, ensure compliance with trade agreements, and hopefully lessen illegal lumber trade, we need to develop new tools.
In order for rapid identification of wood samples, and beginning with the economically important SPF mix, this project will develop laboratory methods for lumber grading, forensics, traceability of wood products and combating the trade in illegal forest products based on objective chemical biomarkers for species identification.
Benefits to Stakeholders
This project aims to bring multiple benefits to various stakeholders within lumber industry:
- Producers: Improved certification of native lumber species, starting with addressing the challenge of distinguishing between white and Norway spruce, which have similar appearances. The initiative plans to develop a tool applicable to all industrially relevant SPF species.
- Law Enforcement: Introduction of fast and effective tools to verify the identity of lumber and lumber products imported into, exported from, and circulating within Canada. This will aid in the detection and prevention of illegally sourced wood products.
- Researchers: Enhanced understanding and tracking of illegally sourced wood through increased knowledge and a database of wood metabolites. This resource can support broader research efforts within Canada and internationally.
- Consumers: Greater confidence in the provenance, quality, legality, and ethical sourcing of lumber and lumber products sold within Canada. Overall, offering increased assurance to both Canadian and international consumers
In comparison to current approaches, the metabolomic approach will be able to differentiate between visually similar wood samples through the profiling of their metabolites. The Harynuk Node will be able to consult with industry to provide training in applying an eventual field-deployable tool and other identification methods. As well as performing analysis for them if necessary in the future.
