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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in X-ray CT Tool Chain for Tree Core Analysis
Published on: September 22, 2023
Morphological imaging and quantification of axial xylem tissue in Fraxinus excelsior L. through X-ray micro-computed
Tim Koddenberg1, Holger Militz1
1Wood Biology and Wood Products, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
The popularity of X-ray based imaging methods has continued to increase in research domains. In wood research, X-ray micro-computed tomography (XμCT) is useful for structural studies examining the three-dimensional and complex xylem tissue of trees qualitatively and quantitatively. In this study, XμCT made it possible to visualize and quantify the spatial xylem organization of the angiosperm species Fraxinus excelsior L. on the microscopic level. Through image analysis, it was possible to determine morphological characteristics of the cellular axial tissue (vessel elements, fibers, and axial parenchyma cells) three-dimensionally. X-ray imaging at high resolutions provides very distinct visual insight into the xylem structure. Numerical analyses performed through semi-automatic procedures made it possible to quickly quantify cell characteristics (length, diameter, and volume of cells). Use of various spatial resolutions (0.87-5 μm) revealed boundaries users should be aware of. Nevertheless, our findings, both qualitative and quantitative, demonstrate XμCT to be a valuable tool for studying the spatial cell morphology of F. excelsior.
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