2 beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.), cut down in urban forest of Rožnik in Ljubljana, were investigated. The aim of our work was examination of content of total phenols and content of total extractable substances in sapwood, red heart and reaction zones at different heights along the trees. The trees were dissected and discs removed. They were carefully examined macroscopically; the samples were marked, dissected, milled and dried. Then wood powder was extracted in cold 80 % aqueous solution of methanol by aid of magnetic stirrer. Contents of total phenols were determined spectrophotometrically according to Folin-Ciocalteau method. We found out that the content of total phenols was higher in sapwood and reaction zone in the tree No. 1 than in the tree No. 2. Red heart in tree No. 1 had lower content of total phenols then the red hart in tree No. 2. The highest average content of total phenols was in reaction zones in tree No. 1. The tree No. 2 had the highest content of total phenols in sapwood, following by reaction zone, whereas the least phenolic compounds were found in red heart in both trees. Distribution of phenolic compounds in the tree reflects its physiological function of tissues in the living tree.
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