RCAAP Repository

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mixtures of a commercial substrate and coconut coir dust (CCD) to grow Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd. (Fabaceae) seedlings. Polyethylene tubes were filled with four mixtures of a commercial substrate HS Florestal® (HSF) and CCD in the following proportions: T1 = 100% HSF, T2 = 80% HSF + 20% CCD, T3 = 60% HSF + 40% CCD and T4 = 40% HSF + 60% CCD. The experiments were conducted independently, with supplement fertilization (experiment I) and without (experiment II). Seedlings growth and quality were evaluated at the end of the experiments, 81 days (experiment I) and 110 days (experiment II) after transplanting. It was concluded that supplement fertilization presented no differences in the growth and quality of I. laurina seedlings until up to 60% of PFC mixed with commercial substrate. Without supplement fertilization the mix of 80% HSF + 20% PFC is indicate for production of I. laurina seedlings. Moreover, the lack of supplement nitrogen fertilization and addition of PFC to the commercial substrate stimulated nodulation.

The proposal of this study was to estimate the genetic divergence among Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis progenies through quantitative traits. Trail was established in lattice design 10 x 10, triple, with 100 treatments (96 progenies from clonal seed orchard of P. caribaea var. hondurensis and four controls). The genetic divergence was estimated using the generalized Mahalanobis distance (D2) and Torcher’s optimization method. Diameter at 1.30 above the ground, total plant height, cylindrical volume, total resin production and resin per panel area were evaluated. The largest genetic distance observed between the progenies was 100% (D2 = 65.51) and the lowest was 0,09% (D2 = 0.15). Clustering by Torcher’s optimization method separated the progeny in four groups, with a concentration of 96.9% of the progenies in a single group. Volume was the largest contributor to the genetic divergence among groups. To include these progeny in breeding programs for resin and wood production controlled crossings should be prioritized among the most productive individuals that presented greater genetic divergence.

Natural regeneration was analyzed on Restinga Forest, located in extensive cattle ranching area in the Municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Two areas were delimited, one with cattle access and the other without (control). Two transects with 20 systematic plots of 2 m x 2 m distant 5 m were used. We collected 27 species from 14 families. In control area 23 species and 316 individuals were registered, while in the area with cattle only 10 species and 36 individuals were sampled. The species with the highest abundance in control area were Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. (91 ind.), Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W. C. Burger et al. (82), P. brachyceras Müll.Arg. (62), Trichilia elegans A.Juss. (15) and Eugenia uruguayensis Cambess. (11) and in the area with cattle access were Daphnopsis racemosa Griseb. (17 ind.), P. brachyceras (6), Solanum mauritianum Scop. (5), P. carthagenensis (2) and T. elegans (1). The results showed significant differences in natural regeneration, corroborating the hypothesis that livestock activities influence negatively the richness and the structure of natural regeneration of forest communities.

The occurrence of Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze (Lecythidaceae) in secondary forests in different levels of regeneration suggests that this species is more resistant to full sun in relation to Paratecoma peroba (Record. & Mell) Kuhlm. (Bignoniaceae) found in dense primary forest. The aim of this study was to characterize the plasticity of growth, anatomical and structural cell wall variables of C. legalis and P. peroba. As the stem is strong drain on tree, it was proposed the hypothesis that plasticity of lignin and hemicelluloses monosaccharides are higher than of growth and anatomical variables, especially with C. legalis that is more resistant to full sun as suggested by its ecological habit. Young plants with 14 months of age were subjected to 20 and 100% of solar light for 60 days. Unlike expected, the plasticity of lignin was lower than plasticity of growth and anatomic variables for both species. Hemicellulose composition of C. legalis was not affected by light. Proportion of arabinose was lower in P. peroba under full sun. We conclude that the indication of higher resistance of C. legalis to full sun was associated with plasticity index of net assimilation rate and relative growth rate (≥ 0.6), stomatal density (≥ 0.3) and lignins (≤ 0.2).

The homogeneity of wood color in a batch to be marketed is of fundamental importance, as it will reflect in products quality resulting from its processing. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate, through colorimetric technique, the colorimetric parameters of Eucalyptus spp. wood from 25 clones and classify them into groups, according to color similarity degree. It was determined the lightness (L*), red-green color coordinate (a*), yellow-blue chromatic coordinate (b*), chromaticity (C*) and ink angle (h). Radial and tangential faces and three positions in the radial direction were characterized using a colorimeter. Comparing to tangential planes, the results showed that radial plane presented larger values of L* and h in wood near the bark. Furthermore, it was observed higher values of L* in samples from intermediate radial positions. Finally, it was found that, as radial growth ocurred, developed timber showed less intense yellow shades. The definition of the wood color tones will be useful in timber market in the homogenization of their products, which will facilitate their marketing.

Seed dormancy is a phenomenon observed in several tropical species. This condition causes low and non-uniform germination. The present study was designed to identify an efficient method of breaking seed dormancy in Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum. Seeds of four mother plants were subjected to the following treatments: immersion in sulfuric acid for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 min and scarification on 150-grit sandpaper. Seeds were sown on substrate containing sand and sawdust (1:1). It was evaluate the days to onset seedlings emergence, seedlings emergence (SE), emergence speed index (ESI), germination (G), hard seeds (HS), dead seeds (DS), dormant seeds (DMS), abnormal seedlings (AS) and dry mass of aerial part (DMAP) and roots (DMR). The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 25 seeds for each treatment. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Significant differences among treatments were observed for ESI, SE, G, HS, DMAP and DMR. Highest HS was observed in control treatment (85%). Highest G was observed in seeds scarified with sulfuric acid for 10 min (82%) and 12 min (74%). These treatments also showed highest ESI, DMAP and DMR, indicating that these scarification treatments were the most efficient in overcoming dormancy.

Despite the development over the years of technical and operational infrastructure for clonal nurseries, very few establishments’present waste and effluents reuse systems in productive process. The present study aimed at evaluating the use of clonal mini garden effluent in growth of eucalyptus clones seedlings.The clones AEC 144, GG 100 and VM 01were used. The experiment was carried out considering a totally randomized design, involving different frequencies and residual fertirrigation blade, as well as the use of conventional fertilization used by the nursery and a control, without fertilizers. AEC 14 clones treatments of daily effluent applications associated with 2- and 3-mm blades, resulted overall seedlings with higher quality. Similar results were observed with clone VM 01, wherein daily application and treatment with a 2 mm blade presented superior results. GG 100 clone presented seedlings with higher quality with applications three times a week independent of the fertirrigation blade; daily application and blade of 3 mm; and conventional fertilization.

Remnant forest structure and increment by diameter class play a decisive role in the recovery volume for the next cutting cycle. Tree species in the Amazon Forest do not present a defined pattern of diameter structure, which is discussed here using Cedrela odorata L. as a case study The aim of this study was to identify, by simulation, recovery from logging in a real situation at three timber production sites, and the alternatives that are available to ensure commercial timber volume to a second cut cycle in the Brazilian Amazon. The study is concerned regarding the diametric classes of productive trees to the next cycle, the comparison demonstrates that one of the strategies recovers stock volume more quickly than expected in the cut cycle defined by Brazilian law. The number of trees remaining at the sites does not corroborate the common assumption that forest management depletes large diameter trees. This paper presents assessment strategies to evaluate and establish the diametric structure that would enable the possible recovery in the second cut cycle, depending on the volume logged during the first cut cycle.

This work aimed to describe the frequency distribution of soil organic carbon contents under different conditions of Araucaria forest (concentration of araucaria trees, imbuia trees and mixed forest, with record of fire) in Paraná State, Brazil. Fitness quality of probability density functions (normal, Weber, Weibull 3P, log-normal, SB of Johnson and Gamma) were determined, using Kolmogorov Smirnov test. All functions fitted adequate, so they can all be used for any tested condition. Functions were ranked using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Gamma function was selected as the most appropriate for all tested conditions. However, after a comparison of fitted distributions by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, we concluded that modeling must be performed separately.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the radial and longitudinal variations of wood specific gravity in an overstocked stand of Araucaria angustifolia, with 65 years. The stand was located in the National Forest of Açungui, Campo Largo, Parana State, Brazil, with thinning recorded between 1970 and 1980, without subsequent thinnings. We selected three trees for each diameter class: 10-30 cm, 30-50 cm and 50-70 cm. To the longitudinal analysis, we collected discs from seven heights (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of commercial stem and at 1.3 m). The barks were removed and it was obtained opposite wedges until pith and five samples were taken in radial direction from each disk. In general, there was an increase of wood specific gravity in radial direction. The average differed significantly along the stem, with decreasing trend of wood specific gravity in the longitudinal direction. However, average specific gravity at 60% of commercial height was higher than at 40%, than reducing to the top, indicating effect of competition that occurred in the area. The no uniform wood along stem indicates negative effects of the lack of management in the stand.

In order to assess ecophysiological responses of macacaporanga seedlings (Aniba parviflora) at different levels of shading an experiment was conducted in nursery considering one-year period under rainy tropical climate. Shading levels were 30%, 50% and 70% and at full sun. It was evaluate height, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, specific leaf area, dry mass of roots, stems, leaves , total, net assimilation rate, stomata conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency and chlorophyll content. The highest values of height, leaf area and specific leaf area et assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency and chlorophylls a, b and total were obtained 70% of shading. However, diameter, number of leaves and dry mass of roots, stems, leaves and total were highest under 50% of shading. The results showed that under natural conditions, the species have better chances of regenerating under forest canopy tolerating even very low light intensities due to closed canopy that is characteristic of late secondary specie.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the initial development of different provenances and the influence of base fertilizer and coverage on growth of Cedrela fissilis seedlings. Provenances of seeds were collected in Lapa, PR, Fernandes Pinheiro, PR and Itaara, RS. After germination, the seedlings were transplanted to plastic bags of 500 cm³, filled with commercial substrate. Total height (h), stem diameter (sd), and ratio h/sd seedlings were measured after 150 days of transplanting. Seedlings of Fernandes Pinheiro received basic fertilization after transplantation (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g dm-3  Osmocote®) and cover (3 and 6 g L-1, respectively, of Peter’s® and urea). The provenance and doses of controlled-release fertilizer influenced early development of Cedrela fissilis seedlings. Itaara provenance showed better seedlings growth. Cedar seedlings showed good growth when incorporated into the substrate 5 g dm-3 Osmocote® and, in addition, applied in topdressing 3 g L-1 of Peter’s®. Urea topdressing is rarely recommended for cedar seedlings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different fertilizers doses in seedling of Tabernaemontana catharinensis. The experiment was conducted in Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul State. We tested five doses and ten repetitions, allocated in totally randomized blocks. The monitored variables were stem diameter and plant height increment and dry matter weight of aerial part. It was observed that of 3 and 6 kg m-3 doses were similar, resulting in jasmim-catavento seedlings increment. Negative effect was observed with higher doses.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different chemical control of alternative weed in soil fauna in initial planting of Eucalyptus grandis. The treatments consisted of partial and full control of the weed vegetation. Collections were conducted through soil trap (pitfall). We collected 26,136 specimens, distributed in 13 taxonomic groups (Araneae, Blattodea, Chilopoda, Collembola, Coleoptera, Diplopoda, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Termitoidea, Orthoptera, Opilione and young forms). The treatments with remaining weed vegetation presented higher values of evaluated indices.

The use of silicon in forestry has increased recently as it is directly related to improved resistance to insect pests. The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, occurs in all eucalypt producing regions in Brazil. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of silicon applied to Eucalyptus camaldulensis on the psyllid population. In the first experiment, the applications were made via soil (calcium silicate) and leaves (potassium silicate) in a nine months old E. camaldulensis plantation. In the second experiment, we evaluated silicon on seedlings, incorporating it into the substrate (soil) or applying it on leaves (foliar). Monthly, for 24 months, the number of psyllid eggs and immatures were counted on leaf samples. The plant height was measured at 9, 12, 16 and 24 months (experiment 1) and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 months (experiment 2) after application. The numbers of eggs and immatures were lower in periods of higher precipitation, indicating less psyllid attack during the rainy season. The psyllid population was lower in treatments with application of silicon both foliar and via soil compared to control. No significant differences were found in the height of E. camaldulensis plants.

Given the current environmental requirements has increased the interest and the need for conservationist production systems, such as silvopasture. The integration of trees and forages species turns it into a complex system and can cause undesirable interactions among species, such as competition for nutrients. To avoid soil nutrients depletion and to achieve good crop yields it is necessary to need manage fertilization properly. This work aimed to characterize the state of the art of researches on the effect of organic fertilizer in silvopasture systems. It was observed that organic fertilizer management is complex due to intrinsic characteristics of the organic waste and the ecological relationships within the system. However, it can supply and/or reduce the need for liming and mineral fertilization with long residual effect and satisfactory yields of both trees and forages components. It was also noted that more researches is needed emphasizing wide variation of organic fertilizers, management techniques, species and environmental conditions.

Aluminum toxicity can affect various plant processes; mainly root development which is not easily observed due to root growth habit. The objective was to evaluate root growth of mate when subjected to increased Al concentrations in the nutrient solution. Seedlings of three mate clones (C1, C2 and C3) were grown in nutrient solution added with 0, 100, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 μmol L-1 Al (AlCl3.6H2O) and a control without Al. Fifty days after transferring the plants to these solutions, dry matter of root, length and volume of roots of different diameters were evaluated. Al increase promoted root growth of all clones. Highest root length was observed for C2, followed by C3 and C1, for Al concentrations higher than 1,500 μmol L-1. The higher volumes were obtained by the clones C3, C2 and C1 with Al concentration off 2,000, 1,355 and 1,988 μmol L-1, respectively. The smaller root volume of C2 was obtained for Al concentration of 1,355 μmol L-1. The best fine root growth (dry matter and length) was obtained in Al concentrations above 1,500 μmol L-1. The results indicate that Al stimulates mate root growth, and the magnitude of Al tolerance is clone dependent.

The deposition of litter is a major nutrient cycling indicator in forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate dynamics of leaf litter deposition, flow of nutrients from canopy to soil via litter and decomposition of this material in a genetically modified eucalyptus plantation. There were no significant changes in leaf litter production or in nutrients flow due to eucalypts genetic modification. Largest variation was observed between the two studied clones, but they were lower than that commonly observed with changes of silvicultural treatments.

Due to its chemical complexity, there are several methodologies for vegetable tannins quantification. Thus, this work aims at quantifying both tannin and non-tannin substances present in the barks of Mimosa tenuiflora and Acacia mearnsii by two different methods. From bark particles of both species, analytical solutions were produced by using a steam-jacketed extractor. The solution was analyzed by Stiasny and hide-powder (no chromed) methods. For both species, tannin levels were superior when analyzed by hide-powder method, reaching 47.8% and 24.1% for A. mearnsii and M. tenuiflora, respectively. By Stiasny method, the tannins levels considered were 39.0% for A. mearnsii, and 15.5% for M. tenuiflora. Despite the best results presented by A. mearnsii, the bark of M. tenuiflora also showed great potential due to its considerable amount of tannin and the availability of the species at Caatinga biome.

This study describes for the first time the phenology of Byrsonima basiloba. Reproductive and vegetative phenophases of 15 individuals were observed monthly. To collect and analyze the data we used the percentage of Fournier and the percentage of individuals and then the data were correlated to climatic variables. B. basiloba trees flourished synchronously in the wet season, correlating with rainfall and humidity. Fruiting occurred also synchronous in the transition from wet to dry season and correlated with temperature. Fruits ripening occurred mainly in the dry season and senescence was recorded also in the dry season, correlating with precipitation. The leafiness occurred in the transition from dry to rainy season resulting in correlation with rainfall and temperature. The mature foliage was present throughout the study and correlated with precipitation and humidity. The specimens presents different reproductive pattern from other Byrsonima specimens, but similar to other species from Cerrado, while vegetative aspects are common to the genre Byrsonima.