RCAAP Repository

This study aimed to characterize the composition and structure of mopane forest ecosystems, estimating growth rates and  determining the diameter distribution. It was used data from permanent plots established in 2002 in Mabalane region, Gaza Province. It was analyzed the species composition . It was also determined the horizontal structure of the forest (abundance, dominance, frequency and importance value index) and the annual periodic increment in diameter. The results showed that 15 tree species belonging to eleven botanical families occur in this region. The forest is dominated by Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) J. Léonard (mopane), with an abundance of 258.80 trees per hectare, which represents 85.8% of all individuals. The periodic annual increment in diameter observed in the period from 2003 to 2010 was 1.19 mm year-1, withdiameter distribution as inverted J-curve. Mopane forest shows slow growth and low species diversity, so it is important to apply silvicultural interventions and to establish a management plan taking into consideration the species growth rate and horizontal and vertical structure of the forest.

The study of the relationship between species or populations is an excellent tool to learn about ecological phenomena. Among the possible interaction between two species, it is highlighted the mutualism between ants and insects that produce honeydew. While honeydew is "garbage" for the aphids it can be a food source for ants. The type of interaction between aphids and their natural enemies, known as "intraguild predation" or predation of natural enemies that share the same prey is an interaction that occurs in aphid communities. The majority of natural enemies in this system interact asymmetrically according to differences in body size, feeding strategy and priorities of each species. In agroecosystems, the consequence of this relation becomes particularly important for the biological control of pests of economic importance. In Brazil, few publications refer to the association among ants, aphids and their natural enemies, specifically in forest areas. Thus, this work had the objective to review studies regarding these association and discuss a field observed case involving the giant conifer aphid, Cinara atlantica (Hemiptera: Aphididae), its natural enemies and the ants Solenopsis invicta and Camponotus rufipes, occurring on Pinus taeda.

Aiming to evaluate the development of seedlings of Schinus terebinthifolius under different irrigation depth, an experiment was installed in a greenhouse. The experimental design used was randomized block consisting of 4 treatments with 3 blocks. The irrigation depths evaluated were 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm daily, respectively T1, T2, T3 and T4. Seedling production was performed in tubes with 280 cm ³ filled with pine bark basis substrate and fertilizer. The development of the seedlings, were evaluated by the following characteristics: height of aerial part (APA), diameter at breast height (D),dried mass weight of roots (PMSR), dried mass weight of aerial part (PMSPA), total dried mass (MST) and relation (h/d). The treatment T3 presented the best results in relation to the appraised variables, followed by T2. The Schinus terebenthifolius needs a daily sheet of water of around 10 mm, which is smaller than other pioneer species. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.23

The objective of this work was to perform a screening of residues of forest species of the Central Amazon to prepare spawn of the edible mushroom Panus strigellus. Sawdust substrates from 11 forest species were tested. Then supplementation with beer yeast, cereal bran and regional fruit residues in sawdust:supplementation relation (5:1 and 10:1) were evaluated. Mycelial growth of P. strigellus occurred in all the substrates composed of the Amazonian forests species, suggesting that all have potential for use in spawn formulation and/or cultivation of this edible mushroom. Among these species the substrate formulated with Simarouba amara sawdust promoted higher mycelial growth (P<0.05). The formulation of S. amara supplemented with Astrocaryum aculeatum fruit shell bran (10:1) presented the best supplementation alternative among regional fruit residues. Three types of packaging for spawn preparation were evaluated, and the polypropylene sack (32×45 cm) was considered the most appropriate. Simarouba amara sawdust and A. aculeatum fruit shell are readily available in the North region, and the results demonstrating that these residues might substitute Eucalyptus sp. sawdust and rice bran, commonly used in the South and Southeast of Brazil for mushroom spawn production.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the salinity effects on growth and dry matter and cations accumulation in moringa plants (Moringa oleifera). The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design, with four treatments, consisting of four soils (electrical conductivity (EC) 0.49 (control), 4.15, 6.33, 10.45 dS m-1) with four replications. Initially the plants were grown in rigid tubes, and 30 days after emergence, were transferred to pots containing 10 kg of soil, according to the salinity treatment. The parameters evaluated were plants height and dry matter and N, K, Ca, Mg and Na accumulation in shoots and roots. The salinity is detrimental to initial plant growth and cation accumulation in shoots and roots plants. Young moringa plants were not effective in inhibiting the absorption of Na and its translocation to the shoot. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.45

The objective of the present paper was to evaluate the survival of planted leguminous trees to restore degraded areas and yields of maize and cassava in traditional farming system. The trees species Acacia angustissima, Clitoria racemosa, Inga edulis, and Acacia mangium were planted at spacing of 1 m x 1 m, 2 m x 1 m and 2 m x 2 m. Sclerolobium paniculatum was planted only at spacing of 2 m x 1 m. The maize, remained in the cropping system during the first four months, and it was considered as monocropping phase and, yielded 1,890 +/- 32 kg ha-1. The survival of planted trees was not negatively impacted by the presence of agricultural crops. Regardless of the spacing, the planted trees did not cause a negative impact on dry weight of cassava root. There was a tendency to increase dry weight of root of cassava as the number of planted trees per hectare decreased. These results show the possibility to maintain crop productivity in enriched fallow vegetation systems. However, tree planting at the spacing of 1 m x 1 m should be carefully considered when food is required.

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the non-segmented polynomial models of Fifth degree and Hradetzky from 1976 and the segmented models of Max and Burkhart from 1976 and Clark et al. from 1991, in estimating diameters along the stem of Tectona grandis L.f., with adjustments for the full set of data and by diameter class in a 16 years old stand in the center–southern region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The database consisted of 114 trees, scaled by the modified Hohenadl method and distributed in diameter classes. The models adjustments were evaluated according to the adjusted coefficient of determination, standard eError of estimate and distribution of residuals. The accuracy of the models along the stem was evaluated by deviation, standard deviations of differences, sum of squares of relative residuals and percentage of residuals. The Hradetzky equation was the most accurate to estimate diameters along the stem of Tectona grandis, both for the total data set and for diameter classes, except Class 3, where Clark et al. model was more accurate.

In this research it was evaluated the potential of the soil seed bank in a remaining of Subtropical Ombrophilous Alluvial Forest (Araucaria Forest), by quali-quantitative analysis of seed germination. Additionally it was tested the occurrence of seasonal variation of the soil seed bank. The forest remaining located in Araucaria county, Parana State, Brazil, and it is influenced by Barigui river, affluent of Iguaçu river. It was used the completely randomized experimental design with ten replications. The soil seed bank was collected in three seasons at depth (of 10 cm plus litter), using a 0.40 m x 0.40 m sample square. The collected samples were placed in wood boxes in greenhouse, during 8 months. It was observed a season average of 5,732 individuals m-2, distributed into 276 species (120 genus, 54 families). A total of 34,780 seeds germinate. The number of seeds did not presented statistical difference among seasons. The floristic composition of the soil seed bank was influenced by anthropized surrounding areas.doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.70.77

This study aimed to develop an alternative model of trap for interception with ethanol for flying insects, in order to reduce the costs related to surveys of insects of the subfamily Scolytinae (Curculionidae), conducted in forest ecosystems. The model of trap, called PET-SM, was manufactured with recyclable materials: plastic plate, polyethylene (PET) bottle of two liters, PET bottle of 600 mL, and a hose with alcohol 96 GL used as attractive. Compared to other models used to monitor Scolytinae, the PET-SM model proved to be effective for capture, presenting a greater number of species and offering a lower cost of manufacture.

Landscapes formed on Barreiras Formation sediments occupy signifi cant area on Brazilian territory. Many of these landscapes have highly intensive agricultural use, dueto favorable climate and topography. The objective of this study was to characterize and to compare soil profi les situated on non-dissected coastal plains from southern Bahia to Alagoas, occurring under natural vegetation (forest) and agricultural use. Seven soil profi leswere analyzed and data from six soil profi les obtained in other works were incorporated. Particle size distribution, organic C (OC), Al, Ca, Mg, Al+H, K, Na, P, Fe, Ti and Si were determined. Clay mineralogy was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Soil profi les occur on fl at relief, have yellow color, weak small to medium subangular blocky structure on B horizon and sub-superfi cial cohesive character. Texture was the most signifi cant attribute thatdifferentiated soil profi les from each other. All soils have low Fe content. X-ray diffraction results showed kaolinite dominance in the clay fraction. The soil OC was the only attribute tested that signifi cantly varied between the surface materials of forest soils and the cultivatedsystems (sugarcane, orange, coconut and eucalyptus).

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of volume estimative along the stem of Tectona grandis L. f obtained by adjustment of non–segmented and segmented polynomial models, for a forest stand in South–Central region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Data from rigorous tree scaling of Tectona grandis, using One hundred and fourtheen trees were measured by Hohenadl method, using 16 sections. The non–segmented models tested were the fifth-degree proposed by Schöepfer in 1966 and the Haradetzky from 1976 model. The segmented models tested were the Max and Burkhart from 1976 and the Clark et al. from 1991. The models accuracy along the stem were evaluated by the deviation, the standard deviations of differences, sum of squares of relative residues and percentage of residues The fifth-degree equation is the most accurate to estimate the volumes along the stem of Tectona grandis, and Max and Burkhart equation accurately estimated the volumes of the stem basis.

To know the volume of wood from a forest is extremely important. Volume equations for species from the Araucaria Forest are restricted almost exclusively to plantations of araucaria. Equations for Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart.) Barroso plantations are inexistent. The present work aims to develop equation for individual tree volume and hypsometric relation from an Ocotea porosa, established in the region of Rio Negro, PR. Twelve trees were logged with DBH from 3.98 cm to 43.13 cm and height from 5.1 m to 20.4 m. All the trees were measured and cubed. Eleven mathematical models were tested for the development of the volume equation. The criteria used for selecting the best equation were the adjusted coefficient of determination, the standard error of estimative in percentage, the value of F calculated and graphical analysis of the residuals. The model-Kopezky Gehrart, presented a high coefficient of determination (0.97), low standard error of estimate (16.7%) and high value of calculated F (382.6), with good distribution of residuals. The results indicate that this model can be used to quantify the volume with bark, which is very important in conjunction with other information for decision making in forest management. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.13

Quantification of nutrients in forest ecosystems is fundamental for the verification of the maintenance of continuous flow between what is deposited in the soil and what is re-assimilated by the plants. Using basal area as a practical tool in the measurement of forest stands makes modeling easy at stand level for nutrient quantification. Thus, the present work had as objective to quantify and fit the weight of macronutrients per hectare in different compartments of above ground biomass. The data used in this research came from 304 temporary plots with different ages in Mimosa scabrella Bentham. (bracatinga) stands located in the metropolitan region of Curitiba. Twenty three mathematical models were evaluated. Only one model was selected and validateds and it was appropriate for the estimation of nutrients quantities per hectare found in above ground of bracatinga biomass. In decrease order, the estimated values of macronutrients found in the aerial parts of bracatinga stands followed the sequence of N > Ca > K > Mg > P. After the exploitation of fire wood, were left as remnants in the area 25% of Ca, 32% of Mg, 37% of N, 45% of P and 18% of K.

The objective of this study was to improve existing methods for determination of stem biomass in a non-destructive way, and verify the influence that laser dendrometers have on the prediction by existing empirical models in forest environment on the individual trees. This study was developed in Itatinga, SP, Brazil, in three plots of a Eucalyptus grandis plantation, totalizing 175 trees. The stem diameter of standing trees were measured with two dendrometers, Criterion and RC3H, along the stem up to 8 meters height. After the volume evaluation of standing trees they were felled and the diameter obtained with a caliper and a tape in the same positions in which the non-destructive measures were taken. Wood disks were removed and dried for determination of humidity. The determination of biomass was performed by volumetric and gravimetric technique using three different methods (traditional wood volume evaluation, Criterion and RC3H). Some models were tested for these techniques and the best adjustment was selected. In general, all models showed good adjustments. The standard error average of prediction for these models were overestimated in 1% with the traditional wood volume evaluation and underestimated in approximately 11% using the Criterion and 40% using the RC3H.doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.70.23

This study aimed to identify damages caused by stink bugs in seeds of physic nut through the tetrazolium test. Seeds were soaked in water for 16 hours. After tegument removal, the albumens were submerged in tetrazolium solution at concentration of 0.5% for 4 hours at 40 ± 2 °C in BOD without light, and evaluated according to the levels of viability and damages by stink bugs. The tetrazolium test was efficient to evaluate the viability of physic nut seeds allowing the interpretation of vigor and damage caused by insects.

The present work evaluated the use of sewage sludge compost as a substrate component for Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis seedling production. Doses of sewage sludge compost and rice hulls were established with the following proportions (%): 100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60 and 20/80, and they were compared to commercial substrate commonly used in the nursery. Higher growth rates were observed on seedlings grown on substrates containing sewage sludge than on those containing commercial substrate.The use of sewage sludge compost in the substrate at levels above 40% is favorable to Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis seedlings growth. Use of sewage sludge compost as a substrate for seedling production is a viable way to its disposal. 

Pinus tecunumanii has good adaptation to edafoclimatic regions of Brazil and these pinus have been cultivated on Savanna and Atlantic Forest biomes. The objective of this study was to identify climate homogeneous experimental stations of the Forest Institute of São Paulo and indicate places where it is possible to establish progeny and clone tests for breeding and further commercial plantation of this specie. It was selected 30 experimental areas at São Paulo state and climatic data for each meteorological station nearest of these areas were obtained and subjected to cluster analysis. The results were interpreted from the observation dendrogramas. The climatic requirements of the species were verified in the scientific literature and technical reports. All area of São Paulo State  is adequate for experimental plantation, with exception of Campos do Jordão, because of great risks of freezing occurrence. The species may also be planted in the stations of Angatuba, Buri, Pirajú, Itapeva, Avaré, Itapetininga and Itararé, but lower areas of the landscape must be avoided, due to the low temperature. In hotter areas of  São Paulo State, as North and Northwest region, we can test the plants for earlier flowering what would be useful for optimization the time for plant breeding.

The study aimed to estimate parameters, values and genetic gain for growth traits in progenies of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, in the State of Mato Grosso. The progenies test was conducted under a randomized block design with 132 progenies, five replications and three plants in single rows, spaced 3 m x 2 m in Santo Antonio do Leverger, MT. At 24 months of age, progenies were evaluated for the characters: a) diameter at base height (DBH), in centimeters, b) total height, in meters, c) survival. The individual in the narrow sense heritability for the traits studied can be considered medium to high magnitude (0.13 and 0.21) for height and diameter, respectively. The heritability for survival were practically nil, due to low genetic variability among the progenies, as evidenced by high survival rate of the plants (96.8%). The phenotypic and genetic correlations were of high magnitude for DBH and height prediction. There is genetic variation among progenies for growth traits which will provide significant genetic gains with selection.doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.70.49

We assessed the damage done by cattle in three species of trees in a silvopastoral system implanted in the subtropical region of Brazil. The species Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi), Grevillea robusta (A. Cunn. Ex R. Br) and Eucalyptus dunnii (Maiden), were planted in single rows (14 m x 3 m) to compose a silvopastoral system. During the first three years, the area was used for grain production in alley cropping systems. After 41 months of planting trees cattle were first introduced in the area. Five classes of damage intensity were established: no damage, low, medium, high, and extreme. The damage to the bark of trees were larger than those caused to the crown. The trees of S. terebinthifolius were more damaged by cattle. The maintenance of S. terebinthifolius trees in silvopastoral system is not recommended because the damage done by cattle is of extreme intensity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different substrates and luminosity in the early growth of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. ex Tul. seedlings. It was used completely randomized design in factorial 5 x 2 (five substrates and two environments) with four replications of 10 plants in each plot. The substrates were 1- arisco, 2- arisco + cattle manure 2:1, 3- arisco + cattle manure 3:1, 4- sand + cattle manure 2:1 and 5- sand + cattle manure 3:1. Environments were in full sun and 50% light. The evaluated characteristics in September 2009, were stem diameter, height, roots dry mass, shoots dry mass, leaf area and index quality of Dickson. There was no significant difference for stem diameter. The substrates containing manure promoted the development in height, dry mass of roots and shoots in both environments. Leaf area of seedlings was greater in shaded conditions and substrates with manure. The best quality seedlings were produced in 50% light or full sun. The seedlings should be produced on substrates containing cattle manure and conditions of full sun.