RCAAP Repository

The aims of this work were to evaluate the correlation, to adjust and select simple and multiple linear statistical models between elemental components (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen) and ash content with higher heating value for plant biomass; to use the principle components analysis for the creation of an energetic development index and to adjust a linear model between energetic development index and higher heating value. Eight types of biomass were used. Three linear and nine multiple statistical models were adjusted. The best models were selected based on the significance of coefficients, adjusted determination coefficient, estimative standard error, coefficient of variation, linearity of parameters, normality, presence of heterocedasticity and lack of error correlation. The variance inflation factor was determined for linear multiple models. High correlation between the variables studied was found. Models 1, 3 and 11 were considered most adequate. Practical use of model 2 is not possible. Principle components analysis was efficient in obtaining an energetic development index of lignocellulosic residues and it may be used for solving multicollinearity found between variables considered.doi: 10.4336/2011.pfb.31.66.113

This study aimed to evaluate the total and seasonal deposition of biomass, concentration and total amount of nutrient in litter of a taxi-branco stand and of a secondary forest, both 9 years old and established in area deforested by shifting cultivation. Thirty collectors 1.5 m2 were distributed (20 at taxi-branco and ten at secondary forest). Litter was collected monthly, oven-dried and analyzed for concentrations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The annual deposition of litter was 9646 kg/ha in taxi-branco stand and 4474 kg/ha in secondary forest. Litter production was greater in the lower precipitation period (August to November), comprising 74% and 56% of the annual production of the taxi-branco stand and secondary forest, respectively. Taxi-branco litter had higher concentration of N, while the secondary forest had higher concentration of Ca, Mg, K and P. The annual transfer of N was greater in taxi-branco stand (117.0 kg/ha) than in secondary forest (51.4 kg/ha); Ca was greater in the secondary forest (41.3 kg/ha) than in taxi-branco (26.4 kg/ha); and Mg, K and P were similar in two areas. Soils recovery in the migrant agriculture should be more effective in taxi-branco enriched secondary forests, by the species association with different characteristics from litter production, N fixation and nutrients cycling. 

The aim of this work was to evaluate the seedling growth of Eucalyptus badjensis Beuzev. & Welch in substrata prepared from different residues: pulp and paper mill wastes (organic sludge and cellulose mill liquid alkaline liquor), brewery malt and also goat manure. The experiment was carried out in the seedlings nursery of the Embrapa Florestas, in Colombo, Paraná. The organic sludge, cellulose mill liquid alkaline liquor and the brewer’s grain were previously composted with sawdust, and goat dung with pinus bark. A randomized blocks design with split-plot arrangement, with four replications was used. Plot treatments were the substrata and split-plot were base fertilization (with and without): 1) mixture of a commercial substratum prepared with composted pinus bark in a volume/volume relation - v/v - of 1/1 - standard of the experiment when base fertilization was applied; 2) composted brewery malt with sawdust in a relation v/v of 1/4; 3) composted organic sludge with sawdust (relation v/v of 1/1); 4) mixture oftreatment 3 with pinus bark (relation v/v of 1/1); 5) composted cellulose mill liquid alkaline waste with sawdust (relation v/v of 4/1); 6) composted cellulose mill liquid alkaline waste with sawdust (relation v/v of 3/2); 7) mixture of the productof treatment 6 with Pinus bark (relation v/v of 1/1); 8) composted goat dung with pinus bark. The results showed that substrata of treatments 2 and 8 can be used for the production of E. badjensis seedlings, with or without base fertilization, while treatment 4 can only be used with base fertilization. The growth of E. badjensis in the substratum of the standard treatment was not influenced by the lack of base fertilization.

In order to evaluate the effect of soil chemical and physical attributes on the productivity of 20 year-old Pinus taeda stands planted on different soil types and with different growth rates, four sites were selected based on previous inventory, in two municipalities in the State of Paraná. Experimental plots were established on these areas where dominant trees were selected. Data on DBH and height were recorded and stem cross section disks at different heights were collected. Also, soil samples at different depths were collected. Growth variables and tree volumes were analyzed and correlations with soil chemical and physical traits were estimated. The results showed that wood production was influenced mainly by soil physical traits. Of special importance was the amount of moisture available in the soil and the resistance to root penetration. On poor sites, productivity can beincreased by adopting some silvicultural measures such as pruning, thinning, fertilization and soil tillage.

The estimated Harmonic Mean for Genetic Values (MHVG), Relative Performance of Genetic Values (PRVG) and the Harmonic Mean of Relative Performance of Genetic Values (MHPRVG) were used as measures to provide and facilitate the interpretation of genotypic stability and adaptability of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden. The different criteria were applied as alternatives to the simulation of selection for productivity, stability, adaptability, as well as for the joint value of these attributes together. The estimates were generated by using the mixed model, assuming genetic effects to be random. The software SELEGEN-REML/BLUP was used to evaluate progeny trials and to estimate statistical parameters. The best trees to be used in seedling and clonal orchards were identified. Fifty three half-sib families from three Australian provenances were tested in the municipalities of Mogi Guaçu, Boa Esperança do Sul and Caçapava, in the State of São Paulo. Compact family blocks designs were used, involving variable numbers of replicates, with six-trees linear plots, in a 3 x 2 m spacing. Two types of data transformation were tried in order to evaluate their efficiency in the reduction of the genetic, environmental and phenotypic variances. MHVG, PRVG and MHPRVG statistics proved to be useful in simulations for the selection of individuals with the attributes considered, providing options for choosing strategies and criteria by considering different values for the estimated genetic gains. The joint analysis of experiments in different locations confirmed that substantial gains can be obtained in DBH through individual selection based on their genetic values. This can be achieved by either thinning the trial, which leads to the formation of a seedling seed orchard or vegetative propagation of the best individuals, in order to establish a clonal seed orchard. The genetic correlation between locations indicated that a single selected population and a single clonal seed orchard will suffice to represent all test locations. This mean a substantial saving at this stage of the tree improvement program. Genetic variability was achieved with the moderates values obtained from individual heritability, in the narrow sense, for growth in DBH in the three locations studied. The adoption of selection strategies and criteria proposed here will result in a selected population (seedling seed orchard) with two hundred individuals of the highest genetic value, while maintaining an adequate effective family number and producing gains in DBH in the order of 12.89 % to 24.33 % over the overall experimental mean. The selection of twenty individuals of thehighest breeding values to establish a clonal seed orchard can produce between 17.18 % and 50.95 % gains in DBH over the experimental mean. The selection of the best twenty individuals for the establishment of a seedling seed orchard can produce between 22.40 % and 82.16 % gains in DBH over the experimental mean. 

Forest plantations have been studied as a potential ecosystem able to absorb organic residues as fertilizers or soil conditioners. This study evaluate the effects of the application of composted organic waste and mineral fertilizers in a Eucalyptus grandis (W. Hill ex Maiden) plantation with 86 months of age in Neossolo Quartzarênico. It was analyzed wood production, litter decomposition and the physical and chemical changes in the soil properties. It was observed that the municipal composted organic wastes resulted in an increase of 45.6% in wood volume, as compared to the control. It also increase the velocity of the litterdecomposition on average of 28% and 16% for leaves and twigs respectively, increasing the pH level values and the availability of water in the soil (from 13% to 25% more available water in the first layer of the soil, 0 -10 cm). 

Large quantities of organic wastes are produced mainly in big cities, annually. There is urgent demand for safe and possible economic practices for its use on forest plantations. This study evaluated the effects of the application of urban waste and mineral fertilizers on Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden plantation growing on Neossolo Quartzarênico, analyzing nutrient contents in the litter and in the above ground biomass of trees at 86 months old. The results showed that those plots that received organic wastes presented biomass increments of 36.9 % and largest contents of N, P, K and Ca, 86 months after the establishment. After harvesting, largest nutrient pools remained on those same plots (18 % to 49 %), contributing significantly to maintain forest productivity. This study emphasized also the importance of keeping tree bark on site. Debarking tree on field accounted to an average of about 32 % of total nutrients present in the above ground biomass of the trees. Large quantity of nutrients in the canopy tree and litter highlights the importance to conserve this organic matter to contribute to the sustainability of the forest productivity. 

The objective of this work was to evaluate Pinus aeda growth and based on X-ray methods of  densitometry and bole analyses to develop mathematical models to estimate carbon amount accumulated on trees of different ages varying on DBH. Five P. taeda plantations were selected on sites of different soils, thinning intensity and growing rate. On each site dominant trees were selected and discs cuts from different heights were collected and submitted to X-ray densitometry for trunk analyses. Mathematical models were developed, to generated equations to compare by testing their statistical identity and equality and to validate by bootstrap methods. The results showed that P. taeda productivity was influenced by soil and silvicultural practices; X-ray densitometry and trunk analyses enhanced the development of mathematical models that estimated with high precision the carbon accumulation on P. taeda boles; site classes as well as trees of different DBH generated different mathematical models to estimate carbon accumulation. 

Knowing of the dependence between local area productivity, nutrient cycling and litter decomposition process, the knowledge of the mycobiota responsible for decomposition is the right way to obtain answers about forest’s productivity and nutrient’s demand. This study determined the fungal diversity during litter decomposition of needle of Pinus taeda in an experimental plantation with four years old, located at Três Barras, SC, Brazil. Senescent needles were collected from trees in november/2003 and putted in selective bags for microorganisms, which were left over the forest litter. The first sample was taken to the laboratory and the remaining ones were kept in situ so that the needles continue their natural decomposition process and were collected every three months. The collected needles were submitted at 20 successive washings. Fragments were taken off and inserted in Petri dishes containing malt extract agar 2% and were incubated at enviromental conditions. During fungi succession, 13 genera were identified: Acremonium sp., Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Epicoccum sp., Fusarium sp., Gliocladium sp., Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Pestalotia sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Trichoderma sp. and Verticillium sp. The most significant fungi were Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp. It was considered that the present fungal biodiversity is enough to start needle decomposition, by presence of cellulolitic fungi. 

Toevaluate the effects of periods of shadeness over the initial growth and concentrations of chlorophyll in Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze seedlings, an experiment was installed in the research nursery of Embrapa Florestas, at Colombo/PR, Brazil. It was utilized randomized blocks design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments established were: 100% (entire light); 70%, 64%, 44% and 34% of sun radiation. Monitoring of height and diameter were made under intervals of 30 days, from 60o to 180o day after emergency (DAE). Air total dry matter weight of roots, leaf area, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were measured 180 days after emergency. FAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) of 63, 07% led to the best seedling growth in height. Best diameter averages of the region that divides roots from stem occurred with seedlings submitted to entire light. The contrary was observed with leaf area, where major averages were observed when seedlings were submitted to shadeness (34% of light). Dry matter estimates accumulated on 54,40 % of FAR. Chlorophyll a and b levels were higher in the leaves of seedlings cultivated in shadow. Seedlings of Cariniana legalis, at the first phase presented a good growth rate when cultivated among 54% and 64% of brightness. 

Albizia is an indigenous specie of estacional forest, with potential to ornamental , environmental and agroforestry systems uses. The trees of (Albizia hassleri (CHODAT) BURKAT) in adult stage can attain 35 meters of height and diameter of height of breast (DHB) of 80 centimeters. Another important characteristic of that specie is ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. This work was conduced at Embrapa Florestas, Colombo-PR, Brazil, to determine the protocols to break dormancy, substrata and temperature to germination test in laboratory, and storage conditions to conserve the seeds for 12 months. The experiment to break dormancy of seeds had sixteen treatments in complete randomized design and the experiment of substrata and temperature had twelve treatments in the same design. The experiment of seed storage had four treatment in factorial design, 3 X 2. The Tukey test was used to compare average of germinations of seeds among treatments. The number of seeds per kilogram was 36.600 (9.9% of moisture content). The best protocol to break dormancy of seeds was immersion in sulfuric acid for one to three minutes. The seed germination test in laboratory had the best combination with substrata towel paper with 30 oC of temperature. To conserve the seeds in storage for 12 months, the best conditions was cold chamber and polyethylene package. 

The use of substracts with good efficiency and low cost constitutes important factor for seedlings production of forest species. The present work aimed to evaluate different materials and combinations of these, as substracts for seedlings production of Ilex paraguariensis in plastic tubes. The study was led in the nursery of the Baldo S.A. in São Mateus do Sul - PR. Six materials were used: bovine tanned manure, semi- ecomposed sawdust, pricked Ilex paraguariensis toothpick, underground soil, commercial substracts with pinus peel base and earthworm humus, with which 14 treatments were formulated. They were appraised the mortality of the seedlings at 15 and 30 days after dibbling and, to the six months, the diameter of the collect, the height, the easiness of seedlings retreat of the the plastic tubes and the aggregation of the roots to the substratum. It was also evaluated the time spent in hours for the cleaning of undesirable plants on the seedlings of each treatment up to six months after pealed. The results indicated that the treatments that contained sawdust, Ilex paraguariensis toothpick and, mainly, bovine tanned manure, besides more economical, showed good results on the seedlings quality. However, among all the tested substrata, the one formed by bovine tanned manure and semi- ecomposed sawdust (proportion 2:3) stands out in view of having only two components, resulting in larger preparation easiness, with low cost and good quality of seedlings. 

This research aimed to determine dry weights and carbon contents by age, and by compartment of Mimosa scabrella trees, their correlations with other measured tree variables. The data for this research work came from 190 trees located in several counties of the Curitiba metropolitan region. Total height, crow height, stem height, DBH and crow diameter were measured of each one of the 190 trees. Every sample tree was felled down and sectioned in the following components: stem, thick branches (diameter ≥ 4 cm), thin branches (diameter < 4 cm), foliage, and dead branches. The green weigth of each tree component was weighted in the field. Small sub samples of each tree component were also weighted in the field and brought to the laboratory for oven dry. Thus it was obtained the dry weight of the whole component by extrapolation. Small portions of each component from 55 trees were triturated for carbon content determination. The stem dry weight participated with 69.85% of the whole tree, as an average, and presented a coefficient of variation of 17.88%. Theproduct DBH2*Total height and the DBH were the variables which presented the highest coefficient of correlation with the stem weight, as well as with the other tree components. There was no significative differences of carbon content among ages, either diameter classes for all analized components. 

The Araucaria Forest (AF) once covered 37% of State of Parana, but nowadays less than 1% of mature AF was left. Besides being one of the most threatened Brazilian ecosystems, the AF is also poorly studied. So, the main objective of the present study was to contribute with the knowledge and conservation of Parana state mammals, focusing on AF species. The field study was conducted in the Embrapa Florestas property (25º19’ S – 49º09’ W), that has 301 ha of which 105 ha are covered by disturbed primary AF and the other 196 ha by secondary AF forests and forest plantations. Mammalian records were made twice a week between April 2003 and February 2004 employing direct and indirect methods including visual observations, analysis of vestiges, collection of dead, hunted or car-bitten individuals, interviews and museum studies. Altogether those techniques revealed the presence of 27 mammals, but this number is an underestimation since small species were poorly sampled. However, the presence of rare and/or endangered species, like Cabassous tatouay, Mimon bennettii, Leopardus triginus, L. wiedii and Mazama spp., in the study area reinforce the importance of small forest remnants for the conservation of the Araucarian forest  mammals of State of Parana.

Economic evaluation of investment projects of is usually used as a form to search for parameters that are indicative of its viability. However, a condition of uncertainty in relation to the economic environment makes it difficult in order to help the process of decision making. In the case of the forest activities, the complexity is still bigger in function of the long time required for the return of the investment. One of the alternatives that can be used by the investors is the transformation of uncertainty into risk. Thus, the objective of the article is to verify the adequacy of the Monte Carlo Method (MMC) in the risk evaluation of in forest activities with Pinus spp. The procedure  consists of the simulation of the Internal Tax of Return (ITR) and of Net Present Value (NPV) of the project, from the simulation of variables previously selected in the cash flow. The method revealed efficient in the risk analysis of forest activities. 

The effect of burning residues was evaluated on soil chemical and biological characteristics under bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Bentham) agroforestry system. This system uses to burn residues to assure revegetation of new harvest and to control weeds. Treatments tested were revegetation using fire and without fire and a test plot consisting of native forest. The period of sampling started on May 2002 until August 2003, and soil samplings for chemical and biological analyses were on different dates. Burning harvesting residues of bracatinga increases initially soil nutrient concentration, mainly P in 1 and 2 cm surface soil layers, and influenced the amount of C in the microbe biomass in the first year. Maintaining soil cover with bracatinga harvesting residues, without using fire, may control soil erosion and the nutrients will be slowly released, promoting site sustainability on this forest activity. 

Twenty and twenty three seed provenances of Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. were imported from Australia, in 1993 and 1994, respectively, by Embrapa Florestas. This genetic germoplasm was utilized for starting a breeding program in the states of Paraná, São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul. In 2002, twenty eight genotypes were selected in the Presidente Castelo Branco-PR district whose seeds were utilized for the installing second generation progenies test in Avaré-SP. Randomized blocks was the statistical design utilized, with linear plots of five plants, adjusted in a compass 3m x 3m, with 8 replications. Total height, DBH (diameter at the height of breast) were the characteristics considered in the volume evaluations. Estimation of variance components, genetic parameters selection and genetic was made by SELEGEN/REML/BLUP - model 1. The conclusions obtained were: a) genetic gains were superior of 85%, remaining 227 genotypes (18% from the total amount of trees) in the Seed Orchard; b) selecting the best 50 genotypes, the genetic gain would be superior from 185%, and c) the installation of clonal orchard with the selected genotypes would lead a better spatial distribution of the clones, what wouldn’t happen in seed production areas originated of progenies installed in a randomized blocks design. 

The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity of P. palmivora and Fusarium spp. isolates associated with basal stem rotting of peach palm. Four P. palmivora isolates and 15 Fusarium spp. isolates were inoculated in wounded stems using mycelial plugs as inoculum. Disease intensity was based on symptoms showed by leaf flags and full- xpanded leaves, which ranged from yellowing to necrosis. It was verified that P. palmivora caused more damage than the Fusarium spp., and that the isolates of these fungi presented variation on aggressiveness.

The paper objective was to describe and to illustrate the external and internal morphologic aspects of the seed, the germination process external aspects and seedlings phases of jacarandá- da- bahia (Dalbergia nigra VELLOZO) Fr. All. Ex. Bentham Leguminoseae- Papilionoidae). It was found that seed have tegument of bright medium brown color, with kidney shape and symmetricaless form of 7,0 mm to 10,0 mm of length for 5,9 mm to 8,8 mm of width; germination epigeous phanerocotylar, free of tegument, and occur at 30 days after sowing. Seedlings with opposing follicles, of herbaceous consistency and green clear color, with about 1,2 cm of length for 0,8 cm of width. Observations on the seeds internal and external morphology, allied to the ones made on the seedlings phases of development, allow identification of this species in the initial growth and the overall research results may be used for other taxonomic, silvicultural and ecological purposes.  

Leaf anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum loeosporioides, is the most important disease of peach palm plants (Bactris gasipaes var. gasipaes) in nurseries in the Central and Southern Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy of some new formulations of fungicides for controlling anthracnose transplants in orchards. An assay with randomized block design was carried out, with five different fungicides and a control, with four replicates. Each replicated had 10 plants. The fungicides evaluated were: piraclostrobin + epoxiconazole (0,13 + 0,05 g.L-1), tetraconazole (0,1 g.L-1), tebuconazole (0,2 g.L-1 ), chlorotalonil (2 g.L-1) e chlorotalonil + Thiophanate-methyl (1 + 0,4 g.L-1). Each fungicide was sprayed seven times, at 15-day intervals. All fungicide treatments reduced significantly the disease severity, providing control up to 68 to 78 %.