RCAAP Repository

The objective of this study was to calculate the ratio of Liocourt in natural forest with 50 hectares of Araucaria angustifolia. The diameter distribution behaved as expected for native forests, generating a distribution curve similar to an inverted-J. The forest showed 456 araucaria trees per hectare with diameter at breast hight (DBH) above 10 cm and basal area of 24.64 m² ha-1. The value of the Liocourt quotient was 1.3, and 54 trees per hectare with 40 cm of DHB can be removed, with a reduction of 2.70 m² ha-1 of basal area or 135 m² total basal area and 34 trees per hectare for a 50 cm of DBH with a reduction of 1.9 m² ha-1 or 95 m² total basal area. Considering only the commercial classes (DBH ≥ 40 cm) this withdrawal represents a reduction of 9.5% for the basal area to the diameter of 40 cm and 6.9% to the diameter of 50 cm. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.70.111

The “silver oak” is an Australian native tree species that was introduced in Brazil to shade agricultural species and forages (agrosilvopastoral systems).The aim of this work was to evaluate the silver oak effects on the soil fertility and the Brachiaria brizantha productivity in a silvopastoral system located at Arenito Caiuá geology, Tapejara, Paraná State, Brazil. Seven equidistant places were selected between two tree lines, with four repetitions. In these points it was collected the forage (winter and summer) and the soil and litter samples in the winter. In the sandstone region named Arenito Caiuá the silver oak litter is a very important source of organic matter and nutrients to the soil and it also promotes the the dry matter production, the increase of N and K contents of the forage, mainly in the summer. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.53

This is the first register of defoliation caused by Compsus azureipes Hustache in a plantation of taxi-branco (Sclerolobium paniculatum), tree specie for energy purposes. The attacks were verified in Almeirim County, State of Pará, Brazil, in September 2011. It is also the first report of injuries caused by an insect that requires intervention in experimental trials of this specie.doi: 10.4336/2011.pfb.31.68.381

The macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeate) is an extraction oil palm and its fruit is of great socioeconomic importance for small farmers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and to obtain information about the genetic control of morphological traits related to growth and vigor of macaw palm. Fifty-one open pollinated progenies were collected in Minas Gerais and São Paulo States, which are active members of the germplasm bank of Viçosa Federal University. These 51 progenies, twelve months after planting, were evaluated for plant growth and number of leaves emitted. The characteristics evaluated presented great variability among the progenies. Heritability coefficient of 87% and 48% were obtained for plant growth and leaf number emitted, respectively, revealing a high degree of genetic control and potential for the genetic breeding. The Tocher’s method was efficient to allocate progenies from State of São Paulo in the same group. The rank index selection method allowed the selection of more balanced progenies and individuals for the two traits, making possible to optimize the selection and obtain gains in all traits simultaneously.

This study aimed to know the phytosociology of the tree component of riparian vegetation in a stream that flows into the Sirinhaem River in Engenho Buranhem, Sirinhaem, Pernambuco State, and identify the species dispersal syndromes. The stream is located in a fragment of dense rain forest of the lowlands, with 272 ha. It was sempled used one hectare (40 sampling units of 10 m x 25 m each). It was registered 1,307 trees with circumference at breast height (CAP) . 15 cm. We identified 118 species belonging to 40 botanical families. Protium heptaphyllum and Pouteria sp.1 were the most abundant species. In terms of importance value (IV), Protium heptaphyllum, Pouteria sp.1 and Virola gardneri are among the most important ecologically species. The predominant dispersal syndromes were zoocory (72.8%), autocory (13.6%) and anemochory (4.8%). It was not possible to determine the type of dispersal of 8.8% of the species studied. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.01

The effectiveness of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) to control powdery mildew was evaluated in Eucalyptus benthamii seedlings. Four treatments were applied: sprays of K2SiO3 (4 mL L-1) for 7 days, K2SiO3 (4 mL L-1) for 14 days, fungicide epoxiconazole + pyraclostrobin (6 mL L-1) for 14 days and ultrapurified water for 7 days. The experiment consisted of a randomized complete block design with three replicates, each with 10 seedlings with 90 days old per plot. Inoculation was done by brushing spores of Oidium eucalypti, collected from infected E. benthamii seedlings, onto superior parts of healthy seedlings. It was measured the diameter of the root collar (DC) and height (H) of the seedlings at 120 and 150 days. After 150 days, severity of disease, fresh mass (MF) and dry mass (MS) of aerial part were determined. No statistically significant differences were observed in height increment of the seedlings, in H/DC and MS. Sprays of potassium silicate at 14-days intervals showed the best results in the increase of the DC, in disease control and the difference between MS and MF (p < 0.05). The use of potassium silicate at 14-days intervals can be a form of control of powdery mildew, favoring the seedling growth of E. benthamii. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.93

Mankind is seeking to increase the use of renewable energy sources on the world energetic matrix, aiming on Green House Gas Emissions (GHGE) reduction. Biomass potential for energy generation studies, including forest products and residues, have been conducted worldwide, showing great potential. Besides, wood energy uses contribute to GHGE reduction, and is a locally available energy source at competitive costs in many countries. The proportion of fuelwood on Brazilian energy matrix has decreased over the last four decades, nevertheless consumption has increased during the last ten years. South and Northeast regions are the biggest fuelwood producers in Brazil, Southeast is the main producers of wood charcoal. In order to increase forest biomass potential for energy generation, small and medium farmers forest technology access should be facilitated, and forest plantation area should be increased in order to supply wood biomass rising demand for energy purposes on the near future.doi: 10.4336/2011.pfb.31.68.363

This research aimed to evaluate briquettes made from coffee husk, eucalyptus sawdust and maize harvesting residues, and the influence of post compaction interval on some properties of the briquettes. After oven drying of the biomass, the briquettes were produced in a laboratory briquetting machine at 120 ºC and 15 MPa. Bulk density and heating value of the fresh biomass were analyzed. After compaction, influence of time on moisture content, volumetric expansion an bulk density of the briquettes was analyzed. From the results, it was observed that milled coffee husk had the highest mean value of bulk density. There was no statistical difference for higher heating value among the biomass analyzed. The effect of pos compaction interval was significant on moisture content based on dry mass and bulk density for all briquettes produced. The briquettes produced from maize harvesting residues had high volumetric expansion. Considering tensile strength by diametric compression, coffee husk briquettes were more resistant. The results highlight the potential of energetic use of briquettes obtained by compaction of coffee husks.

Eucalypts are the second forest species most planted in Southern Brazil, for production of cellulose, paper and energy. The continued expansion of commercial plantations in southern Brazil region has led to an increase on incidence and severity of diseases. The present work discusses the occurrence and distribution of diseases associated to this region, susceptible species, and causal agents. Strategies for control such as mapping of risk areas, use of resistant genetic material and chemical control are adequate measures to minimize negative impacts on wood production for energy. Diseases, as eucalypt rust, that reduce the productivity and wood quality were considered the most important and must be controlled.doi: 10.4336/2011.pfb.31.68.373

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of waste generated by forestry species that occur in semiarid northeastern at Seridó region, Rio Grande do Norte, for the briquettes production, determine the physical and mechanical briquettes properties, and to correlate the wood density with the density after the briquettes production and briquettes density with the compressive strength. Thirty-two trees were collected (eight species with four replications). The wood physical and chemical properties evaluation were held under a completely randomized design. For the variables related to briquette, it was adopted the same design with three replicates for each species, totalizing 24 sampling units. The briquettes produced with jurema-preta wood stood out as a function to higher fixed carbon content, calorific value and higher compressive strength flat. The briquettes made from waste of imburana wood had the worst performances for the studied parameters. It was observed a negative correlation between the wood density and the gain of apparent relative density of the briquettes and a positive correlation between the briquettes density and the compressive strength of flat.

This study aimed to test volumetric models and check the the efficiency of three methods to estimate the wood volume in Eucalyptus urophylla plantation, managed under regime of high forest and coppice, on a property located in the county of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. It was carried out rigorous measurements scaled trees to obtain the volume to adjust seven volumetric models. The best models were selected using the score pondered value of the statistical parameters (VP). The volumes obtained by three methods (form factor, form quotient and adjusted models) were compared to the volume obtained in the scaling. The models of Schumacher e Hall (log) and Spurr were the more indicated to estimate the volume of stands in both management conditions. The volume obtained from the two best adjusted models resulted in estimates closer to the real volume when compared to the volumes estimated by form factor and the form quotient.

The objective of this study was to determine the flight height of species of Bostrichidae family, as well as determine the faunistic index of species collected in Tropical Semideciduous Forest, in the period to April of 2000 at March of 2001, in Maracaí farm, located in the municipality of Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Seven heights with 21 ethanolic traps were tested, with three traps by height. The bait used was the commercial alcohol and the collects were proceeded every fifteen days, and latter on monthly. The material collected was identified by comparison with specimens of the Forest Protection laboratory collection, from the Federal University of Mato Grosso. Were collected 141 individuals from five species: Bostrychopsis uncinata, Micrapate brasiliensis, Micrapate germaini, Xyloperthella piceae and Xyloprista praemorsa. The collects of most species of Bostrichidae, were significantly higher at 30 meters. The most frequent and dominant species captured was X. picea. This species presented the higher peak of occurrence in June and February, significantly different from the other species. In the studying period, it was not observed significant correlation between climate and the occurrence of the studied species.

The objectives of this study was identify the termite species, assess the relationship of the occurrence of nests with Tectona grandis (teak) and its possible damage caused by this association, being determined the type of spatial distribution of nests in the studying area. This work was conducted in the municipality of Porto Esperidião, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, in the teak plantation with 581,27 ha. The nests were placed with a GPS (Global Positioning System), for further assessment of population distribution, according to the Morisita index. The nests were quantified in different altitudes classes. It was also evaluated the number of nests found in trees and regrowth in and out of trees, as well as the influence of these nests in tree growth. The termites found were identify as Cornitermes snyderi. The nests do not affect the growth in relation to the circumference at breast height of tree. The spatial distribution of termites in the planting is pooled, binomial negative. I was not observed damage in trees surrounded by nests.

The effect of combined application of lime, phosphorus sources and forms of application of the phosphorus sources on growth and P uptake of Eucalyptus dunnii have been studied in pots. The treatments consisted of two levels of liming (C0, C1 lime to raise to pH 5.5 in water by pH SMP method), two phosphorus sources (triple superphosphate and Gafsa rock phosphate) and two forms of application of phosphorus sources (incorporated and located). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a Humic Cambisol Ta aluminate Typical for 67 days. Liming increased dry matter production of shoots, plant growth, accumulation and P use efficiency in Eucalyptus; the incorporated application was more efficient than localized. Liming decreased efficiency of Gafsa rock phosphate and triple superphosphate was the most efficient phosphorus source.

The spectroscopic characteristics (DRIFT, UV-visible and EPR) of humic fractions were studied during composting of sawdust and paper mill sludge. Infrared spectroscopy reveals a compost rich in hydroxyl and alkyl groups and carboxylates and carbohydrates. The alkyl fraction is abundant in the humic acids and humin. The decreasing of the E4/E6 ratio during composting indicates an enhancement of the organic chains number, with conjugated double bonds. This decreasing would correspond to a reduction of the lignin content and/or formation of porphyrins. The EPR shows that humin presents the highest concentration of free radical and the lowest intensities of the Fe3+.

The state of São Paulo has a wide climatic diversity which certainly influences productivity and species adaptation in forest plantations and places for plantation and experimentation must be carefully chosen. The objective of this study was to identify climatically homogeneous regions in the state of São Paulo, based on data collected at several experimental stations of São Paulo State Forest Institute to support deployment of Pinus maximinoi for experimental plantings. Thirty experimental areas and climatic data for each meteorological station were subjected to cluster analysis interpreted according to the resulting dendrograms. Climatic requirements for this species were verified in the scientific literature and assessed in experimental plantings. The most adequate experimental stations for P. maximinoi are in Angatuba, region that includes Buri, Pirajú, Itapeva, Avaré, Itapetininga, and Itararé Stations. The climate in the region is Cwa. The stations in the group including Bebedouro, São José do Rio Preto, and Ilha Solteira are not recommended for the species because of the warmer climate and water stress during the summer months. Campos do Jordão Station is also not recommended due to frequent frosts. For intermediate areas, could be identified specific genotypes that are adaptable to each specific climatic conditions. doi: 10.4336/2012.pfb.32.69.79

The effect of combined application of lime and phosphorus in critical levels in soil and plants of Eucalyptus dunnii in vessels was studied. The treatments consisted of three levels of lime (C0, without liming; C1/2, liming with half the doses to raise the pH in water at pH 5.5 by the method of SMP; C1, liming with dose to raise the pH in water at 5.5 by the same method) and five doses of phosphorus (0, 50, 150, 300 and 600 mg P kg-1 of soil). The experiment was carried out during 67 days in a greenhouse, using a Ta-aluminate Typical Humic Cambisol. The highest yields of shoots dry matter were observed at the highest level of liming. The critical levels of P in soil and shoot dry mass decreased with increasing level of liming.

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