RCAAP Repository

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the log-gamma function to describe the diameter structure of even-aged stands and propose a diametric distribution model using the function. The function was fitted to data from permanent plot inventory, measured at six different ages. The function’s adherence to the data was confirmed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The graphical analysis of residuals showed no bias for the models built. The log gamma function can be used to build models of the diameter distribution of eucalyptus.

The vegetative propagation by cutting and mini-cutting techniques  is an alternative to overcoming difficulties of propagation through seeds and cloning of superior genotypes of native wood species. It is also useful to  the conservation of forest genetic resources. Brazil has a great diversity of wood species. However, researches with cutting and mini-cutting techniques of wood native species are still scarce. Additional studies concerning cutting rooting are  necessary. In this context, this paper presents a review of researches conducted with vegetative propagation via cutting and mini-cutting techniques with Brazilian wood native species, showing the procedures and the characteristics of the propagation of these species. The development and domain of propagation of wood native species will contribute to important achievements regarding species silviculture to the forest sector of timber and non-timber products, as well as, to the restoration of degraded forests and environmental protection.

The methodology proposed by the Forest Inventory of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, consists in applying data collected in quantitative forest inventories to help classify stages of savanna regeneration. Data from seven forest inventories were used. Number of individuals, basal area, quadratic mean diameter, mean height, percentage of individuals in the first diameter class, allied with a visual analysis, was used to classify the stages of regeneration. It was concluded that the new methodology was effective in classifying savanna regeneration stages, using data collected in quantitative forest inventories (DBH ≥ 5 cm), without the need to establishment new plots to sample natural regeneration.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate different transect lengths for determination of coarse woody debris on the ground. The data came from 10-meter-long transects, measured during the National Forest Inventory methodology test in the Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga, and the forest inventory in Santa Catarina State, representing Araucaria Forest and Deciduous Forest. The comparison among the coefficient of variation obtained for transects from 10 to 150 m long indicates that the greatest changes in this estimator occur in the interval from 10 up to 50 m, stabilizing from this length. The adoption of 10 m transects in the typologies evaluated is recommended, because with this length there is a 35% reduction in total walking distance in relation to the 20 m transects to obtain the same sampling error.

Studies on forest nutrition and fertilization of native and exotic tree species provide insights on  management programs for rehabilitation of degraded lands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to phosphorus fertilization at two levels of liming on biomass production and phosphorus use efficiency of seedlings of the tree species Swietenia macrophylla, Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia, Cedrela fissilis and Toona ciliata. There were differences between the tree species in relation to phosphorus fertilization. Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia produced the highest total dry matter and the greatest P useefficiency in soils with low available P and it was more responsive to the fertilizer addition. Swietenia macrophylla showed better efficiency of P translocation and uptake and also better shoot/root relation than the other tree species. The tree species studied showed different performance in relation to phosphorus fertilization to reach 90% of the maximum dry matter production.

This study evaluated the diametric structure of the biological reserve of Cerradão (REBIO do Cerradão), from the analysis of the diametric distributions of the community and its main populations, ordered according to the importance value (IV). The individuals distribution ratio by diametric classes were evaluated by regression and variance analysis. The values of “q” and “R²” indicated that Qualea grandiflora Mart. was the species with the most balanced distribution and greater tendency to equilibrium, and Terminalia fagifolia Mart. the only one that did not show the J-reverse shape. The cerradão seems to be able to recover from random events, but new measurements need to be made to permit more robust conclusions.

Populational studies involve single individual DNA extraction in order to grant further genotyping data. In the case of some parasitic nematodes, the reduced dimensions and high individual number per infestation makes individual genotyping a difficult task. Aiming the development of a protocol we performed adjustments in available methods in order to acquire the best gain in purity and concentration of genomic DNA. Single specimens were digested in Worm Lysis Buffer and submitted to PCR amplification as a concept test. It was possible to obtain good amount and concentration of DNA from individuals. Quality was sufficient to grant subsequent ITS1 sequencing.

The objective of this work was to adjust traditional models of hypsometric relations for homogeneous candeia stands, under different initial spacings. Ten models were adjusted for hypsometric relations. The assessment criteria obeyed the highest determination coefficient and the lowest standard error of estimate in percentage. The F test was also evaluated, as well as the significance of the regression coefficients, the graphical analysis of the residues and the identity test when the same model was selected for different treatments. It was observed that, over time, the hypsometric curves reduce their tilt, move to the right and elevate, reducing the interval among them from the sixth year. The traditional hypsometric relation models as Henricksen, Stofells, Assman, Trorey and Curtis are efficient to estimate the total height of candeia in homogeneous stands and under different initial spacing in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The success in the process of restoration and maintenance of the dynamics of an ecosystem is highly dependent on the capacity of species to promote interspecific interactions among the various life forms. These interactions create a favorable environment for the ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems. Thus, by review the literature, the objective of this study is to report the contribution and use of different animal groups in carrying out ecological restoration projects in Brazil. The fruit-eating birds and mammals and also other animals such as reptiles, fish and insects have been highlighted as tools to aid environmental ecological restoration projects. Techniques for attracting animals and consequent arrival of seedlings in a degraded ecosystem comprises the use of perches, which serve as landing and shelter for birds and bats, and the use of artificial shelters, which serve to escape from predators, resting and reproduction of animals. In general, these studies are excellent tools for managing environmental management actions in degraded ecosystems, enabling the recovery of biodiversity in these environments.

The objective of this study was to collect, identify and carry out a faunistic characterization of Geometridae family in Cotriguaçu county, Mato Grosso State, Brazil in different forest fragments. The sampled sites were: Tectona grandis plantation; mixed stand formed by Ficus spp., Astronium sp., Copaia Jacaranda, Syzygium jambolanum and Aspidosperma sp., initial forest regeneration, riparian forest and native forest. The samples were collected from July 2007 to June 2008. In each site, three light traps were placed at 1.5 m above the soil. It was used the model Luiz of Queiroz, with lights twice a month from 6:00pm to 6:00am. The faunistic index of dominance, frequency, abundance and constancy were determined. It was collected 387 individuals, divided in 10 genus and 25 species. The mixed plantation presented the highest number of individuals collected. However, in the native forest it was observed the higher number of species and diversity. The species Semiothisa sp.3, Synchlora gerularia e Synchlora sp.2 were dominant in all studied sites.

It was recorded for the first time the occurrence of Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle, 2004 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in eucalyptus in the State of Parana, Brazil. Infested seedlings of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were observed in December 2011 in Maringá, County.

Floral biology and pollinators of candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus) were analyzed in a natural population. We studied anthesis, flower morphology, stigmatic receptivity, pollen viability and floral visitors. The small flowers (10.17 mm in length) are pink, hermaphrodites and organized in dense capitula (mean = 29 flowers). We observed a large percentage of viable pollen (77.25%) and relatively scarce nectar availability for floral visitors (0.63 μL). The bees Apis mellifera and Trigona sp. were the most frequent visitors. The length of the bud, style and flowers varied significantly among plants.

The tribe Attini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) comprises 14 genera with approximately 230 described ant species, which are engaged in an obligate mutualism with fungi. The fungus is cultivated inside their  colonies, using a variety of organic material as substrate. The fungus is used as food by the ants, and in return, the ants nourish, protect, and disperse their fungal cultivars. Although all species of this tribe cultivate fungi, attine ants are quite heterogeneous in relation to agricultural system, colony size and social structure, substrate preparation behavior, foraging behavior, etc. Agriculture, symbiosis and natural history traits of fungus-farming ants are discussed in this review, as well as future research directions.

This study objective is to evaluate the use of the BehavePlus software as a tool for fire management operations around the world. Literature search was performed for studies that use BehavePlus, analyzing the objectives of use, how the program was used,the positive and negative points, and the main issues discussed. As a result of the analysis, it was recognized that, although the software is been commonly used by a great number of fire managers in the United States, most publications use it as a research tool and not as an operational tool. Because of the difficulties inherent to custom fuel models development, and the existence of studies confirming that the results generated by BehavePlus sometimesdiffer from experimental results, its use is only recommended for people with experience in fire management operations, who are able to identify when the simulations are reliable.

Planting woodlots for ecosystem restoration must be based on silvics and ecological features of the species. This paper deals with silvicultural performance of native Brazilian species Rapanea ferruginea (Ruiz & Pav.) Mez and Citharexylum myrianthum Cham. planted in abandoned pastures in Antonina, coast of Paraná state. Monospecific plots were 69 months old and situated on hill slope and alluvial plain, sharply contrasting on water availability. Rapanea ferruginea showed higher survival and growth in the slope. Concerning to Citharexylum myrianthum, survival values were high and similar in both reliefs, although growth was higher in the plain.

This study was carried out in order to characterize and evaluate the home gardens in Machipanda, Manica Province (Mozambique). Interviews were conducted at 37 heads of households. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. To facilitate information understanding and analysis, they were grouped into a SWOT Matrix, so that its components: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to the backyards studied, were highlighted. The backyards were mostly irregular, with an area ranging from 400-5,000 m2 with average of 770.27 m2. In the home gardens it was found that 90% practiced agrossilvipastoril system and 10% practiced agroforestry system. Twenty-four tree species belonging to 17 botanic families were identified. The most representative families were Rutaceae (4 species), Fabaceae (3 species) and Anacardiaceae, Moraceae and Myrtaceae (2 species each). The agrobiodiversity present in backyards contribute to food security and constitutes the main source of income for the farmer and his family. The SWOT analysis showed that the region is suitable for development and intensification of agro-forestry systems and that the practice of the backyards should be encouraged in the region under the precepts of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability.

Canker symptoms were observed in African mahogany plantations in Dom Eliseu County, Para State, Brazil. Fungi associated with symptomatic tissues were identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Fusarium subglutinans. Pure cultures of these fungi were tested for pathogenicity on healthy young plants of African mahogany. Only L. theobromae produced canker, using wound inoculation technique and high humidity. The confirmation of L. theobromae as the causal agent of canker came after the reisolation of this fungus from inoculated plants in greenhouse, concluding the first verification of Koch’s postulates for this pathosystem.

The use of wastes generated in the pulp and paper industries as an input to agricultural and forestry is an alternative to the disposal problem, and contribute to reducing the cost of agricultural and forestry production. However, for proper and safe use of this waste, it is necessary to know its effects on soil chemical properties. The effect of doses of calcium carbonate, ash forest biomass, lime mud and cellulosic sludge in chemical attributes of a Dystrophic humic Entisol. The pH, exchangeable Ca, Mg and P increased with increasing doses, while the Al content and its saturation were reduced with the application of doses of all tested materials. The K levels increased mainly by wood ash. The Ca/Mg ratio was increased by the application of calcium carbonate, lime mud and sludge cellulosic to values that can be harmful. The ashes were important sources of K, Ca, Mg and P.

The objective of this work was to define the best doses of Osmocote® for Apuleia leiocarpa seedling production for 60 and 90 days residence in the seedling nursery after the transplanting and to observe the chlorophyll index response of the seedlingsduring the studying period. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with five treatments and ten repetitions. The treatments consisted of increasing doses of Osmocote® ( 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 kg m-3 of substratum). There chlorophyll index, seedlingdiameter and height at 60 and 90 days after transplantation, leaf area, aerial part dry mass, root length and dry mass at 90 days after transplantation. Considering the average values of the points of maximum technical efficiency, seedling diameter and height, it was concluded that the best dosage of Osmocote® for A. leiocarpa seedling production, in a period of 60 and 90 days after transplantation are 7.97 and 7.73 kg of Osmocote® m-3 of substratum, respectively. The chlorophyll index demonstrated quadratic behavior for Osmocote® doses and positive correlation with the variables height and seedling diameter.

Growth of Dalbergia miscolobium Benth was evaluate under quartzite mining reject with chemical and organic fertilization, aiming at to support actions for restoration of degraded areas after quartzite mining. A greenhouse experimentation was carried out in a completely randomized design with four replications The treatments consisted of five combinations of chemical (CF) and organic (OF) fertilizer and an additional treatment without CF or OF (Control). The combinations were: 100%CF; 25%OF+75%CF; 50%OF+50%CF; 75%OF+25%CF; 100%OF. Doses of 100% CF and OF were of 25 mg N, 25 mg P2O5, 20 mg K2O and 5 g of bovine manure per dm³ of reject. The plants of D. miscolobium responded to chemical fertilization with recommended doses, without addition of bovine manure. The accumulation of nutrients at recommended doses in shoots of D. miscolobium were: N > K > Ca > S > P > Mg > Mn > Fe > Cu > B > Zn. The quartzite mining reject of may be a favorable habitat for D. miscolobium growth when with chemical  fertilization.