RCAAP Repository

Palm tree seeds present slow and uneven germination. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of pre-germination treatments in promoting germination and early seedling growth of palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius). Treatments were: control, immersion in GA3 solution, exposure to ethylene, water immersion, H2SO4 immersion, mechanical scarification, stratification for 30 days at 10 °C, and scarification followed by stratification. Soaking seeds in gibberellic acid (GA3; 2000 µL L-1 for 24 h) or their exposure to ethylene (1000 µL L-1 for 24 h) are effective for promoting emergence, which started 30 days after seed treatment, and for early seedling growth of palm tree.

Phosphate fertilization for native perennial species need studies in field conditions and seedling production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of interaction between phosphorus and lime levels on growth and nutrients content of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King.), cultivated on a Yellow Latosol Dystrophic typic, in greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized factorial, with three replications. The treatments consisted of six doses of P (11; 22; 44; 66; 88 and 110 mg dm-3) and control treatment (without P fertilization), combined with 500 mg dm-3 of limestone or without limestone addition. The addition of increasing doses of P with lime provided increase on early growth and nutrient contents in seedlings of mahogany, however, without interactions. The maximum economic yield for dry matter production was obtained with 41.6 mg dm-3 of P, associated with additional 500 mg dm-3 of limestone.

The objective of this work was the comparison of vegetation structure of two Caatinga fragments with primary and secondary levels of ecological succession, located at Embrapa Semiarido, Petrolina, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. For floristic survey it was used the method of plots, where 10 sampling units of 8 m x 40 m randomly distributed were plotted. All living individuals with diameter at ground level (DGL) ≥ 3 cm were inventoried and also measured their total heights. We observed significant differences in the diametric structure, but the distribution of hypsometric frequency showed that the majority of individuals in both areas were small-sized (< 5 m). Through similarity analysis and principal coordinates, we observed the formation of three distinct groups when compared to other surveys in Caatinga sensu stricto. The results showed that the studied areas have floristic richness compatible with Caatinga environments, the fragments are in early stages (Area I) and intermediate succession (Area II) and 30 years of regeneration were not enough for area I to achieve a level of development similar to the ecologically better conserved area.

This study evaluates seeds germination of Anadenanthera colubrina, Acacia polyphylla and Bauhinia cheilantha, typical species of deciduous forests. Seeds were submitted to pre-germination treatments and attack of native insects. The seeds of each species were grouped in: seeds scarified with sandpaper; seeds immersed in water heated to 70 °C, seeds with signs of attack by herbivore insects and the control group. The largest proportion of germinated seeds occurred in the first week of incubation and germination peak, ranged from first to third day. All groups of A. polyphylla and B.cheilantha showed high germination rate (> 90%), being reduced only when seeds were attacked by insects (< 25%). Mechanic scarification was efficient in A. polyphylla by enhancing germination to maximum (100%) and accelerating germination. A. colubrina showed no difference among groups, and germination rate was lower (< 50%), which was attributed to infestation by fungi, commonly reported in this species and apparently independent of usual hygiene procedures. Finally, except the fungi infestation in A. colubrina, evaluated species were independent of pre-germination treatment to obtain a high rate of germination.

Homogeneous forests are susceptive to the occurrence of population’s boom of forest pests. Among them, the beetles are considered important economically, not only for the actual damages to the stand, but mainly for the difficulty of control. This work aimed to carry out a population survey of insects, mainly of xylophagous, in stands of Tectona grandis. Twenty ethanolic traps and 30 wood samples of teak were installed in two stands in the municipalities of Alegre and Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, located in the south of Espírito Santo State, Brazil. After 18 months (January of 2011 to July of 2012) adult insects, pupas and larvae in the existing galleries in wood samples were collected. The collections of the adult insects were carried out monthly in the ethanolic traps. From August of 2011 to May of 2012, it were collected 742 coleopters in the traps, from the families Bostrichidae and Cerambycidae and subfamily Scolytinae, beyond non xylophagous individuals from the families Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Elateridae, Lagriidae, Lampyridae, Scarabaeidae and Tenebrionidae. The highest incidence of insects with xylophagous characteristics and a higher diversity of families of coleopters were observed in Alegre municipality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy potential of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden et Cambage wood. The samples were collected in the municipality of Cerro Negro, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Samples were collected from 5 trees at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of commercial height. It was determined basic density, high calorific value, elemental composition, immediate chemical analysis, lower calorific value, energy density, carbon storage and energy production. The physical and chemical variables studied and energy potential of wood did not present differences along the stem.

This study aimed at evaluating the application of linear hypsometric equations in savanna located in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Data were obtained in 46 plots of 1,000 m² each, and 13 plots were used to simulate six different systems of data sampling to fit hypsometric models. The remaining 33 plots were reserved for an application test of generated hypsometric equations. In this assessment, to decide the sampling system and model, in addition to the residual graphic analysis, the following statistic criteria were adopted: residual standard error and multiple linear correlation. After this decision, a model identity test was applied to determine the best way to prepare the database aiming at the hypsometric models adjustment. We concluded that the linear functional relation: Ln(h)=f[Ln(N); Ln(dq/d); 1/d] fitted with data from the first 50 trees of each plot and, independently, from diameter class, was the most appropriate to characterize the hypsometric relation in savanna in Tocantins.

The aim of this study was to develop an empirical statistical model to estimate leaf surface by a non-destructive method of leaflets in young and mature plants palm macaúba. Eight leaflets per leaf, four on each side and two leaves per plant on opposite sides, total 16 leaves were collected from each of five plants per growth stage (juvenile and adult) were collected. Thus obtaining a total of 80 leaflets for each phenological stage. Individually each leaflet had its area (LA), length (L) and width (W) measured. Linear models with and without the intercept, and a potential model were tested using the independent variables W, L and combined (WL). Equations with coefficient of determination less than 0.90, were discarded and the combined use of the WL variable resulted in greater accuracy and better distribution of residuals, by employing the functional relationship y = β0xβ1. Thus, the area of leaflets macaúba can be estimated by LA = 0.4683WL1,1104equation.

The aim of this study was to characterize the floristic composition, structure and spatial distribution of tree species in an upland forest in the state of Amapá, Brazil. Dendrometric and floristic data were collected at 200 tertiary sampling units. It were analyzed data from trees with diameter at 1.30 m above soil level (DBH) ≥ 40 cm. Phytosociology, spatial distribution and Shannon diversity index were calculated. It were surveyed 4,030 individual trees, distributed in 37 families and 201 species. Goupia glabra (cupiúba) was the species with highest importance value (IV). The forest area presented characteristics of preserved forest. Sampling revealed that tree species occur with a higher proportion of species with random spatial distribution, however, the species with higher VI had aggregate distribution in the area.

The aim of this work was to evaluate drastic drying of small pieces as  alternative method to define moisture content-temperature dry kiln schedules, to be applied on wood of Corymbia torelliana, Eucalyptus cloeziana, E. grandis x E. urophylla, E. pilularis and E. resinifera.  Moreover, it was aimed to evaluate the possibility to group different species with similar recommended conditions. It was used pieces with initial dimensions of 100 mm long, 50 mm wide and 10 mm thick, maintained in kiln at 100 °C until moisture content reached values below 5%. During this drastic drying the pieces were weighed every hour and length and width of cracks were measure with caliper and feeler gauges. Considering initial and final temperature and drying potential, it was observed one group that supports more severe drying conditions, formed by Corymbia torelliana and E. grandis x E. urophylla and another that demands conservative conditions formed by E. pilularis and E. cloeziana. E. resinifera wood can be dried at conditions defined to both groups.

The knowledge of wood volume is essential to determine the logging productive potential of a forest plantation. However, as this variable isn’t easily measurable it’s necessary the obtainment by estimation. This study aims to select volumetric models and analyze the efficiency of three different methods to estimate the wood volume (form factor, form quotient and adjusted volumetric equation) to the species Pterogyne nitens Tul. in pure plantation in Vitoria da Conquista, State of Bahia, Brazil. The sampled trees were logged and rigorously cubed, andeight volumetric models were adjusted. The best models were selected based on the pondered value of the statistical parameters scores and residues distribution. Stoate model presented the best performance to estimate the bole volume and the total wood volume of Pterogyne nitens with bark. Nevertheless, for the bole volume, Koperzky and Gehrhardt model presented similar estimates as Stoate’s, being also indicated to this species. Among the methods used to estimate volume, it is recommended the use of adjusted volumetric models.

The objective of this research was to report the occurrence of proscopiidae and to quantify its infestation and spatial distribution in one experimental plantation of eucalypt clones. The study was conducted in an experimental field with eucalypt hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis (clones GG100), Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis (H13) and of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus camaldulensis (VM01). The plantation was established in three continuous blocks with 512 plants with 3 m x 2 m, in Cáceres municipality, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Infestation of proscopiidae insects was detected two months after planting . The insects were collected for identification. The attacked trees were geo-referenced and the injuries were quantified. The spatial pattern of proscopiidae he attack was determinated using the location information of the damaged plants, which have been submitted to a quadrats analyses using Morisita and binomial dispersion indexes. All the collected insects have been identified as Tetanorhynchus smithi Rehn, 1904 (Orthoptera, Proscopiidae). The infestation differed significantly among the three eucalypts clones and aggregated spatial pattern of attack was observed. This is the first report of this species of proscopiidae in eucalyptus in Mato Grosso State.

This study aimed to evaluate traditional and generic models to estimate the height-diameter relationship of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis. The data used were from trees of different ages, sites and planting densities. Total height of the trees were estimate using ten models. The models were evaluate according to the adjusted coefficient of determination, standard error of estimate, relative standard error, bias, mean differences and standard deviation of differences. Beyond these statistics, the models were evaluated by plotting the observed height versus estimated height. There was a greater accuracy of the generic models.

The hypothesis tested was the improved growth of castanha-do-gurguéia (Dipteryx lacunifera Ducke) seedlings inoculated with Claroideoglomus etunicatum growing in a substrate formed with goat manure. Ninety days after sowing, we evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of leaflets, root length, root diameter, root volume, secondary root numbers, root dry mass, shoot dry mass. The indices of quality seedlings were evaluated the relationship between shoot height and stem diameter, the relationship between shoot dry mass and root dry mass, and the Dickson quality index. Inoculation of the substrate with the isolated Claroideoglomus etunicatum promotes growth and increase in biomass for castanha-do-gurguéia seedlings. The level of 10% of goat manure in sand promoted the growth of castanha-do-gurguéia seedlings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of cedar seedlings according to the size of containers and nutrient sources. It was tested three types of containers (Root trainers, plastic bag and plastic vase), three sources of fertilization (Conventional, Kimcoat® and Osmocote®) in seven evaluations. The cedar seedlings in root trainers, fertilized with source Osmocote® presented the greatest increments in height and stem diameter when compared to another sources of fertilization. The plastic bag and plastic vase containers promoted similar seedlings height growth. However the seedlings grown in plastic vase presented greatest growth in stem diameter when compared with the ones in plastic bag.

The community forest management in settlement areas, in Pará, needs tools that provide reliable information about wood potential in the area, as volume equations. Five volumetric models of simple entrance and five of double entrance were adjusted to estimate the wood volume of standing trees in the Project of sustainable development Virola-Jatobá in Anapu, Pará State, Brazil. The trees were cubed using Smalian method. The diameter at 1.3 m above soil level was measured in 172 individuals from 25 species with commercial interest by the community. The diameters ranged from 60 to 120 cm and commercial height varied from 5.24 m to 35 m. The statistic criteria used to select the best volume model of simple or double entrance was adjusted coefficient of determination (R2aj), standard error of estimate (Sxyr), coefficient of variation (CV), average deviation percentage (ADP) and graphic residual analysis. Chi-square test was used to validate the best models. Husch model presented the best estimative of wood volume in standing trees in the studied area, through the equation logv = 0,7974 + 4,4294logd. This equation does not use the commercial height variable, so it field inventory cost less and avoid mistakes from the estimation of this variable.

Some Sciaridae species are considered as cosmopolitan pests in greenhouses and mushrooms farms. The potential harm of these insects involves plant tissue damage and transmission of pathogens to the seedlings. Recently, large sciarid masses were found infesting wood log stocking of processing industries and turned to be a severe nuisance factor and a public health issue. The Sciarid specimens from infested areas were identified belonging to the genus Bradysia Winnertz, 1867. These species certainly do not correspond to pests, but to species that are possibly associated to microenvironments generated by the fungi on the wood bark.

The present study aimed to analyze and describe the seasonal dynamics of deposition and decomposition of litter in the Deciduous Forest in the Middle Upper Uruguay region, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. To determine the deposition of litter, 20 collectors of 1 m2 were installed in an area of one hectare, with evaluations conducted monthly. For litter accumulated in seasonal stations, 20 random samples were collect in frames of 25 cm x 25 cm. The collected material was identified and separated into fractions of leaves, small twigs and miscellaneous. After stratification, the samples were dried at 70 °C and weighted. The estimated annual litter production was 7.14 t ha-1, consisting of 58.54% of leaves, 28.69% of small twigs and 12.77% for miscellaneous. The deposition of litter was continuous throughout the studying period, showing a seasonal pattern, with higher values in late winter and early spring. The estimated average stock of litter was 6.50 t ha-1. The decomposition rate was 1.097, showing a fast litter mineralization.

This study aimed to fit mathematical models for estimating commercial volume with bark for species of an Upland Dense Rain Forest located in southern of the state of Roraima, Brazil. It was cubed by Smalian method an amount of 122 trees of 18 species with diameter at breast height (DBH) higher than 50 cm. Nine models were adjusted by least squares methods, and selected on the basis of the adjusted determination coefficient, standard error in percentage, F value and graphical analysis of residuals distribution. Schumacher-Hall model was selected. Kopezki-Gherardt model can be used when data from commercial height are not used.

Remote sensing imagery can be a very useful auxiliary tool for native forests inventory. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the stratification of a cerrado (Brazilian savanna) patch based on visual image interpretation techniques as well as to compare the errors from two sampling designs, the Stratified Random Sampling (SRS) and the Systematic Sampling (SS).The study area corresponds to a cerrado sensu stricto patch located in the municipality of Papagaios, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The cerrado wood volumes were obtained from a forest inventory field campaign where 32 plots were measured systematically. The study area was stratified based on a visual interpretation of a Landsat 5 TM image, and the strata formed were: “Strata I”, “Strata II”, “Strata III”, water and riparian forests. There was a reduction of 43% on the inventory errors using the SS estimators compared to the inventory errors using the SRS estimators. We concluded that the stratification based on image interpretation techniques was efficient since there was a reduction on the cerrado inventory errors.