RCAAP Repository

The present study aimed at identifying which insect species damages seeds of Erythrina crista-galli L. From November 2012 to January 2013, six E. crista-galli trees were selected in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and six pods were taken from each tree. Such pods, properly packaged and identified, were taken to UFSM’s forest pest laboratory and stored in plastic containers until the adults emerged. The emerged specimens were identified as Terastia meticulosalis, which consumed 15.42% of the seeds. This is the first reported occurrence of T. meticulosalis preying on seeds of E. crista-galli in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The present study investigated myrtle rust and gall wasp from non-commercial eucalypt taxa with potential to hybridization. We selected 38 genotypes from 18 species of Corymbia and Eucalyptus (Symphyomyrtus) genus. Two rust inoculations were evaluated using inoculums from rose apple and eucalypt, and natural gall occurrence in a high pest infestation condition. Corymbia was more susceptible to rust than Eucalyptus genus, and it was observed severity variation due to the sources of rust inoculum. Species that belong to Exsertaria and Transversaria (Latoangulatae) sections were more susceptible to gall wasp, and Corymbia species showed no development of gall.

This work assessed the effect of biomass composition (ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon content, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content, lignin, extractives and holocellulose content) on the condensable gas yield from the torrefaction of rice husk (Oryza sativa L.), jatropha seed husk (Jatropha curcas L.), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. var. mineiro); sugarcane bagasse (Sacharum officinarum L.) and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris ex J.C. Wendl. var. vulgaris). Biomasses with a particle size between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm were subjected to torrefaction process using a temperature gradient varying from 250 °C to 300 °C, for 15 min, with a heating rate of 20 °C min-1. Five trials were conducted for each biomass and solid, liquid and gas yields were obtained. The holocellulose and the volatile matter content of biomass showed a positive and significant correlation with condensable yield. The ash content showed a negative and significant correlation with condensable yield. There was no significant correlation between the elementary chemical composition and the condensable yield.

This work aimed to present a partial diagnosis of street tree under power grid in five cities in the West Region of Minas Gerais, which had more power outages because of conflicts with trees. We identified 186 trees, belonging to 17 species of exotic origin and 30 species of native origin. The most frequent species were Poincianella pluviosa (30.43%), Ligustrum lucidum (10.86%), Michelia champaca (6.52%) and Schinus molle (4.89%), which together amounted to 52.7% of the assessed trees. Most trees (84.78%) were located in streets wider than 7 m, and 36.55% of the trees were planted in sidewalks with a minimum of 2 m wide. Those trees present ther first bifurcation at over 1.80 m above ground level. The pruning performed due to conflicts with the grid amounted 40.22%. Trees with height equal or over 6 m represents 72.83% of the sampled population. It was observed that there is not an appropriate management plan of urban trees under the grid, as the trees frequency is concentrate on few species that were mostly medium and large size.

The restoration success in forest ecosystems can be adequately assessed by correct selection of indicators that represent the achievement of established goals. The discriminant analysis technique on indicators selection consists of separation and classification of new observations on pre-defined groups, reducing the number of variables that are discriminant functions linearly dependent of the original variables. This study aims to define an index composed by structural attributes (number of species and individuals planted, height, basal area, number of regenerant species and individuals) and chemical and pedological soil attributes to classify riparian reforested environments regarding to restoration taking as reference reforestation around the the Volta Grande reservoir, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Eleven variables were used for previous classification of plots in partially restored or unrestored groups and also used for discriminant analysis. Variables selected by the discriminant function generated were: number of species and basal area of planted individuals, number of regenerant species and individuals litter accumulation and soil cation exchange capacity. Compatibility of 98% from previous plot classifications and after index formation, show the representativeness of the selected variables on evaluation of restoration of riparian reforestations.

Guatambu (Aspidosperma parvifolium A. DC.) is a species that faces extinction in different regions of Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of photoperiod on germination of guatambu seeds at 25°C. The statistical procedure used was factorial design with two factors. Factor A was seed lots (Mother tree A, B, and C) and factor B was photoperiod (dark and 12 h of photoperiod). Guatambu seeds are not affected by photoperiod condition during the germination process.

This study compared the forest planning of outgrower schemes projects with own areas of forestry companies’ areas. The total area of the companies was 41,178 ha distributed in 299 stands, and the outgrower areas were 2,445 ha distributed in 144 properties. The planning involved linear programming of areas in order to maximize the equivalent annuity (EA), under the condition (constraints) of a regulated structure at the end of planning. Two scenarios were evaluated: a) individual model – areas of outgrower schemes and companies in separate models, and b) single model – areas of outgrower schemes and companies in the same programming model. The EA difference of the individual to the single model was unfavorable to outgrowers, since it reduced its value by 14%. In the companies’ areas, the solution of the single regulation was favorable, increasing the EA in approximately 1%. It was also verified in a new scenario of the single model that if the wood of outgrowers were sold by stumpage, the global EA of these areas would increase by 0.9%, thus more attractive to landowners.

The objective of this work was to identify the species of beetles present in a macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd) native population as well as describe their activities, for further study of plant- insect interaction. Adult fruit weevils and brown beetles were collected manually in the fruits and the leaflets of adult plants of macaw palms. The insects were associated with the premature fruits abortion and with the reduction of the photosynthetic area of the plants.

The objective of this study was to characterize of an unmanaged stand of Araucaria angustifolia and to development of models to quantify the wood potential, aiming to support the development of forest management plans in stands with similar conditions. The work was developed into a stand established in 1946, in National Forest of Açungui, in Campo Largo County, Paraná State, Brazil. There was only one thinning in the stand, between 1970 and 1980. From the frequency of individuals in each diametric class, it was observed the condition of stagnation and competition with cohort in the beginning of class distribution. With the application of the probability density function of Weibull-3P, Trorey model, and the 5th polynomial by diameter class, it was possible to confirm the stock estimative of timber volume of the stand. This analysis indicated that the stand presents average annual wood production smaller than the species potential. So it is recommended the thinning to promote growth of remnant trees. With the probability density function of Weibull-3p, that was selected, it is possible to project the diametric distribution of the stand, when analyzed complementarily with growth diameter information, if the stand remains unmanaged. Certainly, the optimum potential of timber production could have been manifested if the stand were managed during the cycle planed.

This work aimed at identifying and quantifying colonizer species and structure in gravel mining degraded environment and to identify species for restoration. It was selected three sites characterized as: site 1 (S1), place with less intense history of use; site 2 (S2), intermediary level of degradation; and site 3 (S3), with higher degradation. Within the three sites it was withdrawn 20 plots of 25 m². Within each plot, species with height ≥ 0.10 m and DNS ≤ 5.0 cm were sampled. It was calculated Shannon’s diversity (H’), Pielou’s equability (J’), Jaccard’s and Czekanowski’s similarity indices, as well as the phytosociology parameters, besides the analysis of indicator species. Thirty-two species and 15 families were registered. S1 was the most species-rich, with the highest density, while S2 presented the lowest richness and density. The sites showed low floristic and structural similarity and statistical differences regarding density, (it was found 844, 270 and 497 individuals in, sites A1, A2 and A3, respectively). Diversity varied from 1,680 to 2,074 nats.individual-1. Probably, these divergences are due to the environment variations imposed by the different degradation intensities.

 This study aimed to evaluate wood physical properties of Pinus patula, aged 38, from a forest stand located in Machipanda, central region of Mozambique. Determination of physical properties, such as basic specific gravity, shrinkage, and moisture content of wood in the pith-bark followed the recommendations of the Panamerican Standard - COPANT. Results showed statistically significant differences at significance level of 5%, in the radial direction for the shrinkage coefficient in the pith-bark. Radial and tangential shrinkage values were 6.06 and 8.80% in juvenile wood and 6.18 and 8.65% in adult wood, respectively, with anisotropy coefficient of 1.43 for juvenile wood and 2.44 for adult wood. Pinus patula growing in Inhamacari forest shows stable wood at age 38. It can be used for structural purposes and for manufacture of joinery and furniture.

The aim of this study was to quantify the stocks in volume, biomass and carbon in wood of a fragment of Caatinga dry forest, in Caicó Municipality, Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern of Brazil. The inventory and sampling of biological material was carried out for biomass and carbon analysis. Wood density of eight species representing 91% of the importance value (VI) of the fragment was determined to convert timber volume into biomass. The percentage of carbon in these species was determined by wood elemental analysis. The carbon stock was calculated based on that carbon percentage multiplied by biomass of each tree. For those species that have not been examined (9% of VI) it was used average basic density () and carbon (), weighted by importance value of the species. The observed volumetric wood stock was 15.5 m³ ha-1. Biomass was 12 t ha-1, corresponding to carbon stock of 5.7 t ha-1.

The objective of this study was to map the distribution of eucalyptus gall wasp in the world, highlighting states of Brazil and cities of Paraná. Literature review was conducted concerning the occurrence of eucalyptus gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa). Occurrence of this insect was recorded in two cities in the state of Paraná. Updated thematic maps of insect occurrence areas in the world and in Brazilian states were designed. Additionally, a map of the state of Paraná with new areas of occurrence of L. invasa was also designed.

Seed of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze species, known as pinhão, is very present in the Paraná Southeast and South Center mesoregions, being considered one of the leading non-timber forest products (NTFP) in Paraná, after erva-mate, in terms of production level and value of production itself. Producers of pinhão do not have the exact dimension of the change in market prices. When prices of pinhão increase, they believe that sell prices will remain high and move their resources to increase production. A disorderly trade practice can cause loss, related to the pinhão production costs and selling price by producers. The minimum price guarantee policy (MPGP) consists in a system of anticipated prices established by the Federal Government, whose function is to reduce or transfer to the community the uncertainty faced by farmers in planting or harvesting. The objectives of this study are: to analyze the economy of pinhão in the Paraná Southeast and South Center mesoregions to support the structuring of the production chain; and to analyze the producers’ sell prices in relation to production costs to include pinhão in the list of products benefiting from the MPGP.

In a technical bulletin designed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the importance of studies in Mozambique to assist in decision-making techniques that aim to improve incomes of sawmills in the country was emphasized. Because of the species used and the industry’s low technological level, this study was carried out in order to assess the lumber yield of two tropical species, in a sawmill in Chimoio, Manica Province, in the central region of Mozambique. We used trees of Combretum imberbe (mondzo) and Pterocarpus angolensis (umbila), selecting 12 logs from each species. The logs were divided into three diameter classes (four logs in each class). Logs were sawed with band saw, in successive tangential unfolding model. Lumber yielding for both species increased depending on the diameter class, with statistical differences of lumber yielding between the two species and in the three diameter classes. C. imberbe had higher yield compared to P. angolensis, with results considered satisfactory for wood unfold of both native species from Mozambique.

The woodwasp Sirex noctilio Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) was introduced in Brazil in 1988 and became the main pest in pine plantations. It has spread to about 1.000.000 ha, at different population levels, in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Control is done mainly by using a nematode, Deladenus siricidicola Bedding (Nematoda: Neothylenchidae). The evaluation of the efficiency of natural enemies has been difficult because there are no appropriate sampling systems. This study tested a hierarchical sampling system to define the sample size to monitor the S. noctilio population and the efficiency of their natural enemies, which was found to be perfectly adequate.

The use of aquatic macrophytes in substrate composition to produce seedlings of moringa is a sustainable alternative. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the development of moringa seedlings using substrates composed with aquatic macrophytes, and to determine concentrations of N, P and K in the seedlings. We used different combinations of weeds (M), manure (E) and topsoil (TV) to compose the substrates. The experiment was conducted in a 3 × 4 factorial in randomized arrangement with four replications. We evaluated plant height, crown diameter and stem, relative growth rate in height, canopy diameter and in stem, dry matter of aerial part and of roots, root length and root/shoot ratio, besides the content of N, P and K in seedlings. Moringa seedlings showed reduced growth when produced in substrates composed only with cattail. Water lettuce and substrates composed of 60% M + 30%E + 10 % TV and 70% M + 30% E, promoted greater nutrition and growth of moringa seedlings. The substrate 60M +30E +10TV composed by water hyacinth and cattail resulted in greater amount of P in moringa seedlings.

The present study aimed to develop a mathematical model to describe annual periodic percentage increment in basal area of Araucaria angustifolia trees with data collected from increment cores extracted radially from the trunk at breast height of 109 trees distributed in a large diameter range. Dendrometric and morphometric attributes were tested by multiple linear regressions as independent variables and their interactions with dummy variables as descriptors of social position class. The model explains 80% of total variation of the periodic annual percentage increment in basal area with formal crown and height/diameter relationship for trees of all social positions, as well as length and crown proportion of dominant trees described by the dummy variable. Morphometric variables, especially those that characterize the crown size, are indicated for development of individual tree growth models of Araucaria angustifolia.

The objective of this research was to verify the quality of LVL panels manufactured with wood of five clones of Eucalyptus urophylla. Five LVL panels were produced for each clone, with 2 mm veneer, resorcinol-formaldehyde adhesive with a 320 g m-² weight, 1.47 MPa pressure for a period of 8 h at room temperature. In general, all clones showed potential to be used for production of LVL panels, especially clone 26, as it showed better performance regarding physical properties and bonding strength.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae microscopy requires differential staining of typical structures. Dyes employed, such as trypan blue, pose risks to health and environment. Alternative dyes such as pen ink and aniline have variable coloring efficiency. In this work, Brachiaria decumbens roots, discolored with caustic soda (NaOH), were stained with açai, annatto, saffron, trypan blue and pen inks. There were significant differences among dyes regarding stained mycorrhizal structures and pictures quality. Acai was considered the best alternative dye, with similar results to trypan blue.