RCAAP Repository

Thin cell layer of meristematic region was successfully used to induce somatic embryogenesis in greenhouse-grown plants of pejibaye. The effects of three sources of carbohydrates, sucrose, glucose and mannitol on induction of somatic embryogenic calli were evaluated. Somatic embryos were observed on media containing either sucrose or glucose.

Wood is an organic material, heterogeneous and hygroscopic which may present dimensional variation and deformation due to environment interaction. When moisture equilibrium between wood and atmospheric air is reached, in use or during drying, it is wood equilibrium moisture content (EMC). The wood presents high importance as raw material for Mato Grosso State. Them it becomes necessary to know the seasonality of the EMC. This study aimed to estimate the wood EMC by Simpson model for 30 cities in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, located in different regions of the socioeconomic and ecological zoning. Meteorological data from 2006 to 2012 were obtained from Automatic Weather Stations Network of the National Institute of Meteorology. EMC was estimated on daily databases to obtain monthly averages. EMC varied between 5.08 to 9.57% and 8.58% to 13.49% in the dry and rainy season, respectively. The higher EMC was observed from January to March. Wood dries naturally and faster due to environmental condition during dry season (June to September).

Quinone compounds are largely generated at extractive fraction of the woods in a complex and variable biological system. The literature has indications for many segments from food industry to pharmaceutical industry. Within the field of industrial use of wood, they are less desirable since they are treated only as incidental substances in production strings of pulp, paper, charcoal, and sawmill. In spite of its small amount, compared to other chemical compounds called essential, these substances have received special attention from researchers revealing a diverse range of offerings to market products textiles, pharmaceuticals, colorants, and other polymers, for which are being tested and employed. Quinones are found in fungi, lichens, and mostly in higher plants. Tectona grandis, usually called teak, is able to biosynthesize anthraquinones, which is a quinone compound, byproduct of secondary metabolism. This species provides wood that is much prized in the furniture sector and can also be exploited for metabolites to supply the market in quinone compounds and commercial development of new technologies, adding value to the plantations of this species within our country.

This study aimed to analyze the energy potential and wood quality of Tectona grandis Linn F., using different positions along the stem (base, middle, and top) and thinning ages (56 and 92 months). The study material was from the city of São José dos Quatro Marcos, MT, Brazil. Analyses of higher heating value, proximate chemical composition and density were performed. Analysis of variance revealed no differences along the stem for all properties studied. However, there was significant variation at 1% probability density as a function of age, in which the highest averages were from the second thinning (0.584 g.cm-3). The average position between thinning and age were 4,594 kcal.kg-1 for higher heating value; 80.37% for volatile materials; 18.39% for fixed carbon and 0.59% for ash.

The importance of permanent preservation areas (PPA) is mainly associated to their environmental role to maintain, preserve, and conserve water resources and ecosystems within a basin. The objective of this study was to delimitate and quantify the areas of PPA along watercourses as well as anthropized areas within PPAs boundaries, in the Formoso river basin, state of Tocantins, Brazil. PPAs area was delimited considering boundaries according to the Brazilian Forest Law. We sampled areas within the watercourses classified up to hierarchical Level 4. Watercourses handling draw, automatic delimitation of PPA, and visual classification of the soil use conflicts based on LANDSAT 5 TM of 1985, 1998 and 2011 were carried out on Geographical Information System ArcGIS. PPA of the watercourses sampled in this study represent 1.14% (24,491.35 ha) of the drainage area of the Formoso river basin. For 1985, an area of about 3,616.48 ha was quantified, which is characterized by conflicts related to soil use. However, these conflict areas were reduced to 3,341.25 ha and 3,345.37 ha, respectively, for 1998 and 2011. Due to the intense agricultural land expansion observed in the basin in the last decades, the mentioned reductions in soil use conflicts between 1985 and 1998 and subsequent maintenance can be linked to changes on Brazilian environmental legislation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the basic density of tree species of Cerradão phytophysiognomy in Cerrado domain in the state of Tocantins, and establish the relationship between the wood basic density of stems and branches. Samples of 80 trees were collected from stems (base, middle and top) and branches (thick branch, medium branch, and twig). The species had an average 0,650 g cm-3 of wood basic density. The basic density for most species (58%) decreased from the bottom to the top of the stem. The basic wood density between axial positions of the stem and the basic density of branches with different diameters showed significant relationship. According to proposed models to estimate stem density using branches density, the medium branch density showed the best adjust in the equation. The developed equations are adequate to estimate biomass and carbon stock of trees from Cerradão physiognomy, without destructive sampling.

The manufactured wood products are essential to modern society, since they are made from renewable and recyclable raw material, characterizing a sustainable input. The objective of this study was to elucidate the importance of wood from planted forests in forest products manufacture of higher added value, addressing forest and wood contexts of topics related to education, resources, products, industry, governmentincentives, public policies and markets. Different from Europe, it was verified that Brazil does not support positively this important industrial sector, nevertheless it still presents growth potential due to range of wooden-based products. Thus, wood could reach a prominent position in Brazilian economy, if strategies and incentives were defined by rules and public policies.

The region of the Araripe Gypsum Pole in the state of Pernambuco is the largest producer of plaster in Brazil, and its main energy source for producing plaster is the wood from Caatinga, which provides not enough wood for the demand of gypsum industries, resulting in deforestation and compromising the sustainability of the region. One option to supply that demand is the implementation of fast growing forests. This study aimed to evaluate the volumetric growth of three clones of Eucalyptus spp., conducted under the regimes of high forest and coppice, planted with a spacing of 3x2 m. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, in Araripina, PE, Brazil. Height and circumference at 1.30 m above soil level were measured of all trees every six months from ages of 24 to 42 months, and volumes were calculated assuming a form factor of 0.51. Data of repeated measures were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Clone C39 (E. urophylla hybrid, natural crossing) was the most productive in both management systems.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of substrate volume on the quality of angico-vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan) seedlings. Plastic tubes of circular cross section and volume of 50, 100 and 175 cm³ were used. A completely randomized design was used with treatments consisting of three substrate volumes with six replications. Seedlings quality were evaluate through the following attributes: seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot and root dry weight and total dry biomass. These variables were used to determine: height/stem diameter, root dry weight/shoot dry biomass, height/air dry biomass and Dickson quality index. The volume of substrate inside the tube affects the quality of angico-vermelho seedlings. Seedlings grown in larger tubes (175 cm³) showed better performance. The smallest container (50 cm³) limited plant growth, resulting in seedlings with low quality.

The ecosystem formed by the Seasonal Deciduous Forest (SDF) predominates in the region of Alto Uruguay in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. This study aimed to analyze descriptively the floristic composition and the phytosociology of trees from a fragment of SDF present in Parque Estadual do Turvo (PET) located in the Municipality of Derrubadas, Rio Grande do Sul State (Yucumã forest). We used the method of fixed area, based on 18 sample units with 1,000 m2 installed randomly oriented by the main road of the park. All wood species with diameter at 1.3 m above ground level (DBH) greater than 10 cm were measured and identified. It was observed the presence of 842 individuals belonging to 32 families, 67 genera and 83 species (12% were not identified). The families with the highest number of species were Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae and Sapindaceae. Shannon index estimated was 3.72.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of different spectral indices - MCARI705, R750/R700, R750/R550 and MTCI - in the description of chlorophyll seasonal dynamics in detached leaves of Eucalyptus grandis in four seasons. The study was conducted in three plots of 600 m2, in a 20 months old stand. We collected 15 leaves from three layers of canopy, totalizing 45 leaves for each season. It was used a spectroradiometer FieldSpec®3, which covers the spectral range from 350 to 2,500 nm. Variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey test at 5% significance level were carried out. For all spectral indices, values observed in spring were different from those from summer; the same occurred between fall and winter.

he objective of this research was to evaluate torrified and fresh pellets produced from Pinus waste wood, used for direct generation of thermal energy. The compaction of Pinus sp. waste wood from lumbermill was performed in a pelletizer with a planar array of 8 mm. Roastings were performed in an electric furnace, type muffle, stabilized at final temperatures of 220 °C and 250 °C for 30 min. The following pellets properties were determined: apparent and unit energy density, bulk density, energy bulk density, immediate chemical composition (volatile materials, ash and fixed carbon), high heating value and moisture. It was observed an increase in high heating value and reduction of moisture content of torrified pellets. However, the gain in calorific value was less than the mass loss of the pellets after roasting, reducing the energy densities of the pellets. The pellets raw have marketing potential in European countries such as Germany, Austria and Sweden. The methodology used for roasting is not suitable for pellets heat treatment. However, further research on pellet roasting in a wider temperature and residence time range is recommended, in order to define parameters that optimize their energetic properties. 

Spatial modeling of forest fire risk has the aim to determine areas most susceptible to fire based on variables that represent facility of ignition and propagation. This work developed a forest fire risk map for the Municipality of Inhambupe, Bahia State, Brazil, by elaborating thematic maps of the following variables: road system, population density, land occupation and use, watershed network, slope and aspect. These were evaluated by the analytic hierarchy process and integrated with map algebra. Based on the developed model, 75.46% of the studied area was classified as “high”, “very high” and “extreme high” fire risk. When comparing the forest fire risk map with historical data of burned areas, 95% of the fires were in these areas.

Psyllaephagus trioziphagus (Howard, 1885) was first observed feeding from Mastigimas anjosi Burckhardt et al., 2011 immatures, with just one parasitoid on each insect. This parasitoid was previously reported from Canada to Brazil. Although it is not host-specific, it may be a useful agent to control M. anjosi in Brazil.

The mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC) was established as a successful action of xerophilous introduction in Brazilian Northeast dry region. Its fruits are used in animal feed and the wood may be used as piles, firewood and charcoal. The species was introduced in 1942, spreading in “low areas” in Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Bahia and Piauí States. This article aims to elucidate how mesquite was introduced in Rio Grande do Norte State and to understand how it was spread. It was first introduced in Rio Grande do Norte State by the introduction experiments installed at São Miguel farm in the municipality of Angicos. The enthusiasm of technicians and researchers promoted the distribution of pods and seedlings on farms and cities in the state. In addition, there were government incentives to production, distribution and planting the species. This work aims to establish considerations to be used as historical basis on studies about this species and to consider aspects regarding current situation of this culture in Brazilian Northeast.

This research aim to evaluate the volumetric estimates obtaining for Genipa americana, commonly known as jenipapeiro, in pure plantation in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil. To determine individual volume, 100 standing trees were rigorously cubed. Ten volumetric models were adjusted. The best models were selected based on the selection criteria of weighted value of statistical parameters scores and residues distribution. Volume estimates were obtained by form factor and by adjusted equations. To validate the estimates, the calculate volumes were compared to measured data. Among the used methods to predict wood volume, the adjusted volumetric equations are recommended. Spurr (Log) model present the best performance to estimate total wood volume.

Artificial neural networks (ANN) have great potential as an alternative to conventional regression analysis because of its learning capacity of data set information and the generalization of learning to unknown data. So, the aim of this study was to apply RNAs to estimate relative diameter, total and commercial volume, as well as to compare their performance in relation to conventional taper functions. Data from 47 trees of Eucalyptus sp. were used in the training and validation of ANNs and in adjusting Hradetzky and Garay taper functions. The performance of ANNs were similar to the taper functions for diameter estimative, furthermore the estimative of commercial and total volume applying ANNs were more accurate and presented less residues scattering than Garay and Hradetzky function. ANNs were accurate and appropriate for the estimation of volume and relative diameter.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sociability of indigenous species from Caatinga with exotic invasive Prosopis sp. (mesquite) to be used in recovery projects of invaded areas. Twenty plots of 100 m² were installed, where  all woody species presenting height ≥ 15.0 cm had the number of individuals recorded. To evaluate the association of native species with mesquite we used the association index. In order to study the correlation of Prosopis sp. with other taxa, we used Pearson coefficient and the categorization performance of native species was calculate by arithmetic mean of the rate of association sum and Pearson coefficient. We sampled 28 species associated with mesquite, 14 of which presented the inclusion criteria of presenting at least 5 individuals and were present in at least two sample plots. The species with the best performance was Lantana camara (0.62 - very good), followed by Herissantia crispa (0.41 - good), Cynophalla hastata (0.32 - average), Ipomoea carnea and Celtis iguanaea (0.27 - average) and Mimosa pseudosepiaria (0.2 - average). Considering the obtained results and the ecological attributes of species, it is concluded that the species listed in this study are the most suitable to be planted in areas invaded by Prosopis sp.

Energy density is one of the main properties that define the quality of briquette as it summarizes chemical characteristics, moisture conditions and amount of heat of the final product in only one variable. We made six briquettes per treatment (pine, tauari, cumaru, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and jatropha press cake) in a briquetting press Lippel LB-32 model with 40 g biomass each and 5 min of pressing. Briquetting parameters evaluated were: two temperatures (130 and 200 °C), two compacting pressures (80 to 120 kgf cm-²) and two particle sizes (thick - retained on 35 mesh sieve, thin - passing through 35 mesh sieve). The energy density was obtained by multiplying the useful heat content by bulk density. Additionally, we carried out chemical analysis. Forest residues had fixed carbon 9.0% higher and ash 2.3% lower when compared to agricultural waste. Briquettes bulk density ranged from 1.088 to 1.305 g cm-³ and energy density between 3.11 and 4.67 Gcal m-³. Cumaru briquettes were considered of better quality, presenting 1.23 g cm-³ and 4.61 Gcal m-³ respectively for bulk and energy densities. It was concluded that the effect of temperature favors briquettes quality, overcoming effects of compression pressure and particle size.

This study aimed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the wood of Chrysophyllum marginatum (Hook. And Arn.) Radlk. We used three trees with 20.3 ± 6 cm of diameter. It was determined by regression analysis the variation bottom-up of shrinkage, anisotropic coefficient, saturate moisture content and basic density. To characterize the static bending in the first log, in saturate and air dried conditions, it was performed variance analysis using Tukey›s test. It was observed a decrease in radial and tangential contractions and basic density on bottom-up direction. Saturate moisture content increased, considering the same direction. Anisotropic coefficient presented increase tendency up to 1.30 m height followed by stabilization from that position to the top. It was observed decreasing tendency of longitudinal contraction to approximately 40% of total height, followed by increasing up to the insertion of the first living branch. Mean anisotropic coefficient and basic density were 2.3kg m-³ and 594 kg m-³, respectively. Air dry condition showed greater static bending resistance than when saturate. Values of rupture and elasticity modulus were similar to those found in studies with Eucalyptus saligna and Carya illinoinensis.