RCAAP Repository

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaceae), popularly known as Japanese raisin tree, is commonly used in shading aviaries and pigsties in south Brazil. In this note, we report for the first time the occurrence of Sphacelodes vulneraria (Hübner, 1823) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) damaging H. dulcis crops in Brazil and its potential as a new pest of this forest species.

Selective cutting and pastures are common activities in the Ombrophilous Mixed Forest, which is part of the Atlantic Rain Forest Biome. Our goal was to relate floristic composition and structure unit with its past use. Adult and juvenile wood species of twelve forest fragments were evaluated in Santa Catarina State. Fragments with less anthropic impacts showed greater richness and diameter range, and lower density and frequency of multiple stems in the adult stratum, although basal area did not differ among fragments. Fragments with higher historical impact showed greater richness and lower density of juvenile stratum. The results showed that human impact on wood species community was so great that even after some decades floristic composition and structure differences remain evident and might remain over a long period.

Studies of agroforestry systems (AFSs) economic feasibility require more efforts to evaluate due to the complexity of the activity. Among the reasons are the greatest number of elements to be considered, the need to provide effects of interactions between intercropped species and the difficulty of valuing environmental benefits of the system. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze and summarize the main economic valuation methods described in the literature. It was possible to determine which items must be counted in the analysis and how to assign value to them to define the main incomes and project costs. Also, the main methods of economic analysis were drawn and we discussed how to compare their results. Finally, it was understood that there are difficulties in evaluation of others AFSs benefits, but they can be overcome by presented methodologies. In addition, it was created the need to promote environmental benefits of the system (externalities), in order to enhance their market values.

The aiming of this review is to point out some research fields in fire ecology and its impact on Amazonia vegetation. The incidence of fire on the moist Amazon region sounded a contradiction until recent years. Fire always acted in vegetation structuring, even though independent of human existence. However, fire regimes are changing worldwide, as in the Amazon, motivated by global climate change and climate anomalies. Forest fires impact vegetation differently, depending on the ecosystem, soil type, and plant morphology and age. Many species can respond positively, with survival mechanisms or post-fire re-growth. A better understanding of how Amazon plants respond to fire impact is necessary in order to understand if Amazon moist forest is actually still fire-immune, and how could fire contribute to Amazon forest "savannization”.

We aimed to analyze phytosociological aspects and growth of Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J. B. Gillett in Brazilian semiarid region. It was performed literature review and processed data from 40 permanent plots. They were installed in a Caatinga area, measured in 2008 and remeasured in 2013 to estimate relative density (DR), relative frequency (FR), relative dominance (DoR), importance value (VI), natural regeneration (RN), growth in basal area (CB) and periodic annual increment (IPA). The specie showed DR from 2.58 to 12.82%, FR from 0.10 to 9.53%, DoR from 0.01 to 4.21%, VI from 0.14 to 10.87% and RN from 0.83 to 2.34%. CB was negative when mortality was considered. IPA varied from 0.00 to 0.25 cm yr-1. The species has excelled due to its DoR, however, it presents low DR, FR, and RN. The species has slow growth, which combined with RN problems and its use without management may restrict its continuity in vegetation.

The aim this study was to compare the performance of two non-linear models and the classic Clutter’s system on volume prognosis in fully stocking Eucalyptus stands from Espírito Santo, Brazil. Mean standard error percentual, Akaike and Bayesian criteria, supplemented by graphical analysis were used to evaluate models fit. Models performance presented better results up to four times when covariables were included in the adjustment process. It was observed that logistic function with covariables was superior than it´s original form and more appropriate then Clutter’s system. The results showed better results of non-linear system to modeling forest growth and yield indicating forest rotation near five years. These results are consistent with Eucalyptus plantation for biomass in Brazil.

The study aimed to analyze the natural resistance of Tachigali vulgaris wood to Postia placenta fungus that causes brown rot. Nine trees were collected and from basal log we prepared six samples of each tree measuring 25 mm x 25 mm x 9 mm (radial, tangential and axial) from base to top. The samples were kept in contact with the fungus in an acclimatized room for 14 weeks, when samples were dried and measured weight loss. T. vulgaris wood showed high resistance to P. placenta as the greatest mass loss was 12.13%. An indirect correlation of 82.9% was observed between the basic density and wood durability, but it was not observed effect of base to top position on durability.

Aiming to analyze timber production activity from the Producer Forest Program as an economic investment alternative, we collected data from eucalyptus plantations. We considered the costs of establishment, harvest and transportation separately. The costs of implantation and the price of wood (m³) were obtained from the company Fibria S.A. The harvesting and transportation costs were obtained from questionnaires applied in six properties in municipalities in the south of Espírito Santo State. All values of costs and prices were adjusted by the IPCA for 2014. The assessment includes an analysis of the costs for the production process, harvesting and transport and its participation in the total cost of the activity. It also includes the calculation of economic indicators of the activity as income gross, gross margin, net margin, profitability and rentability. The costs with greater participation in the production process were cost of land (34.91%), implantation (23.33%), transport (21.09%) and harvest (20.65%). According to the applied economic indices, the reforestation investment proved to be an economically viable alternative to producers, considering the obtained productivity and the wood price practiced by the company.

The aim of this study was to test treatments for sterilization and its influence on germination and health of seeds and seedlings of four forest species: Bauhinia forficata, Cedrela fissilis, Parapiptadenia rigida and Senegalia bonariensis. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments: control without treatment (T0); sodium hypochlorite 1% for 3 min (T1); sodium hypochlorite 2% for 1 min + one rinse with distilled water (T2); alcohol 70% for 1 min + triple rinse with distilled water + sodium hypochlorite 0.5% for 1 min + triple rinse with distilled water (T3); Lysoform ® for 1 min (T4); alcohol 70% for 1 min + sodium hypochlorite 1% for 1 min + one rinse with distilled water for 1 min (T5). Seeds were subjected to germination tests and we evaluate length of seedlings, fresh and dry weight, and sanity test. T2 is recommended for B. forficata presenting increase on germination potential and on seedling length; the same treatment is recommended for C. fissilis to increase germination and reduction of Fusarium sp. incidence; all aseptic treatments reduced incidence of P. rigida storage pathogen, however, there was no influence on germination; and seeds of S. bonariensis do not need to be sterilized. The recommended surface sterilization treatments could be routinely used in seeds of the studied species.

Genotypes of Theobroma cacao L. should be further studied to identify those that produce more developed and viable seeds after storage. The objective of this work was to study biometrics of cacao seeds genotypes and two periods of seed storage. Seeds biometrics were evaluate in eight cacao genotypes (treatments). Germination tests were carried out in completely randomized design in a factorial 8 x 2 (genotypes: CCN51, PH16, CEPEC2002 Ipiranga, SJ02, PS1319, TSH1188 and Comum x two periods of storage: 0 and two days). TSH1188 showed higher length, length/width, thickness and weight of 100 seeds. Water absorption of freshly harvested seed of the genotypes is slow, justified by the high water content, which does not characterizes standard features. Water levels were reduced on average 2.3 times in stored seeds compared to freshly picked. Germination of freshly harvested seeds of any genotype was 100%. However, after storage, PS1319 seeds showed the least reduction in germination (39%), whereas PH16, CEPEC2002 and SJ02 reduced 96%. Germination rate was higher, and average time less than two days in freshly harvested seeds of PS1319, indicating tolerance to desiccation. It is suggested the inclusion of genotypes TSH 1188 and PS1319 in breeding programs seeds.

We aimed to assess the use of renewable substrates based on carbonized rice husk (CAC) and coconut fiber (FC) in the production of Ficus enormis Mart. ex Miq. seedlings through cutting stem from plants of clonal garden. We evaluated six substrates: commercial (control), composed of composted carbonized rice husks (CAC), coconut fiber (FC) and vermiculite (S1); 100% FC (S2); 100% CAC (S3); 50% FC and 50% CAC (S4); 30% FC and 70% CAC (S5); 70% FC and 30% CAC (S6). The commercial substrate (S1) and compositions with a higher proportion of FC have higher qualification for vegetative propagation of F. enormis.

Australian red cedar is a widespread species in Southeast, Midwest and Northeast regions of Brazil, which achieves high productivity. It has wood of excellent quality for noble purposes. However, in Southern Brazil it presents growth adjustment problems due to frost occurrence. The aim of the study was to verify cold tolerance and silvicultural potential of Australian red cedar in two locations in Southern Brazil. Treatments consisted of pure stand of Australian red cedar, and mixed plantation with Mimosa scabrella and Eucalyptus benthamii in Lages, SC and pure stand and under Pinus taeda in Ibiam, SC. For two years after implantation survival, damage by frost, fork/budding, total height and stem diameter were evaluated. Australian red cedar showed serious damage by frost in Lages, dramatically reducing survival and damaging silvicultural characteristics. Growing Australian red cedar under P. taeda in Ibiam presented low mortality due to frost. In this location pure stand also presented low mortality, however, frost effects were considerable. Australian red cedar plantation is not suitable for areas with occurrence of heavy frosts, however, in places with less severe frosts, planting under pine is a potential alternative.

Erythrina velutina Willd. is a wood species native to northeastern Brazil, used as ornamental and in reforestation programs. In this context, the aim of this study was to obtain information on the development of E. velutina under water restriction. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a split plot with four replications. It was used two irrigation management schemes (with and without water stress) where in the first treatment the plants were cultivated with daily irrigation, in the morning and afternoon. For the second treatment, at 56 days after transplanting, the seedlings went through a period of 14 days without irrigation. Throughout the experiment, there were five evaluation of growth, at 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days after transplanting. The seedlings were analyzed for length of aerial part, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area and dry mass of stem, leaves, roots, aerial part, total dry matter and the ratio of aerial part and roots dry matter. E. velutina seedlings present potential to develop xeromorphic characteristics for conservative water use through different morphological adaptations as falling leaves and increased root development. Seedlings of E. velutina shall be grown without water restriction.

The better understanding of floristic composition and structure of natural regeneration in differents types of disturbances is essential to identify the degree of recovery of the area and silvicultural interventions to be eventually adopted in order to accelerate the process of forest sucession. The present study aimed to characterize the natural regeneration of 0.4 ha in the natural recovery process in the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Amazonas aiming to identify the potential of natural regeneration tendency for recovering the area. Tree saplings with height bigger than 10 cm were sampled in five plots of 15 m x 9 m. We registered 148 seedlings and saplings from eight botanical families, nine genera and thirteen tree species. After 14 months without interference, the area was dominated by species of the genus Vismia, which had the highest values of the most structural parameters (density, dominance, frequency, importance and coverage values). The studied site presents natural regeneration with low floristic diversity, dominated by individuals of pioneer species, which may be associated with the previews use as agriculture land, the short period since the last interference and the strong competition with grasses species.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of anthraquinone addition in the cooking curve, with different loads of reagents, through the kraft pulping process, of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla wood, to infer about the process parameters. The wood was transformed into chips and classified to conduct the kraft cooking curves. The applied loads were from 10% to 24% of active alkali, with an anthraquinone charge of 0.05% (on dry wood). We evaluated raw and screened yield, reject content, kappa number (delignification level) and residual active alkali. We observed that the addition of anthraquinone did not affect the process raw yield, but increased the screened yield by reducing reject content, especially for low loads of active alkali (10% and 12%). Another effect observed was the reduction of the kappa number with the addition of anthraquinone, which indicates the increase of the wood delignification rate. This is reinforced by the lower residual active alkali, which implies greater use of reagents in the process.

The 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acid (2,4-D) causes toxic effects on various cultivated crops surrounding the place in which it is sprayed due to drift. This work evaluated low doses of 2,4-D herbicide in simulated drifting on Caryocar brasiliense, Camb. seedlings. They were tested in a randomized complete block design with six replications, using herbicide acid equivalent doses of 0; 1.67, 3.35, 6.70, 16.75, 33.50, 67.00 and 134.00 g ha-1 . The experimental unit was a vessel containing one C. brasiliense plant. The application of 2,4-D caused low epinasty in leaves with values between 6.25 to 13.33% phytotoxicity in C. brasiliense. However, there was full recovery of the plants 15 days after application. Hormesis effect was observed for leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio variables. However, with increasing doses there were reductions in seedlings growth characterized by reduction in leaf variables and plants total dry matter. Compared to control (zero dose) higher values of assimilates partition for aerial part of the plants were observed.

The genera Eucalyptus is widely used by Brazilian industries. Nonetheless some concerns still persist regarding some of its technological properties. Aiming the improvement of the wood properties the heat treatment is being largely employed in Brazil. The objective of this research was to study the effect of heat treatment on physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus cloeziana. We sampled 5 trees with 21 years from which we used the first two logs with length of 3 m each. Heat treatment of 160 and 210 °C were applied for 1 h. The evaluate physical properties were equilibrium moisture content, mass reduction, loss of density, total swelling coefficient (linear and volumetric) and coefficient of anisotropy. The determination of the mechanical strength came through the test of maximum resistance to impact. There was a reduction of the material mass after application of the temperatures. The other evaluated physical properties indicate that the heat treatment was effective in increasing dimensional stability of species, especially under the temperature of 210 °C. However, the resistance to impact was drastically affected by temperature increasing.

The aim of this work was to estimate radial basic density variation in wood samples of different provenances of Grevillea robusta Cunn. The samples were taken from seven years old trees, from a provenance test in Itaipu Binational area located in the State of Parana, according to volumetric growth, considering excellent, intermediate and slow growth. The samples were taken bark to bark from the central board, from the first log, making sub samples of 1cm in radial direction. Basic density was determinate to each sub sample, and it was established the radial variation percentage, considering the smallest and biggest basic density value in the same ray. The average basic density was 0.47g/cm³, and percentage of radial variation was 12.9%. There were variation of the radial basic density among provenances and progenies, but no correlation between radial variation of basic density and trees diameter was detected. More conclusive results should be obtained with a wider sample.

The present work aimed to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of indolbutiric acid (0, 2000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mg L-1) in the rooting of cuttings and vigor of the produced seedlings of Sapium glandulatum. The results obtained with relationship to the rooting indicated the best results for the dose of 6000 mg L-1 of AIB, with average of 52%, demonstrating this to be the most suitable concentration for the production of seedlings of this species. It was concluded that rooting cuttings technique of Sapium glandulatum is technically viable and could be used in the production of seedlings, thus overcoming problems of shortage of seeds and low germination rate. Also, it could be an alternative for production of seedlings all the year.

This paper presents results obtained for fitting equations to estimate volume and weight of aerial compartments of Grevillea robusta trees. Twelve trees representing four provenances were collected from an eight-year-old provenance trial located in the municipality of Anhembi, State of São Paulo. The trunks of the trees were segmented until the minimum diameter of 5 cm. The heartwood was measured till the height it was possible to be distinguished in the tree. Allometric models were the most suitable for this paper proposes. The inclusion of the combined variable (total height multiplied by the diameter at breast height) contributed to a better adjustment of most equations. The standard errors of the estimates were relatively high for heartwood and bark weight. It is worthwhile to point out the high correlation obtained among the weight of the leaves and sapwood weight. It deserves additional research face the high importance of the weight of the leaves to physiologically based growth models and practical difficulties of its estimation. The coefficients obtained for all models and variables studied are presented in the text.