RCAAP Repository

This study aimed to evaluate the natural regeneration and the abundance of exotic palms in the understory of a planted forest of Araucaria angustifolia in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The sample corresponded to 40 plots of 2 m x 2 m. Diameter at ground level of all shrubs and trees with diameter ≤ 5 cm and height ≥ 0.5 m was measured. Phytosociological parameters and diversity indices were calculated. All species were classified regarding its life form, successional class and dispersion syndrome. We sampled 980 individuals that presented higher proportion of shrub species, typical of understory and zoochoric. The exotic species Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, known as Australian palm, presented the third largest importance value, highest dominance and 19.25% of the total basal area, considerably larger than the other species. A. cunninghamiana was characterized as an invasive species that dominate the natural regeneration stratum. Inibition of natural succession by exotic species, such as A. cunninghamiana, should be monitored, aiming at the withdrawal of the problem species what will ensure the succession process.

The objective of this study was to analyze the ability of an artificial neural network (ANN) to describe the stem profile of trees of different genera and species in different growing conditions. For comparative purposes, equations were fit, using regression analysis to describe the stem profile. For neural network as well as for the regression equations, evaluation of accuracy was based on correlation coefficient between observed and estimated diameters along the stem, square root of the mean square percentage error (RMSE) and graphical analysis. Artificial intelligence methods, especially ANN, can be effective in describing trees bole profile of different species in different growth conditions using only one ANN with similar efficiency as regression models traditionally employed by forestry companies.

This study aimed to evaluate heat treatment of wood under glycerin atmosphere, that is residue of biodiesel industry, and indicate uses of the product in different wood markets. Six Eucalyptus grandis and E. cloeziana trees were selected from homogeneous plantation with 21 years old. Wood samples taken from trees were laid in a laboratorial-scale oil bath with glycerin at 50 °C and they were heat-treated in glycerin atmosphere at 125 °C and 165 °C for 30 min. Control treatment was not heat-treated. Mass loss, changes in equilibrium moisture content and maximum water absorption were measured. Colorimetric parameters were determined by CIEL*a*b* system. A completely randomized design was applied, considering two temperatures and control treatment. Heat treatment in glycerin atmosphere decreased the equilibrium of moisture content and resulted in darker wood surface. Although heat-treated wood with glycerin shows restrictions related to water contact, it can be used indoors.

The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility of using biodegradable containers made of fiber waste of Attalea funifera Martius to produce seedling of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. The work was carried out in three stages: manufacture of piassava fiber containers, seedling production and field simulation. The experiment of seedling production was in completely randomized design, with two treatments (polyethylene tube and biodegradable container) and 10 repetitions, with 64 seedlings per repetition. After 93 days, seedlings were evaluated based on quality variables. The simuation of initial growth of seedlings in the field consisted in planting seedlings in containers of 11L, in completely randomized design, with three treatments: seedlings produced in polyethylene tubes; seedlings produced in biodegradable containers, without removal of the container during planting; and seedlings produced in biodegradable containers, with removal of the container at planting, with ten repetitions, with one seedling by repetition. The biodegradable container withstood the production cycle and resulted in seedlings within acceptable standards quality. The use of biodegradable container, made of palm fibers, waived the removal of this vessel in the final planting.

The aim of this study was to evaluate emergence and early growth of copaiba seedlings (Copaifera langsdorffi Desf.) under different substrates. Seeds were sown in substrates: soil, Bioplant®, soil + sand, soil + Bioplant® and soil + sand + chicken manure. Emergency, emergency speed and seedlings growth were evaluated. For copaiba seedlings emergency all evaluated substrates were indicated, except the mix soil + sand + chicken manure. For initial growth, indicated by Dickson quality index, the most suitable substrate was soil.

The study was conducted in an area of caatinga in Pernambuco State. and sought to test whether the dynamics of Croton blanchetianus could be correlated with the variation in precipitation between seasons and between years. All individuals of C. blanchetianus present in the sampled plots were monitored monthly for two consecutive new seedlings of C. blanchetianus between seasons and between years. Considering the variation in rainfall between consecutive years, population seem to have being little influenced, as the generalized linear model (GLM) showed that only 14.8% of new seedlings in this population can be explained by the variation of precipitation between seasons and between years. In the case of deaths, the explanatory power is 1.4%, considering the interaction between seasonal and interannual variation in rainfall. So, a broader approach from an ecological point of view is necessary to evaluate environmental factors that are decisive, and that could influence the renovation rhythm of this population in time.

We evaluated physical and mechanical wood properties of Hovenia dulcis Thumberg, from six trees. Samples were taken from three different positions in the stem. The mean apparent specific gravity was 0.64 g cm-3 and the moisture content after conditioning at 20 °C and 65% relative humidity was 15.5%. Physical wood properties were different among trees and stem position. The average mechanical properties values indicate a C20 timber class when applying NBR 7190/97 hardwood classification, except for the modulus of elasticity in parallel compression.

Tetra magnolivora (Keifer, 1939) (Acari, Eriophyidae) new combination was observed infesting Magnolia grandiflora L., in urban areas of Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. This mite was observed in high populations on magnolia trees, causing wrinkles, distortion and decreased growth in infested leaves. This is the first record from Brazil for T. magnolivora and we provide new combination.

The objective was to study the growth of three eucalypts clones in different soil types and precipitation (PP) history in Northeastern of Bahia. We used data from permanent plots measured in eucalypts clonal stands in Paleudult, Haplorthox and Quartzipsamment. The average annual PP ranged from 700 mm to 1700 mm. Growth models were adjusted for age at dominant height, quadratic diameter, basal area and volume per ha for each combination of clone and soil. To analyze the effect of precipitation PP in volume prediction we included a modifier associated with PP in Gompertz model. The highest growth in the Paleudult was obtained by clone 1. The adjusted model, which included PP, reduced errors around 62.9% compared with traditional biological model. We concluded that considering soil and PP variability in growth models in areas with wide variability of PP affected the accuracy of the estimates. Moreover, the analysis of growth curves in different soils and PP helps define the appropriate clone for sites where there is no inventory information.

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.