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ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to perform early selection of the best progenies for traits related to tolerance to water deficit, pests, and diseases in Eucalyptus progeny tests. The experimental trials were set up in a randomized block design, with one plant per plot, and 20 replicates across three distinct locations (Buritizeiro/MG, Bocaiúva/MG, and Inhambupe/BA). At 6 months of age, the tested families were evaluated in terms of mean annual increment (MAI) and tolerance to pests and diseases. The analyses were conducted based on the genetic-statistics procedure of mixed models via REML/BLUP. The selection process was based on the estimated genetic values for the families, associating both traits in analyses using selection indices, namely the Multiplicative Selection Index and the Mulamba and Mock Selection Index, which allowed simultaneous selection for productivity (MAI) and tolerance to biotic agents. In Buritizeiro/MG and Bocaiúva/MG, plant tolerance to the psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei) was evaluated, while in Inhambupe/BA, tolerance to eucalyptus rust (Austropuccinia psidii) was assessed. For the trait of tolerance to biotic agents, heritabilities (hg2) were moderate across the three sites, with values of 0.20, 0.26, and 0.24 in Buritizeiro, Bocaiúva, and Inhambupe, respectively. The use of the Multiplicative Index (MI) and Mulamba and Mock Index (MMI) enabled the selection of genetic materials with better performance for both traits simultaneously.

ABSTRACT The scarce knowledge about the behavior of seedlings of native forest species relative to sensitivity to herbicides associated with the current strategies for restoring degraded natural ecosystems justifies the execution of studies to assist in this management. This study aimed to evaluate the initial selectivity of two herbicides at three different doses for 80 species that occur in seasonal semideciduous forests and are widely used in restoration projects. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the herbicides oxyfluorfen (Experiment I) and sulfentrazone (Experiment II) at commercial dose, half the dose, and double the dose, as well as control without herbicide application. The experimental design of each experiment was completely randomized, with four replications. The percentage of phytotoxicity following a specific scale in the weed science field was evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after treatment application (DAT), while the shoot dry mass was evaluated at 35 DAT. Most native species were classified in the range of 0–10% phytotoxicity for both herbicides. Considering phytotoxicity, the herbicide oxyfluorfen negatively affected the species Inga uruguensis, Erythroxylum argentinum, Pterogyne nitens, Miconia rigidiuscula, and Simira sampaioana. Sulfentrazone showed harmful effects on the species Myrciaria vexator, Piptadenia gonoacantha, Lonchocarpus campestris, Erythroxylum argentinum, Cariniana legalis, Randia armata, Inga vera, Solanum granulosoleprosum, Cupania vernalis, Seguieria langsdorffii, S. sampaioana, Maytenus gonoclada, and Handroanthus ochraceus. Only the species R. armata, Croton floribundus, and I. uruguensis showed a reduction in dry biomass relative to the control. Therefore, the herbicides oxyfluorfen and sulfentrazone can be recommended for weed management for most of the species studied in this study, except those listed above.

ABSTRACT When the premise is the best final use of wood, evaluation of anatomical variables is recommended, bearing in mind that they are correlated with the properties of this material. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between anatomy and the physical properties of wood from Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan, Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub., Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill × Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake (hybrid) and Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake, from an agroforestry system. For this purpose, five trees of each species, aged 9 years old, were selected, and samples were collected from the diameter at 1.30 m height from the ground for analysis of the anatomical characteristics and physical properties of the wood. Anatomical variables, with the exception of fiber length and cell wall thickness, correlated with the physical properties of wood and influenced their values. The higher the cell wall fraction (0.79), vessel frequency (0.44) and ray frequency (0.92), the greater the basic density of the wood. The greater the fiber diameter (0.94), lumen diameter (0.88), vessel diameter (0.88), ray height (0.86) and ray width (0.84), the higher the moisture content of the wood.

ABSTRACT There is good evidence that the results of a restoration program depend largely on the landscape context. In restoration projects, it is crucial to consider the previous land uses and covers and landscape configuration as they have a significant impact on the entire process, especially seed dispersal and natural regeneration of sites. Thus, the objective of this work was to verify the effect of landscape (i.e., land use) on restoration success of total planting, seed sowing and natural regeneration sites in the Atlantic Forest biome, southeast Brazil. The methodology employed was based on demonstration units of restoration. The focus was on regenerant richness and abundance indicators, along with land use and land cover data (class area) from 2010, 2015, and 2020, obtained from the MapBiomas Project. Generalized linear models and correlation analysis were used for the study. We hypothesize that a landscape with more forest and natural regeneration cover (mosaic of agriculture and pasture) would positively affect regenerants in restored sites, which we only observed for natural regeneration treatment sites. In active restoration treatment sites, mosaic of agriculture and pasture was negatively and farming was positively associated to regenerants. We also found greater density and richness of regenerants in natural regeneration treatment sites than in seed sowing and seedling planting. The influence of the surrounding landscape, particularly mosaic, played a crucial role in this success. In addition, land use cover history, as we observed in classes in the last five and ten years, did explain regenerants in studied sites. Thus, results show that the characterization of landscape context and previous land-use history is essential to understand the limitations to succession and define cost-effective restoration strategies.

ABSTRACT This research sought to identify the ideal timeframe for replacing a Harvester, used in forest harvesting, employing a comparative evaluation of different economic methods. A John Deere 1270D harvester, equipped with a 270-model head was utilized in this study. The machine’s cost per hour worked was calculated by adding fixed costs with variable costs. The methods used to determine the machine’s optimal replacement time were: the Total Average Cost (TAC) and the Equivalent Annual Cost (EAC), which consider discrete functions, and the Terminal Cycle and Constant Chain Replacement, which consider continuous functions. The four methods differed in their indication of the optimal replacement time for the harvester. Although the TAC is a simple and well-known method, it did not yield an adequate result (2 years). This is because replacing a forest machine usually occurs over a longer period of use, with current preventive and predictive maintenance routines. This discrepancy arises from the high acquisition and operational costs, as well as the method’s failure to account for the variation of capital over time (interest rate) and the revenues or production of the harvester, which significantly affects the analysis. Utilizing the discount rate, the EAC proved to be more efficient than the TAC, yielding a result that is more aligned with the reality of the forest sector (6 years). Furthermore, it is the most widespread method in machine and equipment replacement studies due to its simplicity, ease of application, and efficiency. The Chain Replacement method provided an optimal replacement time between 7 and 8 years, also consistent with the reality of companies in the forest sector engaged in forest harvesting for an extended period. Therefore, this method can be considered in decision-making as it takes into account the cost and revenue variables of the machine. Determining the useful life of a machine used in forest harvesting from an economic perspective, or the period in which it performs its activities with the lowest operational cost, is directly related to its lowest production cost. In the present study, the most suitable methods to determine the optimal replacement time for the harvester were the EAC and the Chain Replacement method.

ABSTRACT The effective management of disturbed forests requires adequate knowledge of forest dynamics. In this study, we assessed the changes in a managed forest using 18 permanent 1 ha plots located in a ‘terra firme’ tropical rainforest in the Eastern Amazon (Paragominas, Brazil). All individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 20 cm were evaluated in two separate assessments conducted in 2006 and 2016. The results show that, ten years after logging, the managed forest exhibits an imbalance between recruitment (1.54% per year) and mortality (2.23% per year) rates, indicating that it is still in the process of recovering its structure. Nevertheless, biomass tended to increase after logging (28.49 tons per hectare). The characteristics of these changes suggest that the forest is undergoing a silvigenetic process driven by the effects of logging. Furthermore, our observations indicate that the forest remains active and has sufficient potential for new timber production at the end of the cutting cycle, considering the same species and tree sizes.

ABSTRACT Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos, popularly known as the golden trumpet tree, is a native tree of Brazil with exuberant flowering. It is used for urban afforestation and reforestation of degraded areas, and its wood is destined for several purposes. In order to develop vigorous plants after planting, it is essential to produce high-quality seedlings, which can be obtained using rhizobacteria. As renewable sources, rhizobacteria exhibit growth-promoting properties, facilitate nutrient uptake and/or solubilization, and contributes to the production of phytohormones, while also serving as pathogen controllers and mitigators of abiotic stress. These attributes collectively enable the establishment of a sustainable production system for producing vigorous and rapidly growing seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in the production of H. chrysotrichus seedlings. The experimental design followed a completely randomized setup. The treatments consisted of microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Azospirillum brasilense) plus the absence of microorganisms - control; four repetitions and ten plants-per-plot. The parameters evaluated were shoot height; stem diameter; root length; shoot, root, and total dry matter; leaf number and leaf area, as well as chlorophyll content; minimum and maximum fluorescence; and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II; shoot height/stem diameter ratio and Dickson’s Quality Index. The B. amyloliquefaciens inoculation promoted an increase in seedling shoot height, stem diameter, root length, leaf area, shoot, root, and total dry matter and also increased the Dickson Quality Index. It can be concluded that B. amyloliquefaciens is the most efficient inoculant for producing golden trumpet tree seedlings, followed by A. brasilense.

ABSTRACT Coppicing technique is recognized as an effective method for inducing epicormic sprouts and promoting reinvigoration in Brazilian native tree species. However, there remains a knowledge gap regarding efficient reinvigoration techniques for vegetative rescue of paricá trees. This study aimed to evaluate the coppicing technique’s efficacy in inducing epicormic sprouts in paricá trees, considering different seasons and stump heights. A 2x3 factorial experimental design was employed, encompassing two seasons (rainy and dry) and three stump heights (0 = root collar; 10 cm above root collar; 30 cm above root collar). Stumps were monitored over a 90-day period. Results showed that all stumps remained viable, with significant differences observed in sprouting frequency between the rainy and dry seasons at 15 and 30 days, favoring the former. Furthermore, the number of sprouts per stump varied significantly across seasons at 15, 30, and 45 days, with higher counts recorded during the rainy season. Notably, the high percentage of stumps producing sprouts underscores the species’ robust response capacity. Additionally, the occurrence of two sprouts per stump suggests a species-specific trait at these stump heights. Evaluation of sprout length and circumference revealed significant differences between seasons, with greater growth observed during the rainy season. These findings are crucial for informing management decisions related to epicormic sprout development through the coppicing technique in paricá trees. Overall, the results indicate the technique’s potential to induce epicormic sprouts across all seasons and stump heights evaluated, with superior outcomes observed during the rainy season.

ABSTRACT Although zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient, excessive amounts in the soil can have toxic effects on plants. Fertilizers, limestone materials, pesticides, and fungicides added with Zn have contributed to increasing the concentration of this element in agricultural soils. Accordingly, it is necessary to find Zn-tolerant plant species to be properly used in degraded soil restoration programs. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the influence of different Zn concentrations on photosynthetic variables, antioxidant activity, and growth of I. marginata and A. edulis seedlings to determine their potential to be used as phytoremediation species. The experiment was installed in a 2×5 factorial scheme, with the first factor being two species (Allophylus edulis and Inga marginata), and the second factor: five concentrations of Zn (2, 75, 150, 225, and 300 μM), with three replications per treatment. Each sampling unit consisted of a pot with five plants. Photosynthetic, morphological variables of the shoot and root systems, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and Zn accumulated in the roots and shoot were evaluated. Zn stress has activated an efficient antioxidant system, which reduced oxidative damage in the leaves of both species; consequently, it did not decrease shoot biomass production in Inga marginata and Allophylus edulis seedlings. High Zn accumulation in plant tissues and lack of negative effects on Inga marginata and Allophylus edulis shoot have suggested that these plant species are tolerant to Zn and may be indicated for Zn-polluted soil phytoremediation purposes.

ABSTRACT Species within the genus Corymbia are regarded as potential alternatives to Eucalyptus. In addition to having superior wood quality, Corymbia spp. are tolerant to most pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses that affecting Eucalyptus plantations, including physiological disorders, water deficit, and wind damage. However, environmental stresses stimulate kino production, which decreases the quality of pulp and sawn wood. This study aimed to develop a method for evaluating kinoand estimate genetic parameters in Corymbia. For this, 16 Corymbia (C. citriodora × C. torelliana) hybrid clones and 5 clones of Eucalyptus were used. Two evaluation methods (M1 and M2) were tested for kino evaluation; M1 consisted of drilling the bark with Pilodyn and M2 consisted of drilling the heartwood with Pilodyn. The following kino parameters were evaluated: exudation incidence, exudate length which flowed over the stem, and exudate weight. Genetic parameters were estimated by a mixed model method (REML/BLUP). The significance of random effects of the statistical model was tested by the likelihood ratio test. Significant clone effects were obtained for all kino parameters, except for exudate length as assessed by M2. Kino parameters determined by M1 exhibited higher heritability and accuracy. Therefore, M1 should be preferred for kino evaluation in Corymbia.

ABSTRACT Charcoal fines are co-products of the wood carbonization process, unwanted because they reduce the gravimetric yield of the main product, charcoal. It can be produced due to the carbonization process, during the storage and transport of charcoal. Pelletizing charcoal fines increases the energy density of this material, producing a homogeneous fuel with lower moisture content, enabling burning in equipment with high energy efficiency, in addition to desirable properties in energy products such as high fixed carbon content and low moisture content. This study evaluated the effect of moisture content and drying time on the production of black pellets from charcoal fines bound with rice starch (Oryza sativa) on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Black pellets were produced using two proportions of water (10 or 20%) and a drying time of 4 or 6 hours. Black pellets were evaluated for their proximate analysis, elemental composition, moisture content, size, apparent density, calorific value and energy density. The addition of water did not affect the content of volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon, while the treatment with addition of 20% water and four hours of drying showed a higher moisture content (3.34%). The addition of water allowed for better heat conduction and particle arrangement, producing pellets with a durability greater than 98%. The better arrangement promoted by the addition of 20% water also increased the density of the pellets, resulting in greater energy density. Black pellets can be considered an alternative for residential heating, with T3 treatment (20% - 4h) with a high energy density and better performance in terms of desirable properties for use and commercialization according to the standard EN 14961-6.

ABSTRACT The partial or complete loss of vegetation cover triggers an increase in surface runoff, erosion, and sedimentation of water bodies, including reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation, reducing their life expectancy. To control or mitigate this issue, ecological restoration interventions should prioritize the recovery of areas most vulnerable to these processes, such as springs. Conversely, wildfires cause damage to vegetation cover and hinder ecological restoration and/or natural regeneration processes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify - with the aid of Geographic Information Systems - the temporal and spatial likelihood of fire occurrences in spring recharge areas undergoing ecological restoration and contributing to hydroelectric reservoirs in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The findings indicated that the months with the highest probability of wildfire occurrences were August and September (accounting for 66% of cases), requiring increased attention to prevention efforts. Furthermore, locations most susceptible to fires (steeper slopes, more flammable vegetation, and higher anthropogenic use) should be treated as priorities for both prevention and ecological restoration actions.

ABSTRACT The knowledge and identification of stem forms allow more accurate quantification of timber resources as the volume and knowledge of aspects related to species genetics and environmental factors on tree growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was the development of methodology based on concepts of solids of revolution to identify the different forms along the tree stems; define the most appropriate formulas to compute the volume of each part of the stem; and estimate diameters along the stems (stem taper). For this, data from 27 felled sample trees of Eucalyptus grandis, separated equally into nine diameter classes, with 60 months of age, planted under 3 × 3 meters spacing were used to establish the relationships between the variables and develop the methodology. For the set of sample trees, the basal part of the stems resembled a neiloid, a cone at the center, and a paraboloid at the top. The differences between stem volumes obtained by applying specific formulas for each stem section and those obtained by a single formula for all sections were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). The proposed methodology provided accurate estimates of diameters outside the bark compared to the diameters estimated by the taper models for most sample trees, showing the potential of using the methodology as an alternative to traditional methods.

ABSTRACT The composition and dynamics of plant communities are determined by the survival, dispersal and persistence of seeds in the soil, some of the fundamental aspects for understanding plant biology, among which seed dormancy is of particular importance. The aim of this work was to find out whether seed dormancy is affected by certain substrates in order to improve the production of Tabernaemontana heterophylla seedlings. Treatments were carried out with different substrates (T1. Sand, T2. Vegetable clay, T3. Vegetable clay + sand (1:1 ratio), T4. Vermiculite, T5. Cattle manure, T6. Sawdust and T7. Organic compost) in 7 x 4 factorial schemes, the results of which were subjected to an analysis of variance and a comparison of means with the Tukey test at a probability of 5%. The seeds with visible germination structure (hypocotyl) showed an apical meristem in a dormant stage. The number of normal seedlings did not exceed 25% of the germinated seeds in all treatments, with a high proportion of nonviable seeds observed. In the absence of technical information on overcome dormancy, it is important to use strategies that stimulate germination and subsequent seedling growth. The slow germination combined with the presence of dormancy in the hypocotyledon were factors that negatively affected the propagation of the species studied.

ABSTRACT The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is an important forest species that yields natural rubber. Traditionally, rubber tree grafts are cultivated in clonal gardens on soil, which necessitates enormous acreage. However, this approach is not only inefficient in terms of productivity, but it also has nutritional and water control constraints. A tiny clonal garden with a balanced fertilizer treatment is an approach that has previously been employed for other species. To apply this same system to the rubber tree, the goal was to investigate the effects of applying macro and micronutrients via fertigation on the productivity of a mini rubber tree clonal garden, as well as to assess the efficacy of using green stems produced under these conditions in three grafting techniques. Five dosages of macro and micronutrients were administered to grafted rubber tree seedlings (clone ‘RRIM 600’ on ‘GT1’) before transplanting them into plastic pots. A totally randomized design was adopted, with five treatments and ten replications, each with two plants per pot, for a total of twenty plants per treatment. The shoot apex was cut after 105 days, and the green stems measuring more than 20 cm were harvested throughout the course of a year. The number of stems was highest in the months of January to March 2014, after 135 days, reaching 3 green stems per plant-1 per month-1, and productivity increased up to an estimated electrical conductivity of 1.64 mS cm-1. Nutrition was found to boost the output of the rubber tree clonal mini garden as well as the survival of grafts after grafting. The tiny clonal garden is a potential method for getting more vegetative rubber tree propagules.

ABSTRACT Cenostigma pyramidale is an endemic species of Brazil, widely spread in the Caatinga biome. The conditions in the semi-arid Northeastern region of Brazil can affect the development of plants due to the irregularity of rainfall, limiting the availability of water and reducing the germination and initial growth of native species. Therefore, seed priming with salicylic acid may mitigate the effects of water stress on plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seed osmopriming with salicylic acid as a water deficit attenuator on germination and initial growth of C. pyramidale seedlings. A completely randomized design in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five osmotic potentials (Ψs - 0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MPa) and five doses of salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM), with four repetitions of 25 seeds, was used. Germination and initial growth of C. pyramidale were compromised by water deficit. Osmopriming of seeds with salicylic acid at a dose of 0.63 mM is an efficient strategy to reduce the effect of water deficit in the germination stage from the potential of -0.2 MPa. The vigor of C. pyramidale seeds increased under deficit conditions with the application of salicylic acid, with the concentration varying from 0.5 to 1.0 mM. Osmopriming seeds with 0.87 mM salicylic acid promotes the development of vigorous seedlings under water deficit conditions.

ABSTRACT Elevation gradients are useful models for testing how the variation of abiotic factors and anthropogenic disturbance modulate the population structure of plant species. Despite the small range of elevation, mountains in the semi-arid region of Brazil are subject to different levels of anthropic pressure. We investigated whether structural parameters of two species (Croton blanchetianus Baill. and Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P. Lewis) with wide distribution in Caatinga, vary along an elevation gradient. We established 45 plots on three elevation levels. Next, we calculated abundance, percentage of tiller individuals, number of tillers, average diameter, average height, basal area, and above-ground biomass in each plot. Additionally, we recorded six metrics of chronic anthropogenic disturbance (CAD) in each plot. We tested whether species parameters differed between elevation levels and evaluated the influence of CAD on the structural parameters of each species. Abundance, percentage of tiller individuals, and number of tillers were higher at the gradient base for the two species. The metrics of CAD significantly influenced abundance and number of tillers, showing that there is an increase in these parameters in the most disturbing areas. The high capacity for regrowth of dry forest species provides resilience; however, it can contribute to proliferating populations of generalist species tolerant to environments with high rates of CAD. The study highlights relevant observations related to the ecology and distribution of plant populations in the Caatinga, mainly related to elevation gradient recognized as important refuges of biodiversity in this region of Brazil.

ABSTRACT The areas of Amazonian floodplains have added ecological value to their multiple ecosystem services, including water supply, local climate regulation, biodiversity with a marked number of endemic species, and diversity of micro-habitat. Considering the importance of conserving these environments, this study aimed to analyze the behavior and delimit the areas of the natural distribution of forest species Alchornea castaneifolia (Willd.) A. Juss and Laetia corymbulosa (lowland low), Maquira coriacea (H.Karst.) C.C. Berg (Moraceae), and Ocotea cymbarum Kunth (high floodplain), besides evaluating the potential impacts of climate change on the future distribution inferring on its conservation. The potential species distribution was modeled using Environmental Modelling & Software, by employing algorithms such as Bioclim, Domain, Maximum Entropy, Random Forests, and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The projections indicate that climate change threatens the occurrence of floodplain species. Under the SSP 585 scenario for both periods, the four species studied will lose areas of climatic adequacy until the end of the 21st century, especially in the Brazilian Amazon. The study shows the need to increase socio-environmental responsibility through conserving current protected areas in freshwater ecosystems and implementing new priority areas for conserving wetlands (Ramsar Sites) in the Amazon. Such measures are essential to ensure in situ conservation and protect them from habitat loss.

ABSTRACT Ecological restoration mitigates the negative effects of fragmentation and habitat loss. This practice allows the conservation of key species, such as Ocotea porosa, a tree native to the Araucaria Forest and extremely endangered. A key point in restoration projects is the source of seeds, as well as guidelines for collection. When carried out under technical criteria, the collection allows the maintenance of genetic diversity and adaptive potential in restoration plantations. Given the importance of seed source, genetic diversity, and adaptive potential, this study aimed to define areas and criteria for collecting seeds by characterizing the demography, genetics, and reproductive phenology of an O. porosa population. A plot of 16 hectares was installed in the municipality of Passos Maia, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and a demographic survey of trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) > 15 cm was carried out. Indices of diversity and internal genetic structure (IGS) were estimated using allozyme markers. The reproductive phenology of 67 individuals was evaluated during 8 months. The studied population showed a high density of individuals (10.7 ind. ha-1) with normal diametric distribution. The phenological pattern of the species is regular, seasonal, and annual. The evaluated population showed high genetic diversity, high fixation index, and significant IGS up to 80 meters away. Based on these results, the evaluated fragment can be used as a seed collection area. It has high genetic diversity, density, and area size sufficient to contain several demes. In addition, it is highly recommended that the matrices be at least 80 meters apart to avoid the effects of significant IGS.

ABSTRACT Swamp palm (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) is a typical palm tree from the Amazon and Cerrado of Brazil, whose fruits are used in cooking and the pharmaceutical industry. Seed germination of this palm is slow, irregular and often low, which makes its cultivation limited, being exploited in extractive systems. Also, little is known about seedling development, and this knowledge is important to define a protocol for the production of seedlings of this species. This research aimed to develop a protocol for the seed germination of swamp palm under semi-aseptic conditions and to evaluate the seedling development of swamp palm under different production systems. There was no germination in treatments without scarification. The best germination protocol for swamp palm was scarification with operculum removal in seeds recently extracted from the fruit with application of gibberellic acid (plant growth regulator) because it increased the rate and accelerated germination. However, imbibition in aerated water (with H2O2) proved to be suitable up to two days. The best method for seedlings production of swamp palm is the use of conventional bag (20×30 cm) with soil and manure or for producers with greater investment capacity, the use of tubes (180 cm3) for two months and subsequent transplanting to a conventional bag with soil and manure until completing six months.

ABSTRACT Glued Laminated Timber technology allows the construction of wooden structural components bonded with adhesive. This technology enables the creation of large-scale structures, with technological control over the material, and in a competitive industrial system. Focusing on the structural application of wood, the present study assessed the strength of bonded joints with different angles between the fibers of Pinus sp. wood, joined with a two-component polyurethane adhesive based on vegetable oils. The bonded joints were fabricated with angles of 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 70°, 80°, and 90°, and were evaluated for shear strength under compression and torsion. When regression analysis was performed, shear compression values showed compliance with Hankinson’s equation, with an R2 value close to 0.76. However, shear torsion results yielded R2 values near 0.17. Thus, Hankinson’s equation was unsuitable as an estimator for torsional shear strength values. The specimens showed a different mechanical response to shear when tested in compression compared to those tested in torsion.

ABSTRACT The institution of biological value areas through the creation of Natural Protected Areas is an essential tool for protecting the country’s environmental resources to face advanced anthropic development in natural areas, either to increase agriculture production or for economic growth. Environmental vulnerability studies combined with geotechnological tools have been vital to identifying the most vulnerable areas and consequently help Conservation Units protection. This study aimed to analyze environmental vulnerability at the buffer zone of Itabira Natural Monument (MONAI) in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Brazil. The necessary methodological steps for this study were as follows: a) Photointerpretation of land use; b) Anthropic variables selection; c) Application of Euclidean distance function in variables vector images; d) Application of fuzzy membership function in variables raster images; e) Application of Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP); and f) Spatial classification of environmental vulnerability around MONAI. Land use conflicts reveal a relevant presence of pasture areas, representing 49.80% of the buffer zone. This fact corroborates with its Euclidean distance value, which showed the lowest linear value, 836 meters. Eight anthropic variables have been incorporated, highlighting crops, urban areas, exposed soil and pasture. Jenks natural breaks defined five vulnerability classes. According to the results, 57.14% of the entire MONAI buffer zone is represented by the high and very high classes. The outdated law creation of MONAI and the need for a management plan result in a vulnerable buffer zone. The present study can support management plan formulation and assist MONAI’s buffer zone delimitation.

ABSTRACT CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is a pre-fabricated engineered wood panel, generally made from conifer woods, mainly pine and spruce. Due to the low natural resistance of this species to deteriorating organisms attack, the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190:1 (2022) orients the treatment of structural elements before being used. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of woods from Pine and Spruce species, with different preservative treatments and retentions, against wood termite (Cryptotermes brevis) attack. Different species of Pine and Spruce (Pinus abies, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus elliottii e Pinus taeda) were evaluated, as well as different preservatives such as Impralit KDS-B, CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate), CCB (Copper Borate Chromated), MCA-C (Micronized Copper Azol type C) and HQC 791 (fire retardant for wood), usually used in Brazil, the United States and Europe. The results demonstrated that the fire retardant induced greater resistance to attack by xylophagous organisms, with total insect mortality and no surface deterioration after 45 days of testing. The CCA preservative also demonstrated efficiency in wood treatment with high resistance to termite attack, high mortality and only superficial wear of the specimen. It was concluded, therefore, that preservative treatments are recommended to guarantee the durability of the constructive system so that the so-called engineered wood elements can be used as structural systems.

ABSTRACT Pico do Marumbi State Park, in the mountains of Paraná, is the cradle of Brazilian mountaineering, sheltering several altitudinal ecosystems and endangered species. The elaboration and discussion of indicators to assist in public use management is urgent due to the vulnerability and pressure that these environments are subject to. It is also important to characterize the visitation profile and the correlation of accidents and incidents to adopt tools to protect visitors and nature. The data analyzed were extracted from official sources, registers, and records of incidents and accidents. Statistical treatment was adopted, in the analysis of variance and mean comparison tests, according to an entirely randomized design. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and cluster analysis determined the ideal season for visitation. Statistical differences were verified in different periods, with July with the highest average visitation, 924.6 visitors, and February with the lowest average, with 539.4 visitors. The cluster analysis identified the ideal period for visitation, between June and September. The trails to Abrolhos, Olimpo, and Rochedinho had the highest average, with 965.8, 1,080.4, and 1,088.2 visitors. Of the occurrences attended, 75% were from October to May and 25% from June to September. Olimpo is the trail with the highest number of occurrences, about 45%. For 2018 and 2019, the park received 56% of visitors going on their first time. According to the results, adopting preventive and educational information, consorting with technical and climatic criteria, can better triage and safeguard the environment, users, and rescuers more effectively.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to evaluate the effect of thinning on the wood volumes per hectare on the tannin content in the bark of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia. The planting was subdivided into two plots, one thinned at 12 and 55 months of age (T1), while the other plot was kept intact (T2). The dendrometric variables were measured, and ten trees were felled, five in each plot. Subsequently, wood and bark’s volume, mass, and moisture content were determined. Then, the total solids content (TST), the Stiasny index (I), and the condensed tannin content (TTC) were quantified. Dry wood productivity was statistically different between the two treatments, with values of 26.7 and 22.8 t ha-1 for T1 and T2, respectively. The percentage of dry bark corresponded to 16% of the total biomass for both treatments. The only variable that showed a significant difference was I, with values with and without thinning, 59.83 and 79.31%, respectively. Therefore, it was verified that the way the thinning was used changed the I and how they were conducted, favoring the emission of boles and increasing the frequency in the lower diametric classes instead of favoring the increase in DBH. It is concluded that thinning interferes with the biomass volumes and the Stiasny index of M. caesalpiniifolia. However, it does not alter the concentration of tannins present in the species’ bark.

ABSTRACT Understanding the dynamics of endemic tree component species based on natural regeneration (NR) and adult trees (AT) is essential for formulating conservation strategies for protecting these species. The objective of the present study was to identify endemic species in a preserved area of secondary forest in the Atlantic Forest domain in Brazil and to evaluate their dynamics over 24 years. Based on inventories carried out from 1992 to 2016 of the NR (diameter at breast height - dbh ≤ 5 cm) and of the AT (dbh ≥ 5 cm) in ten sites with different characteristics (physiographic, edaphic, and successional), it was possible to, initially, identify 58 species classified as endemic to Brazil (EBR) and/or those exclusive to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (EAF), among the 226 species in the entire survey. Subsequently, this classification was reassessed based on updated information on its occurrence, and only 38 of these species were maintained as endemic to Brazil and/or to the Atlantic Forest. Some species were recorded in the AT and NR strata, in different sites, throughout the study period, while others occurred in only one level (AT or NR), some with low abundance. Among these endemic species, eight are included in the endangered species lists, and 15 can be classified as rare, as there was only one individual in the survey. Considering the two arboreal strata it was observed that some species were abundant in the forest in all inventories and several sites, while others went throughout the study period with few individuals and, in some cases, disappeared due to mortality. These results contribute to understanding the factors that can affect the local abundance of endemic species over time, allowing the definition of conservation actions for protecting these vulnerable species, thus avoiding their extinction.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, the Steppe Savanna and associated vegetation types, typical of the Chaco, are in the Pantanal biome. Land use in this region has caused the suppression of natural vegetation and the emission of greenhouse gases. The knowledge of the phytophysiognomies of the Chaco and its importance for the mitigation and adaptation to climate change can contribute to conservation and protection policies in this region, including specific public policies to support the sustainable use of biodiversity and carbon stock (C). In this work, we present an estimate of the balance between CO2 emissions and removals associated with land use and land cover changes for the Brazilian Chaco, considering the annual average of C loss or gain in living biomass and dead organic matter in three different periods: 1990 to 2000, 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2019. The methodology followed the one recommended by the Fourth National Communication of Brazil to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with adaptations. The results show that the natural vegetation of the Brazilian Chaco has been replaced by pasture throughout the studied period (1990-2019). The Savanna Formations had the greatest reduction in area in this period. The balance points to a net emission of 0.12, 0.05, and 0.03 MgCO2 ha-1 year-1, respectively, in 1990-2000, 2000-2010, and 2010-2019. CO2 removals predominate especially in the Kadiweu Indigenous Land, and emissions prevail in the Chaco South region.

ABSTRACT Phenology is defined as the study of the timing of biological events and the biotic and abiotic factors that trigger them. This study reports a description of the phenology of Byrsonima pachyphylla and B. verbascifolia in an ecotonal area between the Cerrado and Amazonia biomes in the Brazilian state of Tocantins, to contribute to a better understanding of their autoecology in this region. Two populations of 15 adult individuals of each species, randomly selected in a Cerrado area in Porto Nacional, Tocantins, were surveyed for 12 months. Percentages were estimated of leaf flush, young, mature, and senescent leaves (vegetative phenology), flower buds, open flowers, green and ripe fruits (reproductive phenology) present in the canopy, as well as the synchrony of the reproductive phenophases. The vegetative and reproductive phenological events were seasonal and occurred mainly at the end of the dry season and during the transition from the dry to the rainy season. Considering the vegetative and reproductive phenology, B. pachyphylla was classified as “evergreen with continuous growth” and as a late-flowering species, whereas B. verbascifolia was classified as “evergreen with seasonal growth” and as an early-flowering species. The reproductive phenological activity of the species exhibited high synchrony. The results suggest that the vegetative and reproductive events are peculiar to each species and represent effective strategies for their survival in the Cerrado, which is markedly seasonal.

ABSTRACT Astrocaryum aculeatum Mart. Moreover, Astrocaryum acaule Mart. are palm trees with ecological and extractive importance in the Amazon. These are hearty species that have been associated with archaeological sites and thrive in the presence of humans in certain areas. This work aimed to verify the effect of global climate change on the potential geographic distribution of A. acaule and A. aculeatum in the current period and future climate scenarios using ecological niche modeling in Brazilian phytogeographic domains. The modeling was based on 19 bioclimatic variables obtained from the Worldclim website and four algorithms (Climate space model, Envelope Score, Niche Mosaic, and Environmental Distance). Additionally, the Environmental Distance algorithm showed greater similarity regarding species distribution with potential occurrence in the five Brazilian domains (Amazon, Pantanal, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The dispersion patterns were very similar between the two Astrocaryum palms though A. aculeatum was more sensitive to climatic variations. A. acaule may be more resilient to changes, as demonstrated by being able to recolonize in the southern portion of the Amazon in future scenarios in the year 2070. The modeling helped to delimit potential areas for A. aculeatum and A. acaule, indicating the need for the conservation of the species in more sensitive regions.

ABSTRACT Wood from planted forests is the main input in the charcoal production chain. However, the heterogeneity of charcoal, in terms of its physical, chemical and mechanical properties, and the low yield in production processes is among the main problems faced by industries. To select the best clones for the production of charcoal for steelmaking, the objective of this work was to evaluate the properties of wood, in addition to the yield and quality of charcoal from different genotypes of Eucalyptus and Corymbia. Five clones of Eucalyptus spp., 8 years old and one of Corymbia torelliana x Corymbia citriodora, 4 years old were studied. In the wood were determined the basic density, structural chemical composition, thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), crystallinity index and higher heating value. Carbonizations were carried out in a muffle oven, with a total time of 270 minutes, starting at 150°C and ending at 450°C. The gravimetric yield, apparent density, higher heating value and proximate analysis of charcoal were determined. The wood basic density varied between 477 and 652 kg/m3, with the highest value observed for the Eucalyptus cloeziana clone. This clone also had the highest total lignin content (32.6%), the highest charcoal yield (36.3%) and charcoal with the highest apparent density (466 kg/m3). The two clones of Eucalyptus urophylla had the highest heating value for charcoal, whose mean was 7545 kcal/kg. The clone of Corymbia torelliana x Corymbia citriodora, having an apparent density greater than 500 kg/m3 at 4 years of age, stood out in terms of productivity. All evaluated clones have potential for charcoal production, however, the Eucalyptus cloeziana clone stood out positively, being the most suitable for charcoal production.

ABSTRACT The main function of the adhesive is to promote adhesion between materials, as well as provide fluidity and fill in the gaps between joints. Information such as grammage and bonding pressure is fundamental when it comes to the execution of structures in glued laminated wood. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the shear strength in compression of bonded joints using a one-component polyurethane adhesive with cold curing at three different gram levels, being 150 g.m-2, 200 g.m-2 and 250 g.m-2, with spreading on a single face, applied at two pressure levels, 0.7 MPa, and 1.0 MPa. The apparent density was determined, and with that, four blocks/density groups were obtained, which comprised four repetitions. In addition, the percentage of failure in the specimens after performing the shear test was analyzed. Statistical data analysis was carried out adopting a randomized design in a 2x3 factorial block to analyze the effects of grammage and bonding pressure on wood strength and failure The homogeneity and normality of the data were tested, and later the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the joints’ strength was not affected, both for weight and pressure levels. As for the wood failure percentage, the values obtained were low, with averages below 35%.

ABSTRACT Trees transport water from underground to the atmosphere through the evapotranspiration process. Climate change can significantly compromise this process due to changes in land use, such as deforestation. This study aimed to characterize the hydraulic and anatomical attributes of Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don (Bignoniaceae), in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon. For this purpose, the xylem vulnerability curve of this species was described. The frequency and diameter of the xylem vessels and the stomata density were also measured. Finally, a hydraulic attribute of Jacaranda copaia was compared to other species at global, tropical, and Amazonian levels. The findings show that, in the region studied, the species Jacaranda copaia has diffuse-porous woods and numerous vessels (average vessel ranging from 8 to 14 nº/mm2) with small (

ABSTRACT The simultaneous effect of elevated CO2 concentration and drought on trees is still under investigation in the Amazon. We evaluated the effect of CO2 levels (400 and 800 ppm) and water regimes (50% and 100% soil field capacity) on photosynthetic traits, chlorophyll fluorescence, and total biomass accumulation in Ceiba pentandra. In well-watered plants, light-saturated photosynthesis (PN-sat) increased in plants exposed to elevated CO2, but both PN-sat and stomatal conductance decreased in response to water deficit. The maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco declined under elevated CO2, which indicates down-regulation of photosynthesis at elevated CO2. The Fv/Fm ratio was not affected by treatments. Notwithstanding, total plant biomass and leaf area were reduced by 34-37% under water deficit, but they were not affected by CO2 levels. The PN-sat values measured in well-irrigated plants at ambient CO2 were similar to those observed in plants subjected to elevated CO2 and water deficit (p = 0.26). We concluded that the effect of water deficit on PN-sat was mitigated by elevated CO2. These results suggest that the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentrations associated to climate changes can at least partly offset the negative effect of drought in this multiuse and widely distributed species.

ABSTRACT The use of forest seedling banks is recommended for producing seedlings of species essential for specific forest typologies for which propagation poses challenges. However, given the lack of understanding of how human intervention, such as the removal of regenerating individuals from the forest, influences the composition and structure of the plant community, there is a pressing need for further research. Our primary objective here was to identify the effects of seedling removal on natural regeneration in forest communities and to characterize seedling bank dynamics three years after anthropogenic intervention. A randomized block design was used for the experiment, consisting of five removal intensities (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% removal), with evaluations conducted every three months for three years. All individuals of the shrub-arboreal component between 5-55 cm heights were measured. Collected data were analyzed to determine the impacts of the removal of individuals and the influence of environmental elements on the seedling community. We found that the shrub-arboreal component of the forest community exhibited marked resilience three years following the removal of regenerating individuals. Removal of up to 50% of regenerating individuals does not appear to interfere with plant community dynamics, suggesting species with a high density of individuals in the seedling bank are resilient to the impacts of human intervention. Although climatic seasonality also affects seedling bank dynamics in plant communities, this effect depends on the level of human intervention in an area and, therefore, has been omitted from the analysis.

ABSTRACT The value chains that compose family farming constitute several economic activities relevant to the Brazilian economy. The tobacco sector stands out for its financial aspect but also its environmental appeal. For this reason, it has been giving special attention to the sustainability of the production process, including the energy efficiency of tobacco drying, where forest biomass is used as a renewable energy source. Thus, the objective of this work was to carry out a diagnosis of forest production and consumption by tobacco producers. The applied methodology was based on the inventory of the producers’ forests and the Brazilian Association of Tobacco Growers’ database. It was estimated that the sector’s forestry base, comprised of the seven VTPR (Virginia tobacco-producing regions), had a total of 116,103.05 ha of Eucalyptus forest plantations. It is possible to observe that the forest structure is deregulated in both areas. The PR – Southeast, SC – North Plateau, SC – Alto Vale, and RS – Costa Doce regions showed a firewood deficit. The regions SC – Coast, and RS – Central Depression presented an oversupply of forest biomass. There is energy self-sufficiency for tobacco production for some of the VTPR. However, the scenarios showed a firewood deficit in part of the regions. Thus, results show that it is necessary to implement strategic plans to achieve energy self-sufficiency for the sector.

ABSTRACT So far, the commercial production of Eremanthus incanus seedlings has been performed with seeds without any genetic control. Thus, we propose two experiments to examine seed-trees' effect on their descendants via the seminal in the nursery phase and verify the correlation between the variables. We installed the first experiment in a greenhouse and evaluated seedling emergence weekly for 42 days. At the exit of the greenhouse, at 60 days, we estimated survival. We conducted the second experiment in a shade house and, later, in full sun. We evaluated seedlings' height, diameter, and survival at 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after sowing. At 180 days, we quantified shoot, root, and total dry matter weight and calculated the Dickson Quality Index (DQI). The effects of E. incanus seed-trees on their descendants via the seminal were significant for emergence, growth characteristics, and seedling quality. The seedling survival rate at the greenhouse exit was high for all seed-trees, ranging from 72.2% to 97.2%. All seed-trees showed greater biomass allocation in the shoots of the seedlings, with this proportion being more pronounced in some of them. Although not significant, the correlation estimates between the emergence rate and the other traits were all positive. The correlations between height, diameter, dry mass, and DQI were significant and positive, from moderate to high magnitude. Due to its nondestructive nature, the diameter can be considered the most suitable practical indicator to evaluate the quality of E. incanus seedlings. Our results substantially contribute to implementing more effective conservation and breeding strategies, helping to understand the behavior of E. incanus in Campos Rupestres environments regarding seedling production and recovery of ecosystem services.

ABSTRACT Nutrient prediction models applied to tree species from Brazilian Caatinga can be a crucial tool in understanding this biome. The study aimed to fit a mixed model to predict nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content in tree species native to the Caatinga biome located in Floresta municipality, Pernambuco State – PE, Brazil. The following species were considered the area’s most important and evaluated in the present study: Poincianella bracteosa (Tul.) L.P.Queiroz, Mimosa ophtalmocentra Mart. ex Benth, Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart, Cnidoscolus quercifolius (Mull. Arg.) Pax. & Hoffm, and Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul. Four trees, representing the average circumference in each diameter class, were harvested for NPK quantification. The Spurr model was evaluated for NPK prediction, and species inclusion as a random effect was significant (p > 0.05) in all models. The Spurr model with fixed and random effects presented better statistics than fixed-effect models in all parameters for all nutrients. Generated NPK predicting equations can be a handy tool to understand the impact of wood extraction over Caatinga’s biogeochemical cycles and guide forest management strategies in semi-arid regions of the world.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to assess the effect of progressive neutralization on the antimicrobial properties against bacteria and yeasts of wood vinegar obtained from the pyrolysis of Eucalyptus urograndis (clone I144) wood. Wood samples were carbonized at a heating rate of 0.9 °C min-1 until a final temperature of 450 °C, totalizing 8 hours of carbonization. The raw pyrolysis liquids were left to settle, and the aqueous fraction was separated. Then, the aqueous fraction (raw wood vinegar - WV) was purified to yield the WV. WV samples were collected and neutralized from pH 2.5 until 7.5 (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5, by adding NaOH solution. Through the broth microdilution method, the antimicrobial effect of the neutralized samples at each pH was assessed on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 13076), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus agalactiae (CEPA CLINICA), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (and fungicidal) concentrations were determined through in vitro technics. Results were subjected to logarithmic regression analysis, and statistical models were fitted for each microorganism in the assessed pH range; as pH increased, a progressive decrease in the CIM increased, demanding higher concentrations of WV to inhibit microbial growth. The more resistant strains were S. aureus and S. agalactiae, which required an increase in WV concentration from a minimum of 6.25% at pH 2.5 to reaching 50% at pH 6.0. When at pH 7.0, both strains were not inhibited even at 50% (the highest concentration evaluated in the study). In contrast, C. albicans proved to be the most sensitive strain, starting from 3.12% EP at pH 2.5 and requiring only 25% for inhibition at pH 7.0. The behavior of P. aeruginosa and S. enteritidis followed the pattern of C. albicans, differing only at pH 7.0, where they required 50% of EP. As observed, even at neutral and slightly alkaline pH, the inhibitory activity of EP on microbial growth was maintained to some extent. Nevertheless, even when neutral and slightly alkaline pH values are reached, the inhibitory activity remains at a certain level. Higher pH values of the WV were associated with lower antimicrobial activity. However, its activity remained even at neutral and slightly alkaline pH values.

ABSTRACT When producing Ilex paraguariensis seedlings through vegetative propagation, selecting the correct populations and genotypes, and obtaining juvenile material, may be fundamental for its success. Therefore, this search aimed to test its vegetative propagation through cutting and rescue using detached branches of different populations in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Thus, two experiments were installed in September 2019 in order to test: I) the cuttings of four populations belonging to the municipalities of Catanduvas (CT), Painel (PL), Três Barras (TB), and Urupema (UR), using ten randomly chosen genotypes from each, and; II) the epicormic sprouting of detached branches from these same populations. Both experiments were carried out in Lages, Santa Catarina. In February 2020, the cutting was evaluated according to the percentages of survival, callus, rooting, new sprouts, and original leaves permanence. The branches were evaluated every 30 days after storing, observing the percentages of sprouting branches, number of sprouts, and length of sprouts in centimeters. As for cutting, there was a low survival percentage in all populations (70%), characteristic of material of high maturity. Rooting was low for populations (

ABSTRACT Optimizing resources is essential for the excellence and competitiveness of a forestry company. In this context, this study evaluated the productivity and quality of eucalyptus wood processing for energy purposes. The study was conducted in a forestry company in Paraná State in stands of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus saligna clones named stands 1 and 2, respectively, with an age of 7 years old. The trees were processed with a harvester and included the following four stem diameter limits for pulp production and co-products for energy purposes: 8, 10, 12, and 14 cm; and pulp logs with a length of 7.20 m. The technical analysis of the operation determined the average operating cycle times, utilization rate and machine productivity. In addition, a quality analysis determined the stem diameter limits for production of the co-products and the lengths of the pulp logs; the limit diameters were compared by the Tukey’s test, and the stands by the Student’s t-test (α ≤ 0.05). The results showed that the processing time decreased with increasing limit diameter, with the highest values being in stand 1 due to the higher number of branches and forked trees. The processing logs at 10 cm limit diameter provided higher harvester productivity, with 59.5 m³ PMH-¹ and 62.2 m³ PMH-¹ in stands 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, the best quality in the limit diameter measurement was obtained at 10 cm. Thus, the effects of forest stand and limit diameters on processing and operation quality were evident.

ABSTRACT To simplify the characterization of wood species, the Brazilian standard document ABNT NBR 7190-1 (2022) establishes the determination of mechanical properties employing the characteristic strength in the compression parallel to grain (fc0,k). This mechanical property is estimated using the linear relation given by the following expression fv0,k = 0.12·fc0,k Brazilian and European standard documents support the estimation of fv0,k using relations among properties. However, the European guidelines in the EN 384 (2019) have used the conventional characteristic strength in the static bending test (fM,k). Thus, this study aimed to investigate the efficiency of the ratio fv0,k = 0.12·fc0,k for adopting 30 hardwoods. The variance analysis results demonstrate the divergence among the experimental outcomes and those values estimated using the relation cited. Therefore, regression models at two parameters were considered to obtain more accurate estimates of fv0,k by adopting fc0,k, and fM,k as independent variables. Regarding the results, the geometric (R² = 80.80%) and linear (R² = 74.19%) models were the most accurate for the estimates of fv0,k in terms of fc0,k, and fM,k, respectively. This fact evinces the good accuracy of the models under consideration, which may provide a more rigorous structural design compared to the correlation currently prescribed by the ABNT NBR 7190-1 (2022).

ABSTRACT Handroanthus impetiginosus is a Brazilian native tree threatened by illegal logging that needs conservation strategies. Due to the need to obtain seeds of high genetic and physiological quality, this study aimed to select mother trees, aiming at the installation of Seed Collection Areas of H. impetiginosus. Therefore, the genetic diversity and physiological quality of seeds from 63 individuals of a natural population of H. impetiginosus in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were evaluated. The molecular markers revealed that the studied population has high intrapopulation genetic diversity (Nei’s genetic diversity = 0.35; and Shannon index = 0.52). Subsequently, germination and seed vigor tests evaluated the physiological quality of seeds from 63 trees. Of this total, 45 individuals produced seeds of high and intermediate physiological quality. Therefore, individuals with a Nei’s genetic distance < 0.72 and germination greater than 50% can be selected as mother trees, and the population has the potential to propose a Seed Collection Area.

ABSTRACT Mistletoe is an important nutritional resource for the frugivorous ornithological fauna in several ecosystems. However, in great intensity, they can reduce the vigor of their host trees, requiring adequate management in urban afforestation, without depleting this source of food for birds. The hypothesis that there are hemiparasites with host specificity was the reason for this study. Thus, a floristic census of the trees was carried out at UFMT, campus Cuiabá; the infestation by genus of hemiparasite present was recorded, in quantity and degree of infestation, in addition to the quantification of seeds of the hemiparasite germinated without the development of the vegetative part, whose cotyledons necrotized and died. A total of 4265 tree individuals were evaluated, distributed in 46 families, in which 16,52% were identified of the genera Phoradendron, Psittacanthus, and Struthanthus, of which about 90,0% were Psittacanthus. The highest infestation occurred in 24 families, highlighting Fabaceae (28,3%) and Combretaceae (25,6%), and the species Terminalia catappa, Anadenanthera peregrina, and Vatairea macrocarpa. The presence of germinated seeds of the hemiparasite with dead cotyledons varies between tree species and between individuals of the same species. The highlight was in Rutaceae, Arecaceae, and Rubiaceae, and in the species Acrocomia aculeata, Caryocar villosum, and Genipa americana L. that present individuals with natural control potential, even with the presence of frugivorous ornithological fauna and the dispersion of the hemiparasite. In general, the intensity and degree of infestation are low, and there is no infestation in the Caryocaceae, Rutaceae, and Rubiaceae families, highlighting the species Caryocar villosum, Murraya paniculata and Alibertia edulis.

ABSTRACT Studies on birds and their habitats are usually conducted in natural areas (protected areas, forests, wetlands, etc.). In this study, the relationship between agricultural landscape diversity and the species diversity of birds was investigated in an agricultural zone surrounded by natural and forested areas. Observations were carried out in 60 sample grid squares. Presence/absence data for birds and cultivated plants at each sample site were recorded. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index for bird species and landscape metrics for agricultural areas were used in the sample site. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explain the correlation between agricultural landscape diversity and bird species diversity. According to the results, the area-weighted mean shape index (AWMSI) and the number of patches (NP) were found to be particularly effective at predicting bird species diversity (R2 = 0.66). In addition, as the patch number and patch shape ratio increased in a sample area, the diversity of bird species (R = 0.83) expanded. It can be concluded that agricultural zones consisting of small, different patches are rich areas for bird species diversity. Bird species diversity is lessened in agricultural areas with uniform or similar landscape structures consisting of large patches. If the NP in the area is high, but not distributed in a mosaic pattern, then the diversity of bird species is considered weak. Despite the increasing NP and patch types, bird species diversity declines if there is intense human activity in the area.

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian planted forest sector, most of the species used are from the genus Eucalyptus. Even though Southern Brazil has a suitable climate for species of the genus Pinus, the planting of frost-resistant Eucalyptus species has been increasing annually. The objective of this study was to evaluate the basic density, fiber dimensions, and chemical composition of Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus dunnii, Eucalyptus saligna, and Eucalyptus cloeziana woods. The trees used were from a six-year-old experimental plantation located in Canoinhas, state of Santa Catarina. For each species, three trees were selected, and discs were removed from each tree at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the commercial stem height. To evaluate the quality of the wood, the basic wood density, fiber dimensions, and chemical composition of the wood were determined by comparing the values between species and between the heights in the stem. The highest basic density was that of the wood of E. cloeziana; this species also had the greatest length and width of fibers. E. dunnii had the lowest levels of lignin and the highest levels of holocellulose. The highest lignin content was found in the wood of E. benthamii, E. saligna, and E. cloeziana. The relationship between wood properties and stem height was not relevant. The results highlight the tendency for higher extractives to be found at taller heights (100%), and holocellulose and lignin content are similar at all heights.

ABSTRACT Brazil has advanced in export volume but has not been able to increase prices over the last decade for wood products. This work seeks to contribute to the understanding of this conflicting scenario, evaluating the growth in the revenue of Brazilian exports of these products during two periods: 2011-2015 and 2016-2020, as well as decomposing its effects in price, exchange rate, and volume. The method applied was the shift-share, widely used to identify determinants of sectoral and regional economic growth, being a precursor to the approach in the analysis of forest sector exports. Historical series for 5 (five) categories of wood products were analyzed, with export data from the Ministry of Economy. The historical series of nominal exchange rates from the Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) was used. The real effective exchange rate (RER) followed the methodological note of the IPEA. All product categories analyzed had positive effects in terms of volume, for both periods, with a greater proportion in the second being driven by the exchange rate, although with a loss in real price, failing to offset inflation. The only exception was wood manufacturers, a product with higher added value, which presented gains in volume, exchange rates, and price. The volume effect was the most relevant, followed by the exchange rate as a result of the appreciation of the dollar against the real against the exchange rate and control of inflation in terms of the divergent effects on the national and international scenario. The price presented negative variations in export revenue, with a decline over the period. In addition to the added value of exported products, world stocks and levels of consumption may have contributed negatively to this scenario, affecting all categories of exported products, except for manufactured wood products, the only category that did not reflect such justifications.

ABSTRACT Anthropic activities in their various aspects have promoted soil degradation in the Brazilian semi-arid region (SAB). As a result, significant losses in productivity and in the ability of soils to fulfill their ecological functions have been reported. The present study investigated the effects of degradation on soil attributes and properties under dense (CAD) and sparse (CAE) shrubby Caatinga in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Samples from the 0-20 cm layer of soil were investigated via physical (particle size distribution and soil density), chemical (acidity, electrical conductivity, macronutrients, soil organic matter) and microbiological attributes (microbial biomass carbon (C-BMS), basal respiration of the soil (RBS) and metabolic quotient (qCO2) Data were submitted to the Mann-Whitney Test and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Anthropic actions on the CAE promoted the exposure of the saprolitic layer on the surface. This layer has imperfect drainage, low levels of nutrients and organic matter and high sodicity, which contributes to the slow regeneration of vegetation. Carbon stock and microbial activity are significantly lower in CAE compared to CAD. Degradation resulted in losses of supporting ecosystem services (nutrient cycling and primary production) and regulation (erosion control and climate regulation). The results can be used to understand the dynamics of landscapes of low complexity (high degradation) in the SAB and serve as a framework to find strategies to restore the productive capacity of extensive degraded and/or desertified areas in the SAB.

ABSTRACT Modeling diameter distribution in natural forests is an important tool for understanding the native woody species dynamics, supporting decision-making for degraded lands management and restoration. Therefore, this work aimed to fit probabilistic density functions to evaluate the diameter structure of three tree species with economic interest, such as Campomansesia xanthocarpa Marl. Ex. O. Berg, Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. and Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bureau ex Verl., in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment at São Paulo State, Brazil. The data came from 83 temporary plots of 10 m x 20 m systematically distributed along 164 ha. Log-normal, Gamma, and Weibull functions were fitted to the three species using the fitdistrplus-package in the R program. Kolmogorov-Smirnov's adherence test was used to evaluate the fits at a 5% probability level. The functions were selected employing Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), in addition to a graphical analysis of the fitted functions. The results indicated that the three species diameter structure is positively asymmetric, representing the exponential pattern, representing continuous natural regeneration. AIC and BIC statistics indicated the Log-normal function to describe the diameter distribution of C. xanthocarpa and Z. tuberculosa, while the Gamma function was the most appropriate for P. gonoacantha. For the three species, the graphical analysis showed the Gamma function results in the best fit without tendency for estimating frequency density per diameter class.

ABSTRACT The addition of adequate proportions of organic residues to formulate substrates with soil, render positive results on germination and seedling growth by providing benefits to the physical and chemical attributes of the soil. Determining an adequate proportion of such residues is essential to obtain seedlings exhibiting morphophysiological quality. This study aims to evaluate seed emergence and the development of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Swartz and Cassia grandis L. f. seedlings in organic substrates. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design arranged in 2 x 3 x 5 factorial scheme, consisting of two soil classes (Oxisol and Entisol), three types of organic substrate (COP (organic compost from tree pruning + cattle and goat manure), CLU (urban waste compost), RES (residue from the extraction of sisal fiber) and five percentages of organic residues (0, 20, 40, 60, 80). The percentage of emergence and emergence speed of seeds, plant height, number of leaves, root length and dry mass were determined. The species showed better results for these variables when adding organic residues to the substrate. The addition of 80% COP or CLU to the substrate provided higher mean values for percentage of emergence in seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and the substrate constituted by only soil provided higher dry mass in seedlings of this species. The combination of 50% COP and 50% soil (Oxisol and Entisol) resulted in higher means for the percentage of seed emergence, velocity of emergence and biomass production in Cassia grandis L. f. seedlings.

ABSTRACT Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and types of flasks sealing that allow gas exchange can favor the development of in vitro plant propagation systems. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the eff ects of cytokinin supplementation on the induction of shoot proliferation and the influence of gas exchange on the in vitro development of Jacaranda cuspidifolia Mart microcuttings. Nodal segments were cultured in medium supplemented with diff erent concentrations (0.25; 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0 mg L-1) of 6-benzyladenine (BA). In the control treatment, there was no addition of PGRs. After 30 days of culture, the microcuttings were isolated and transferred to a rooting medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 indole-3-butyric acid. At this stage, the culture fl asks were sealed with rigid polypropylene lids with a porous membrane (1 M; 21 μL L-1 s-1 CO2) or with no membrane (0 M; 14 μL L-1 s-1 CO2). Cytokinin supplementation induced the activation of axillary buds of J. cuspidifolia. The highest numbers of shoots were observed in explants cultivated in the presence of 0.5–1.0 mg L-1 BA. The microcuttings kept in flasks with a higher level of gas exchange (1M) had a higher percentage of rooting and greater root and shoot lengths. Microscopic analysis showed a greater differentiation of leaf tissues in plants kept in flasks with a higher level of gas exchange (1M). These plants also showed greater mesophyll thickness and, consequently, greater leaf blade thickness. The results provide new information for establishing an efficient in vitro propagation system for J. cuspidifolia.