CLIMATIC NICHE DETERMINES THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF MYRTACEAE SPECIES IN BRAZILIAN SUBTROPICAL ATLANTIC FOREST

ABSTRACT The understanding of factors determining species geographic distribution is a fundamental aim of ecology. We investigated the environmental niche for three Myrtaceae species in the Brazilian Subtropical Atlantic Forest (BSAF), part of a global conservation hotspot. Based on a literature review, we selected one representative Myrtaceae species in three important forest types in this region: Evergreen Rain Forest (coastal plains and associated mountains ranges); Araucaria Forest, and Seasonal Deciduous Forest (continental upland areas). Geographical coordinates of their distribution were obtained from the BIEN database. As explanatory variables, we considered altitude, climate, cloud cover, and soil classes. We summarized the environmental space occupied by each pair of species using Principal Components Analysis, determined niche overlaps, and applied statistical tests to verify niche equivalences and similarities. The selected species in Evergreen Rain Forest, Araucaria Forest, and Seasonal Deciduous Forest were Myrcia splendens (Sw.) DC., Myrcia guianensis (Aubl.) DC., and Campomanesia xanthocarpa O.Berg., respectively. C. xanthocarpa showed a more restricted geographic distribution than the two Myrcia species that occur from central America to southern Brazil. Species’ geographic distribution were fundamentally determined by temperature and rainfall regimes. Only C. xanthocarpa and M. guianensis, from uplands forest formations, showed environmental niche equivalence. In conclusion, we found that both species of Myrcia showed high climatic niche amplitudes occurring throughout the climatic gradient, while C. xanthocarpa was more subtropical, distributed mostly in the south and southeast of Brazil.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN LEAF-CUTTING ANTS, Atta sexdens (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE), USING PATHOGENIC FUNGI

ABSTRACT Chemical control using toxic baits containing the active ingredient sulfluramid at 0.3% (w/w) is the main method for controlling leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex. However, since 2009, when sulfluramid was included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, there has been an intense search for new methods that are efficient in controlling these insects. Among said new methods, biological control using pathogenic fungi has shown promising results in laboratory conditions. The objective of this study, given the context presented, was to assess the potential of the fungi Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma harzianum in controlling Atta sexdens. Colonies of A. sexdens were exposed to the fungi by means of formulated baits provided in a foraging chamber, or of suspensions sprayed on the fungus garden, and had their behavioral changes recorded for 21 days. For both formulations, concentrations of 10 and 20% (w/w) of the fungi being studied were used. The results allowed concluding that baits containing 10 and 20% (w/w) of the fungi B. bassiana and T. harzianum were not efficient in controlling colonies of A sexdens. On the other hand, spraying suspensions of 20% (w/w) of B. bassiana and 10% and 20% (w/w) of T. harzianum was efficient and resulted in 100% mortality of the colonies 11, 9 and 7 days after application, respectively. These findings indicate that the fungi B. bassiana and T. harzianum are promising as agents for the control of A. sexdens colonies, when sprayed on the fungus garden, although there are still some challenges as to their use related to the development of technologies for the application of the pathogen.

QUALITY OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD FLOORS

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the basic density of the wood and to simulate the performance of flooring produced with wood from five tropical species: Dipteryx odorata (Cumaru), Handroanthus spp. (Ipê), Hymenaea Courbaril (Jatobá), Astronium Lecointei (Muiracatiara), and Bowdichia virgilioides (Sucupira-Preta). Falling steel sphere, static and dynamic friction, indentation caused by loads applied in small areas, rolling load, and abrasiveness impact tests were simulated. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at 5% significance, and Pearson’s correlation was performed between the basic density and the indexes of each flooring. The basic density of the wood flooring made from the evaluated species ranged from 0.735 to 0.958 g.cm-3. D. odorata, Handroanthus spp. and H. courbaril woods were classified as heavy, while those of A. Lecointei and B. Virgilioides as moderately heavy. It was possible to indicate D. odorata, Handroanthus spp., H. courbaril, and B. Virgilioides flooring for environments with intense traffic where there is dragging or falling objects such as industries and companies. The A. Lecointei flooring can be used in residential environments with light traffic, where the loads exerted are low. There was a correlation between the basic wood density and the flooring use simulation tests.

FLAME RETARDANTS EFFECTS ON THE INITIAL GROWTH OF Schizolobium amazonicum HUBER EX DUCKE

ABSTRACT Flame retardants are efficient in fighting wildfire; however, their environmental implications, especially regarding the vegetation, need to be clarified. This work aimed at assessing the effects of flame retardant on the initial growth of Schizolobium amazonicum. Treatments consisted in applying different flame retardant concentrations via substrate and leaf: Phos-Chek WD-881® (0, 3.00, 6.00, 8.00 and 10.00 mL L-1), Hold Fire® (0, 7.00, 9.00, 12.00 and 15.00 mL L-1) and water-retaining polymer Nutrigel® used as alternative retardant (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g L-1). Growth analyses were carried out to assess the effects of these substances (10 repetitions per treatment). The aliquot of 10.00 mL L-1 of Phos-Chek WD881 applied on the leaves led to an increase of 70% in leaf area and 15% in seedling height. The same Phos-Chek concentration favored height increase (32%) and total dry mass accumulation (33%) throughout time. The concentration of 15 mL L-1 of Hold Fire® applied on leaves, compromised 45% the accumulation of dry biomass in the seedling. Initially, 1.00 g L-1 of Nutrigel® applied via substrate led to an increase of 70% in leaf area, 29% in plant height, and 89% in leaf dry mass. Therefore, Phos-Chek applied on leaves favored shoot growth in S. amazonicum. Hold Fire® applied on leaves impaired biomass accumulation in seedlings. Nutrigel® applied on substrate does not cause long-lasting damage to the initial growth of S. amazonicum. The aliquot of 0.50 g L-1 administered via polymer leave had positive effect on seedling shoot.

POLYPHENOL CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil. et al.) Hieron. ex Niederl. AND Cupania vernalis Cambess. (SAPINDACEAE)

ABSTRACT Allophylus edulis and Cupania vernalis (Sapindaceae) are Brazilian native trees used as medicinal plants for the treatment of respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and skin diseases. Ubiquitously distributed in the Brazilian territory, these species are indicated for mixed plantations aimed at the recovery of degraded ecosystems. In this study, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), and the antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions obtained from A. edulis and C. vernalis leaves were assessed. The TPC and TFC was determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through radical scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The extracts were obtained by two methods: maceration (method 1) and Soxhlet (method 2). Solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) were used to obtained the fractions. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction from A. edulis, obtained from the maceration method, had the highest TPC (442.0 ± 18.2 mg GAE g-1) and TFC (58.1 ± 0.4 mg RUE g-1), and antioxidant activity (EC50 = 43.6 ± 2.6 µg mL-1). By C. vernalis, superior results were obtained with the n-butanol fraction (TPC = 126.1 ± 5.8 mg GAE g-1, TFC = 37.7 ± 0.6 mg RUE g-1). The highest antioxidant potential was found in the crude hydroalcoholic extract (EC50 = 816.1 ± 50.9 µg mL-1) and butanol fraction (1,156.4 ± 3.8 µg mL-1). The results of this study show that the fractions obtained by maceration and liquid-liquid partition with more polar solvents (ethyl acetate and n-butanol) are the richest in TPC and TFC, and presented the greater antioxidant activity. Comparing the two plants, A. edulis showed the best results, with a high content of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant potential, and therefore may be used to treat diseases related to oxidative stress.

SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELING IN FOREST PLANNING OF ANNUAL PRODUCTION UNITS IN THE SOUTHWEST AMAZONIA

ABSTRACT The generally limited resources for forest management and the growing need of forest production regulation requires the optimization of planning approaches for the spatialization of annual production units (APU). An APU planning methodology for forest species of high wood value (Amburana acreana (Ducke) ACSm., Apuleia leiocarpa (Vogel) JF Macbr. and Castilla ulei Warb.) in management area was proposed, using prediction of potential distribution of these species with data from the occurrence of a census forest inventory. It was used sample inventory data simulated in three sampling systems (random, conglomerate systematic, and systematic) and sample intensities (0.5% and 0.8%). As predictive variables, it was used the altitude, vertical distance to the nearest drain, individual bands of the TM sensor on board the Landsat 5, and vegetation index by normalized difference. Eighteen models were obtained, six per species. The test area under the curve (AUC) of the models ranged from 0.517 to 0.804. For all species, the best predictive model was considered the conglomerate system with a sample intensity of 0.8%. Altitude was the predictor variable that most contributed to the models. The AUC values for the Amburana acreana models were significantly different from Apuleia leiocarpa and Castilla ulei (p = 0.0138). For species of lower density, it is recommended greater sampling intensity and sampling systems that provide better spatialization of occurrence records. The use of data from sampling forest inventories in different sampling systems is capable of predicting environmental suitability for forest species and helps to define APUs. Thus, it is possible to strenghten the exploration strategies and management planning of management areas and to contribute to the perpetuation of the activity in the unequal forests of the Amazon region.

SEASONALITY OF THE BARK TANNINS CONTENT OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD Acacia mangium TREES GROWN IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the influence of the seasonality on the bark tannins content of Acacia mangium trees grown in the Northeastern Brazilian Region and the effect of soil preparation on the results. Two experimental plots of 1.0 ha each were submitted to different soil preparation methods, with two different intensities. The experimental design consisted of four treatments, two types of soil preparation and, two different bark collection seasons (end of the rainy and dry seasons). The bark of the trees was collected in each treatment and the contents of condensed tannins were determined. For each experimental treatment, 15 trees were harvested and debarked. Bark material was submitted to extraction with hot water, obtaining the total solids content (TSC), Stiasny index (I), and the condensed tannins content (CTC). There was no influence of the soil preparation method on the TSC, I, and CTC. However, there was a significant difference in these parameters for tree bark collected in the rainy season, with higher values. The less intensive soil preparation method is recommended due to its lower cost, and bark should be collected at the end of the rainy season for the best yield of condensed tannins.

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTORS FOR THE CHARACTERISATION OF TEAK CLONES CUTTINGS (Tectona grandis L.F.)

ABSTRACT Teak (Tectona grandis) is a forest species cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, due to the traits of its wood and its great economic value on the market. In Brazil, original plantations are being replaced by selected clonal forests, which generate the need and interest to protect this genetic material based on the current legislation. The legal requirements for cultivar protection are that the genotype must result from genetic improvement and provide distinguishability, homogeneity, and stability (DHS). This work identifies morphological descriptors in teak cuttings to assist the clone protection process of the species. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with the evaluation of 7 clones and 15 cuttings per clone, at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days old. The information was also organized based on the arrays of presence and absence of variations for each clone, for 21 morphological traits. Subsequently, genetic similarity measures were estimated using the Jaccard index and the UPGMA clustering method. The clones with the 12, 7, 9, and 11 morphological traits formed the morphological descriptors for the 30, 60, 90, and 120 days old cuttings, respectively. The traits of the leaf blade: length, width, length/width ratio, green intensity, and the brightness of the leaf, were common for all the evaluated ages, but their respective levels of expression were different.

EFFECT OF ARTIFICIAL WEATHERING ON PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD

ABSTRACT When wood is exposed outdoors, a combination of chemical and mechanical factors and solar radiation contribute to what is described as weathering, being the main degradation agent in this environment. This paper aims to investigate the effect of artificial weathering on mechanical and physical properties of Eucalyptus sp. and Cupiúba (Goupia glabra) woods simulating natural weathering effects. Samples were aged in UV radiation chamber with humidity and temperature control for 100, 200, 300 and 400 hours, considering aging cycles according to ASTM G154 (2006). Wood properties investigated were Conventional value of strength in static bending (fM), Modulus of elasticity in static bending (EM), strength in compression parallel to grain (fc0) and Janka Hardness (fH) according to ABNT NBT 7190 (1997). Effects of artificial weathering on wood properties were evaluated by statistical analysis at 5% significance level. Most of the wood properties investigated did not present significant changes with the aging performed, however, it was noted a decrease in the absolute values of the wood properties absolute values during the aging process. Only fH of Cupiúba wood aged for 100 and 200 hours presented significative performance loss at the significance level considered, which can be related to changes on the wood surface due to weathering exposure.

TREE DAMAGE AND MISTLETOE IMPACT ON URBAN GREEN AREAS

ABSTRACT Green areas in cities provide several benefits to people, however, several biotic and abiotic agents affects the tree’s health. The main goals of this research were to identify tree damages and to assess the impact of mistletoe on dendrometric variables and the crown condition. Four thousand, seven hundred seventy-five trees were evaluated in 16 green areas of eight Mayoralties in Mexico City; each tree was labeled, and total tree height (Th), diameter at breast height (DBH), damage agents (up to three types), and the crown variables: Live crown ratio (Lcr), Crown dieback (Cdie), Mistletoe severity (Ms) and Crown position (Cpo) were recorded. Of the assessed trees, 3318 presented damage. For the type of damage 1, the mistletoes Cladocolea and Struthanthus showed an average incidence of 42%. For type 2, 20 agents and type 3, 11 were identified. Mechanical wounds, sucking insects, vandalism, and cankers were the most common damages. Based on the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), trees of all diameters and heights were infected, however, Struthanthus was associated with taller and larger diameter trees. Lcr was lower, and Cdie and Ms were higher in infected trees. About Cpo, dominant and codominant trees showed the highest levels of severity by mistletoe. The most affected tree genera were Ulmus and Populus (low Lcr and high Cdie and Ms). Cladocolea was found toward southern Mayoralties, and Struthanthus at the north. It is recommended to assess at least two types of damage on each tree, as this will provide a more complete picture of its health. This is the first study in Mexico on the impact of mistletoe on tree crown variables