Abstract
Brazilian pepper is a native mastic that despite its high potential is still underutilized nationally. Its main uses guiding use of herbal extracts for cosmetic purposes and as a suitable plant for reforestration of degraded areas. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of luminous intensity (shading) in the early development of Schinus terebinthifolius seedlings. For that purpose, 64 seedlings were subjected to restriction in four light conditions: 0, 35, 50 and 80%. The following parameters were measured: Number of leaves (NF), plantule size (TP), stem diameter (DC), root volume (VR), leaf dry matter (MSF), stem dry matter (MSC), shoot dry matter (MSA), root dry matter (MSR) and total dry matter (MST). The results show that the species S. terebinthifolius is sensitive to bright gradient imposed on the plants. According to the equation, the point corresponding to maximum development of roots is near to 50% light restriction. Key words: Shading, initial development, reforestation, woody species.
Highlights
Brazilian forested areas have been suffering significant levels of deforestation due to the advancement of agricultural frontiers, logging activities, construction of hydroelectric power plants and real estate speculation
According to the summary of the analysis of variance (Table 1) it was noticed significant difference only for the volume and root dry matter parameter as function of time. These results show us that the seedlings root development had a significant initial development during the first 60 DAT
It must be emphasized that these seedlings, after field planting being transplanted in the field, will possibly show differences in other parameters (Fisichelli et al, 2014)
Summary
Brazilian forested areas have been suffering significant levels of deforestation due to the advancement of agricultural frontiers, logging activities, construction of hydroelectric power plants and real estate speculation. In this scenario, initiatives for the implementation of conservation projects and restoration of these areas are growing, with the use of native tree species. Due to the growing awareness about the importance of environmental preservation and the advancement of the laws that regulate human actions on the protection of forests, in recent years there was increased an incentive for the planting of native species for reforestation (Nascimento et al, 2012).
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