Abstract
ABSTRACT The nutritional requirements of native forest species can influence productivity. Thus, the understanding of these requirements enables us to optimize the use of inputs and reduce the environmental impacts inforest restoration projects. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in cellular ultrastructure and the anatomy of leaf laminae as well as observe visual signs of nutrient deficiency in young Cariniana estrellensis (Raddi) Kuntze plants, a forest species widely used in ecological restoration projects. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in random blocks with three replications of seven treatments using nutrient subtraction (I.e., control [plants grown with all nutrients], -N, -P, -K, -Ca, -Mg, and -S). The plants were harvested 135 days after the beginning of the treatments when the deficiency of the macronutrients resulted in visible abnormalities. Changes in the cell ultrastructure and structure of the chloroplasts, cytoplasm, and stromal lamellae were observed, as well as starch and lipid concentrations in the cytoplasm, intercellular spaces, and parenchymal cells. Changes in the cell ultrastructures, leaf laminae, and visual signs of nutrient deficiency hindered the development of young C. estrellensis plants; therefore, forest restoration projects that use this species in soils that require nutritional supplementation may have limited success in the absence of nutritional support.
Highlights
Forest restoration in degraded areas has expanded through the integration of strategies aimed at mitigating climate change, soil improvement, and biodiversity conservation
The present study aimed to evaluate changes in cellular ultrastructure and the anatomy of leaf laminae as well as observe visual signs of nutrient deficiency in young Cariniana estrellensis (Raddi) Kuntze plants, a forest species widely used in ecological restoration projects
Changes in the cell ultrastructures, leaf laminae, and visual signs of nutrient deficiency hindered the development of young C. estrellensis plants; forest restoration projects that use this species in soils that require nutritional supplementation may have limited success in the absence of nutritional support
Summary
Forest restoration in degraded areas has expanded through the integration of strategies aimed at mitigating climate change, soil improvement, and biodiversity conservation. Seedling production and the planting of native tree species are key actions for the implementation of such programs. Soils in areas intended for forest restoration do not have adequate fertility conditions for native species to develop satisfactorily. Such nutritional deficiency affects the growth, morphology, anatomy, and composition and, production of the plants (Marschner, 2012). Few and limited studies have been conducted on native Brazilian forest species. Knowing the nutritional requirements of native species can facilitate the development of technologies to obtain healthy seedlings intended for revegetation programs, enabling them to develop in previously degraded areas. Determining the physiological stages of development in which various elements are in their highest demand can help in fertilization planning to provide them artificially, thereby correcting any nutritional deficiencies
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