Sustainability of extraction and production of copaiba ( Copaifera multijuga Hayne) oleoresin in Manaus, AM, Brazil

Abstract

We evaluate the ecological sustainability of extracting the oleoresin of Copaifera multijuga Hayne and some factors influential in its production. We monitored oleoresin production after initial extraction in 43 mother trees in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, near Manaus, Brazil (2°57′43″ S, 59°55′38″ W). We evaluated production relative to tree diameter (DBH), collection interval, soil clay content, competition intensity, and termite infestation. 57% of productive trees had DBH ≥ 41 cm and were responsible for 95% of total production. Although these trees had the highest initial production, after one year only 28% of initial oleoresin production was recuperated, much slower than in trees with DBH < 41 cm. Production was positively correlated with DBH and dominance within mother tree. Oleoresin production varied slightly with season. Trees that never produced oleoresin did not have termite infestations.