Carapa Guianensis Research Articles

Relações entre as colonizações por Fungos Micorrízicos Arbusculares e teores de nutrientes foliares em oito espécies florestais da Amazônia

Na Amazônia encontra-se um grande número de espécies florestais, muitas delas já com reconhecido valor econômico, como a Abiurana (Eremoluma williamií), Andiroba (Carapa guianensis), Cardeiro (Scleronema micranthum), Cedrorana (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), Cumarú (Dipterix odorata), Jacareúba (Calophyllum angulare), Marupá (Simaruba amara) e Piquiá (Caryocar villosum). Pouco se sabe sobre suas características nutricionais e infecções por micorrizas arbusculares (MA) quando em solos ácidos e de baixa fertilidade da região. Com o objetivo de obter informações neste sentido, foi realizada uma avaliação de campo com estas espécies em fase adulta. Foram coletadas amostras de solos (rizosfera), raízes e folhas das espécies, de plantios experimentais na Estação Experimental de Silvicultura Tropical do INPA, Manaus, AM, em dois solos podzólicos. Todas as espécies apresentaram infecções por MA, mas diferiram quanto às colonizações, bem como nas concentrações de macro e micronutrientes nas folhas. Foram encontradas algumas correlações significativas (oito de um total de 64) entre as colonizações por micorrizas nas raízes e os teores de Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mn c Zn nas folhas das espécies. Estas correlações estatisticamente significativas indicam que as endomicorrizas estão contribuindo para a absorção de nutrientes pelas plantas nas condições de terra firme da Amazônia Central.

Fine litter chemistry, early-stage decay, and nitrogen dynamics under plantations and primary forest in Lowland Amazonia

One year field exposures of leaf litter from replicated plots of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis Barrett and Golfari, Carapa guianensis Aubl., Euxylophora paraensis Hub., a Leguminosae combination ( Dalbergia nigra Fr. All., Dinizia excelsa Ducke, Parkia multijuga Benth.), and adjacent upland ( terra firme) forest at the Curuá-Una Forest Reserve, Pará, Brazil were used to examine the factors controlling leaf litter decay and N dynamics in a lowland tropical environment. Initial leaf litter N concentrations ranged from 4.4 ( P. caribaea) to 16.3 mg g −1 dry matter (Leguminosae), and initial lignin concentrations from 190.8 (Leguminosae) to 459.3 mg g −1 dry matter (forest). Pinus caribaea leaf litter lost the least mass (28%), and the Leguminosae leaf litter the most (61%), during the year long incubations. Initial and 1-y proximate C fractions, N concentrations and polyphenol concentrations were not related to mass loss. Annual N accumulation or depletion from leaf litter under the plantations and forest was related to C loss ( R 2=0.93, P=0.007) and holocellulose loss ( R 2=0.84, P=0.02). When leaf litter was placed outside its stand of origin, there was a significant location effect on decay rates, indicating that differences in the physical and biological microenvironments under the monospecific plots affected litter decomposition.

Litterfall and nitrogen-use efficiency of plantations and primary forest in the eastern Brazilian Amazon

Aboveground fine litterfall and decomposition are critical processes for transferring nutrients from forest biomass to soils, and the conversion of Brazilian terra-firme forest to tree plantations with varied litterfall characteristics has altered soil nitrogen (N) dynamics and stores at the Curuá-Una Forest Reserve, Pará, Brazil. In this study, we investigated the relationship between soil N stores and aboveground litter inputs by measuring fine litterfall, litter N inputs, forest-floor mass and turnover, foliar N concentrations, and within-stand nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) for one year under four plantations and adjacent undisturbed forest. The plantations consisted of replicated plots of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (36-year old), Carapa guianensis (36-year old), Euxylophora paraensis (23-year old), and a Leguminosae combination ( Parkia multijuga, Dinizia excelsa, and Dalbergia nigra, all 36-year old). Fine litterfall ranged from 8.0 ( Euxylophora paraensis) to 10.3 t ha −1 year −1 ( Pinus caribaea), forest-floor mass from 7.2 (forest) to 11.0 t ha −1 ( Pinus caribaea), total fine litterfall N inputs from 43 ( Pinus caribaea) to 134 kg ha −1 year −1 (legumes), and foliar N concentrations from 9 ( Pinus caribaea) to 18.8 mg g −1 (legumes). Relative to adjacent terra-firme forest, total N stores in surface mineral soils, forest-floor mass, and fine roots (live+dead) ranged from a net decrease of 25.6% under Pinus caribaea to a net increase of 14% under Euxylophora paraensis. The replacement of terra-firme forest with plantations of tree species with varied phenologies and resource requirements altered soil N stores, but these changes were not related to total fine litter N inputs, needle and foliar N concentrations, or within-stand nitrogen-use efficiency.

Soil nitrogen dynamics and plant-induced soil changes under plantations and primary forest in lowland Amazonia, Brazil

The influence of plant species on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics was investigated in lowland Amazonia, Brazil under plantations of tree species with varied phenologies, resource requirements, and chemical characteristics in fine litter. Seasonal N dynamics were studied in replicated stands of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis Barrett & Golfari, Euxylophora paraensis Hub., Carapa guianensis Aubl., a Leguminosae combination (Dalbergia nigra Fr. All., Dinizia excelsa Ducke, Parkia multijuga Benth.), and native forest in the Curua-Una Forest Reserve, Para, Brazil. Textural, mineralogical, and chemical soil properties at 1 m depth under the plantations and the forest indicated that initial soil properties were similar. Net annual N mineralization ranged from 195 kg ha-1 (P. caribaea) to 328 kg ha-1 (forest), and was related to fine root N contents in the surface root mat (R2 = 0.96, p = 0.01). Net annual N mineralization was also inversely related to within-stand nitrogen-use efficiency (R2 = 0.81, p = 0.04). These results suggest that tree species or groups of species with varied N-use efficiencies altered soil N transformation rates in a predictable manner.

Using termite nests as a source of organic matter in agrosilvicultural production systems in Amazonia

The growth of two annual crops, okra (Abelmoschus escutentus) and egg-plant (Solatium melongena) and one perennial crop, andiroba (Carapa guianensis, a native forest tree of Amazonia) under different treatments with organic manure derived from termite nest material of wood-feeding Nasutitermes species was tested (randomized block design). The use of 25-100 g of nest material gave no significant increase in okra productivity, and 25-200 g gave no significant response in andiroba. The combined use of NPK with 200 g of nest material gave a significant higher production in egg-plant (total number and total fresh weight of fruits) when compared to the control (without fertilizer) and to the treatment with NPK only.The results suggest the possibility to use termite nest material to enhance crop production in Amazonia, particularly in combination with low amounts of mineral fertilizer. Research lines for further investigations are outlined.

ATIVIDADE DE VÓO DE UMA COMUNIDADE DE PASSALIDEOS (COLEOPTERA: PASSALIDAE) NO ALTO RIO URUBU, AMAZONAS, BRASIL

Coleópteros passalideos adultos foram coletados durante dois períodos sazonáis completos de coletas mensais noturnas, com fonte luminosa, de janeiro de 1982 a dezembro de 1983, num cultivo de andiroba (Carapa guianensis), cercado por floresta tropical de térra firme, no alto no Urubú, Amazonas, Brasil. De marco de 1983 em diante, os passalideos também foram coletados durante o día, diretamente dos troncos em decomposicao na floresta em torno do local de coleta com luz. Foram encontrados Popilus marginatus (Perch., 1835), Veturius transversus (Dalm., 1817), V. aff platyrhmus (Hope, 1845), Veturius sp., Verres furcilabris (Eschs., 1829), Paxillus leachi (Mac Leay, 1819), Passalus rhodocanthopoides (Kuw., 1891), P. variiphyllus Kuw., 1891, P. latifrons Perch., 1841, P. convexus Dalm., 1817, P. unicornis Lep, & Serv., 1825, P. aff. coarctatus Perch., 1835, P. interstitialis Eschs., 1829, P. abortivus Perch., 1835, P, elfriedae Luederw., 1931 e P. interruptus (Lin., 1758). Seo relatados e discutidos dados sobre riqueza dos passalideos, atividade de vóo e dispersao, sazonalidade, abundancia relativa, razáo sexual, número de colonias e indivídiuos de cada estágio imaturo por colonia.

Genetic diversity and mating system in a tropical tree, Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae)

Carapa guianensis Aublet. (Meliaceae) is an abundant, canopy tree species often exported as fine wood products. The populations in the Atlantic coastal plain of Costa Rica have undergone a wide variety of human‐induced changes in distribution and abundance, including isolation due to deforestation. Using protein electrophoretic analysis of seeds, we investigated the genetic variability and population differentiation of nine populations and the outcrossing rate in two populations that differed in density by a factor of 50%. Average polymorphism (35%) and heterozygosity (0.12) across populations were relatively low in comparison with other tropical tree species. Only 4.6% of the total genetic variability could be attributed to population differentiation even though populations were separated by as much as 70 km. However, genetic differentiation did increase with distance between pairs of compared populations. There were no apparent differences in genetic variation between logged and unlogged forests. The outcrossing rate for each population was not significantly different from 1.0, but there was evidence of nonrandom mating in the lower density population. High levels of gene flow are probably maintained by seed dispersal as seeds travel well throughout flooded forests and rivers. High population density and synchronous flowering also contribute to high outcrossing rates. These genetic characteristics suggest that Carapa guianensis is a good candidate for natural forest management where it occurs at high density. However, current management practices need to account for the rapid rate of deforestation occurring around managed natural forest sites that will result in the elimination of intervening populations.

Reproductive health in couples with sterility and aborted pregnancies living in a territory with radionuclide contamination

In the context of multiple forest management, multipurpose tree species which provide both timber and non-timber forest products (NTFP), present particular challenges as the potential of conflicting use for either product may be high. One key aspect is that the magnitude of conflict of use can be location specific, thus adding complexity to policy development. This paper focuses on the extent to which the potential for conflict of use in multipurpose tree species varies across the Amazonian lowland forests shared by Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, emphasizing the economic dimension of conflict. Based on a review of the current normative and regulatory aspects of timber and NTFP extraction in the five countries, the paper also briefly discusses the opportunities and constraints for harmonization of timber and NTFP management of multipurpose species across the region. It was found that about half of the 336 timber species reviewed across the five countries also have non-timber uses. Eleven timber species are multipurpose in all five countries: Calophyllum brasiliense, Cedrela odorata, Ceiba pentandra, Clarisia racemosa, Ficus insipida, Jacaranda copaia, Schefflera morototoni, Simarouba amara and Terminalia amazonia. Seven other multipurpose species occurred only in either Venezuela (Tabebuia impetiginosa, Spondias mombin, Pentaclethra macroloba, Copaifera officinalis, Chlorophora tinctoria, Carapa guianensis) or Ecuador (Tabebuia chrysantha). Four multipurpose tree species presented the highest potential of conflict of use across the region: Dipteryx odorata, Tabebuia serratifolia, Hymenaea courbaril and Myroxylon balsamum yet these were not evenly distributed across all five countries. None of the five studied countries have specific legislation to promote sustainable use of any of the multipurpose species reported here and thus mitigate potential conflict of use; nor documented management options for integration or else segregation of both their timber and NTFP values.

Tapping an Amazônian plethora: four medicinal plants of Marajó island, Pará (Brazil)

This study focused its attention on four medicinal plants ( Carapa guianensis, Elephantopus scaber, Piper umbellatum, Stachytarpheta cayenensis) used by Caboclo communities on Marajó, the main island of the Amazon delta. In the field, interviews were conducted with Caboclos and the medicinal usages and preparation procedures of the four plants were recorded. In the laboratory, the plant extracts were subjected to bioassays and their crude chemical composition was established. All four plants showed significant bioactivity and the chemical tests confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds. In addition, the results of both the field and laboratory studies corresponded well with those of a literature search. The ethnopharmacological significance of the four plants is discussed.

Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis against Damalinia ovis (Phthiraptera:Mallophaga)

The chewing lice (Mallophaga) are common parasites of different animals. Most of them infest terrestrial and marine birds, including pigeons, doves, swans, cormorants and penguins. Mallophaga have not been found on marine mammals but only on terrestrial ones, including livestock and pets. Their bites damage cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry, causing itch and scratch and arousing phthiriasis and dermatitis. Notably, Mallophaga can vector important parasites, such as the filarial heartworm Sarconema eurycerca. Livestock losses due to chewing lice are often underestimated, maybe because farmers notice the presence of the biting lice only when the infestation is too high. In this review, we examined current knowledge on the various strategies available for Mallophaga control. The effective management of their populations has been obtained through the employ of several synthetic insecticides. However, pesticide overuse led to serious concerns for human health and the environment. Natural enemies of Mallophaga are scarcely studied. Their biological control with predators and parasites has not been explored yet. However, the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae has been reported as effective in vitro and in vivo experiments against Damalinia bovis infestation on cattle. Furthermore, different Bacillus thuringiensis preparations have been tested against Mallophaga, the most effective were B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki, kenyae and morrisoni. Lastly, plant-borne insecticides have been evaluated against Mallophaga. Tested products mainly contained bioactive principles from two Meliaceae, Azadirachta indica, and Carapa guianensis. High efficacy of neem-borne preparations was reported, leading to the development of several products currently marketed. Overall, our review highlighted that our knowledge about Mallophaga vector activity and control is extremely patchy. Their control still relied on the employ of chemical pesticides widely used to fight other primary pests and vectors of livestock, such as ticks, while the development of eco-friendly control tool is scarce. Behavior-based control of Mallophaga, using pheromone-based lures or even the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) may also represent a potential route for their control, but our limited knowledge on their behavioral ecology and chemical communication strongly limit any possible approach.

Population Structure, Dispersion and Microhabitat Regeneration of Carapa guianensis in Northeastern Brazil

We censused all seedlings, saplings and adults in 0.1024 ha of Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae), a local dominant tropical canopy tree in the forest near Sao Luis, Maranhao, northeastern Brazil. The estimated adult density was 137 individuals/ha; however only 31 percent of the adults were larger than 44.9 cm dbh. The size class distribution of diameters was continuous. Based on Morisita's Index seedlings and juveniles (?1.4 cm dbh) had the dispersion pattern of a population with point sources (Hubbell 1979, 1980). Subadults (> 1.4 cm and ? 15.9 cm dbh) and adults (> 15.9 cm dbh) showed a random dispersion pattern for all quadrat sizes. Seedling and juvenile per capita recruitment were negatively correlated with number of adults and adult basal area per quadrat. The per capita recruitment of subadults was also negatively correlated with adult basal area per quadrat. The lower per capita recruitment with increasing adult abundance was attributed to high mortality caused by predators, pathogens or adult interference. These results demonstrate the importance of small scale compensatory trends in the population structure of a tropical tree.

Seasonal Cambial Activity for Pentaclethra, Goelthalsia, and Carapa Trees in a Costa Rican Lowland Forest

At the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, dendrometer bands were read monthly for a year to monitor the seasonality and rate of girth increment for three common tree species: Pentaclethra macroloba (Mimosaceae), Goethalsia meiantha (Tiliaceae), and Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae). Annual diameter increment varied with tree size but was greatest for Goelthalsia (1.26 cm/yr), least for Carapa (0.04-0.34 cm/yr), and intermediate for Pentaclethra (0.20-1.06 cm/yr). Cambial activity for Pentaclethra was greatest during drier months (December to April), the only months when Pentaclethra was not in flower or fruit. In contrast, Goelthalsia and Carapa had less cambial activity during drier months (April and May), the time of leaf flushing for these species. Greater growth during the drier months, a characteristic not shared by relatively common Goelthalsia and Carapa trees, may provide a competitive advantage for Pentaclethra and help explain its abundance at La Selva. PENTACLETHRA MACROLOBA (Willd.) Kuntze (Mimosaceae) is the dominant tree species in all three of the major primary forest types of the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. The importance values for Pentaclethra in these forests range from 18 to 23 percent (Hartshorn 1983a). For Pentaclethra to exert this degree of dominance in a speciesrich, Neotropical lowland suggests that this species competes well with over 450 tree species also native to La Selva (30-135 m elevation). Hartshorn (1983b) attributed the success of Pentaclethra to: (1) excellent seedling establishment in the absence of serious seed predation (toxic seed); (2) tolerance of relatively infertile soils that are probably restrictive to potentially competing species; (3) well-distributed and abundant rainfall that enables a swamp species, such as Pentaclethra, to extend to the ridgetops; and (4) shade tolerance that enables Pentaclethra to survive and even grow in the dense primary forest understory. In addition to these characteristics, Grime and Hunt (1975) suggested that dominance by one species is sometimes explained by differences in timing and rate of growth between the community's dominant and competing species. Also, Pentaclethra's water utilization patterns, evidenced by times of tree growth, may be different from those of competing species, as suggested for different tree species in a North American forest (Bunce et al. 1977). To examine this possibility at La Selva, the seasonal girth increment of the dominant Pentaclethra was compared with the girth increments of Goelthalsia meiantha (D. Sm.) Burret (Tiliaceae), a common gap-phase and secondgrowth species, and Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae), a codominant, shade-tolerant, swamp species. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study areas were the 4-ha permanent inventory plots I and II at La Selva (Hartshorn 1983a). From 88 tree species in plot I, Pentaclethra is the dominant (importance value of 23%) and Goelthalsia is sixth in importance value at 2.55 percent. From 115 tree species in Plot II, Pentaclethra and Carapa are codominants (importance values of 18.1 and 11.3%, respectively). Plot I soil is fairly well-drained, alluvial material of the La Selva soil series, a dominant soil type in the area. Plot II is also on old alluvium, but has more poorly drained soils of the Swampo series (Bourgeois et al. 1972). Mean annual rainfall at La Selva is 3991 ? 748 mm (N = 22). Although nearly all canopy trees are in leaf throughout the year, the driest months of March and April are associated with maximum leaf drop and leaf flushing. A total of 14 Pentaclethra, 6 Carapa, and 3 Goelthalsia trees were selected for study. In Plot I, 3 large Pentaclethra trees (40-70 cm DBH), 8 small Pentaclethra trees (5-40 cm DBH), and 3 small Goelthalsia trees (1015 cm DBH) were banded. In Plot II, 3 Pentaclethra trees (30-40 cm DBH), 4 small Carapa trees (5-20 cm DBH), and 2 larger Carapa trees (30-45 cm DBH) were banded. All smaller trees (<25 cm DBH) were in recent treefall gaps, but their crowns were shaded most of the day by canopy trees. At least a portion of the crown of each larger individual reached to the main canopy. In September 1976 aluminum dendrometer bands, similar to those described by Woodman (1980), were installed on each of the 23 study trees. Bands were secured on tree boles at a height of 1.3 m by stainless steel expansion springs. Increments in girth were recorded for 13 months (near the beginning of each month) by reading vernier scales on each band. The initial interval reading I Received 14 October 1985, revision accepted 8 May 1986. BIOTROPICA 19(4): 357-36

Características edáfico-nutricionais de plantios florestais na região de Manaus. II. Crescimento de Carapa guianensis Aubl. em solos de diferentes texturas

Foi investigada a influência de fatores edáfico-nutricionais no crescimento radicular e áereo de Carapa guianensis, plantada em solos de diferentes texturas, com idade de 3 anos e espaçamento de 3x3 m. Analisou-se as características físicas e químicas destes solos, como granulometria, porosidade, retenção de água, ph, bases trocaveis, Corg e Ntotal. Realizou-se também análises foliares. O crescimento radicular foi determinado a partir do peso de raízes coletadas em trincheiras de 3,00 m de comprimento x 0,40 m de largura x 0,40 m de profundidade. Resultados indicam que esta espécie teve um maior crescimento em altura no solo mais argilosa. Algumas características do solo estão significativamente correlacionadas com o crescimento áereo, como a soma de bases trocáveis a matéria orgânica, a saturação em Al e o teor de Mn total. O ph, o teor de Al troc, Ca troc, Mg troc e Mn total, bem como a soma de bases trocáveis e a saturação em Al estão significativamente correlacionadas com o peso de raízes. O peso de raízes foi até 15 vezes maior no solo mais argiloso. A relação entre o crescimento aereo e o dadicular foi mais alta no solo arenoso, diminuindo bastante no solo argiloso e mostrando um crescimento desproporcional de raízes em relação ao crescimento áereo observado. Teores muito altos de B, bem como muito baixos de Mn, em relação a outras espécies, indicam um comportamento nutricional específico.

Growth rates and age-size relationships of tropical wet forest trees in Costa Rica

ABSTRACTDiameter growth rates and age-size relationships are reported for 45 abundant tree species and one liana in tropical wet forest at La Selva, Costa Rica. Thirteen-year increments in each species were analysed using growth simulation, a stochastic technique which projects growth trajectories.Median growth rates ranged from 0.35 mm yr-1 (Anaxagorea crassipetala) to 13.41 mm yr-1) (Stryphnodendron excelsum). Maximum ranges ranged from 0.95 mm yr-1 (Quararibea brac-teolosa) to 14.62 mm yr-1 (Hernandia didymanthera). Minimum rates ranged from zero growth (Capparis pittieri, Colubrina spinosa, Doliocarpus spp.) to 7.45 mm yr-1 (Stryphno dendron excelsum).Projected lifespan (from 100 mm dbh to the maximum dbh for the species) varied from 52 years (Anaxagorea crassipetala, Guatteria inuncta) to 442 years (Carapa guianensis). The mean longevity among the 45 tree species studied is 190 years.Four main patterns of growth behaviour are recognized, based upon longevity and growth rates: (1) understorey species have slow maximum growth rates and short lifespans; (2) shade-tolerant subcanopy trees live around twice as long as understorey trees and grow at approxi-mately the same maximum rates; (3) canopy and subcanopy trees that are shade-tolerant but respond opportunistically to increased light levels have long lifespans and fast maximum growth rates; (4) shade-intolerant canopy and subcanopy species are short-lived and have fast maximum growth rates. Understorey species intergrade with shade-tolerant subcanopy species in terms of growth behaviour; shade-tolerant subcanopy species with opportunistic, shade-tolerant species; and opportunistic, shade-tolerant with shade-intolerant species.Intraspecific variation in growth rates is lower in short-lived trees (understorey species with uniformly slow growth and shade-intolerant species with uniformly rapid growth) than in the two long-lived groups. These patterns are discussed in the context of tree ecophysiology and forest light environments.

Um sistema agroflorestal na várzea do estuário amazônico (Ilha das Onças, Município de Barcarena, Estado do Pará)

Apesar de seu potencial na região amazônica, sistemas agroflorestais têm sido estudados principalmente entre grupos indígenas, que são culturalmente afastados da maioria da população atual em zonas rurais. Este estudo descreve um sistema agroflorestal utilizado por uma família de cultura Luso-brasileira. O sistema foi desenvolvido na mata de várzea do estuário amazônico, sujeita a inundações periódicas e prolongadas que dificultam as práticas convencionais de agricultura. Três zonas de maneio na vizinhança da casa são descritas detalhadamente: quintal, floresta manejada, e mata. Juntas essas zonas apoiam ou possibilitam uma grande variedade de atividades, tais como caça; pesca; criação de animais domésticos; e utilização de frutos, palmito, madeira, adubo, plantas ornamentais, fibras, látex, mel, sementes oleaginosas, remédios, utensílios, etc. Além de produtos de subsistência, essas atividades fornecem muitos produtos de mercado que são comercializados em Belém, possibilitando a compra de materiais agrícolas de primeira necessidade. Entre a família estudada, o sistema agroflorestal permitiu a substituição da agricultura convencional pela colheita de produtos silvestres. Sob certas condições, essa estratégia poderia ser uma alternativa viável de uso de terra no estuário amazônico.

Tetranortriterpenoids from the heartwood of Carapa guianensis

Tetranortriterpenoids from the heartwood of Carapa guianensis

The constituents of Carapa guianensis Aubl. and their biogenetic relationship

Seven compounds, namely, epoxyazadiradione (III), 6α-acetoxy-epoxyazadira-dione (VI), 6α-acetoxygedunin (Va), 6α-hydroxygedunin (Vb), 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (IVb), andirobin (VII), and methyl angolensate (VIII), were isolated from Carapa guianensis Aubl., three of which, VI, Va, and Vb are new compounds. The biogenetic implication of the isolation of such a series of compounds from one and the same plant is discussed in view of oxidative degradation and transformation sequences.

Estudio ecológico del swa (&lt;i&gt;Carapa guianensis&lt;/i&gt; Aubl, Meliaceae) en tres comunidades del río Patuca, Honduras

Carapa guianensis, swa (nombre en miskito) o cedro macho (nombre en español), es una especie nativa de los bosques húmedos tropicales de América. Su madera es muy útil y apreciada por los indígenas; de sus semillas se extrae un producto forestal no maderable llamado aceite de swa, que es medicinal y cosmético; es exportado por los indígenas a una empresa de productos para el cabello en Canadá. El estudio ecológico se llevó a cabo en las comunidades de Wampusirpi, Kurhpa y Krausirpi, en las vegas del río Patuca. Para ello, se midieron árboles de swa y árboles no swa que estaban dentro del transecto, para calcular variables ecológicas y estimar la capacidad de extracción de las semillas para la extracción del aceite y, con esta información, poder determinar las actividades de manejo para el uso sostenible, y evitar así, un futuro desequilibrio ecológico. Se entrevistaron a 30 productores de aceite para conocer la percepción ecológica que tienen acerca del recurso. En base a los altos resultados obtenidos en los transectos, sobre todo en la dominancia y el índice de valor de importancia de los árboles de swa medidos, se recomienda una extracción del 70% de las semillas que están en el suelo -cálculo que se puede hacer al tanteo-, ya que el 30% restante es necesario para la regeneración natural de los árboles de swa y la alimentación de animales silvestres.Palabras clave: Aceite de swa, agroforestal, dominancia, extracción, índice de valor de importancia, producto forestal no maderable, regeneración natural.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v50i1.189

Andirobin

The seeds of the tree Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae) have yielded two compounds of the tetranortriterpenoid type. They have been identified as the known limonoid -7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (I), and a new member of this class, andirobin (XIV), whose biosynthesis probably involves an oxidative ring B cleavage.