Hybrid Eucalyptus Grandis Research Articles

ZnO nanoparticle: production and use for particleboard improvement

The need for more technological products increases with nanomaterials as a viable proposal, presenting good results in many different industrial sectors, especially in wood panels. Particleboards are composites of wood that have been extensively studied, mainly in relation to the adhesives used in their manufacture, which have an influence on particleboard properties. Thus, as a way of improving these adhesives, zinc oxide nanoparticles were added, giving new properties to the particleboard. Thereby, the present work aimed to produce particleboard with the wood of Eucalyptus Urophila x Grandis hybrid and urea-formaldehyde adhesive with ZnO nanoparticles addition. The physical tests performed were density, moisture content, and thickness swelling. The mechanical tests performed were the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and bonding tests. The results obtained were submitted to statistical analysis and compared with the requirements standards, as well as with works found in the literature. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles did not exercise influence on mechanical tests; however, the physical properties were improved, mainly decreasing the thickness swelling, which is usually a problem for wood products.

Haplogenome assembly reveals structural variation in Eucalyptus interspecific hybrids.

De novo phased (haplo)genome assembly using long-read DNA sequencing data has improved the detection and characterization of structural variants (SVs) in plant and animal genomes. Able to span across haplotypes, long reads allow phased, haplogenome assembly in highly outbred organisms such as forest trees. Eucalyptus tree species and interspecific hybrids are the most widely planted hardwood trees with F1 hybrids of Eucalyptus grandis and E. urophylla forming the bulk of fast-growing pulpwood plantations in subtropical regions. The extent of structural variation and its effect on interspecific hybridization is unknown in these trees. As a first step towards elucidating the extent of structural variation between the genomes of E. grandis and E. urophylla, we sequenced and assembled the haplogenomes contained in an F1 hybrid of the two species. Using Nanopore sequencing and a trio-binning approach, we assembled the separate haplogenomes (566.7 Mb and 544.5 Mb) to 98.0% BUSCO completion. High-density SNP genetic linkage maps of both parents allowed scaffolding of 88.0% of the haplogenome contigs into 11 pseudo-chromosomes (scaffold N50 of 43.8 Mb and 42.5 Mb for the E. grandis and E. urophylla haplogenomes, respectively). We identify 48,729 SVs between the two haplogenomes providing the first detailed insight into genome structural rearrangement in these species. The two haplogenomes have similar gene content, 35,572 and 33,915 functionally annotated genes, of which 34.7% are contained in genome rearrangements. Knowledge of SV and haplotype diversity in the two species will form the basis for understanding the genetic basis of hybrid superiority in these trees.

Specific cutting energy of Eucalyptus wood with different densities

The aim of the study was to evaluate how the specific cutting energy is influenced by the variation of the wood basic density in Eucalyptus spp. clones. Five clones, 10 years old, were used in the study: three hybrids of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla, one of Eucalyptus grandis and one of Eucalyptus urophylla. From each clone, five trees were cut down and divided into 2.0 m long logs. In two axial regions of the trunk (from 2.5 to 4.5 m and from 4.5 m to 6.5 m) the logs were cut into boards and reduced to specimens with dimensions of 660 x 110 x 21 mm. The basic density was determined by the hydrostatic method in two opposite wedges obtained from discs removed at 2.5, 4.5 and 6.5 m from the total height of the tree. To analyze the specific cutting energy, 10 specimens were selected for each axial region and clone. A frequency inverter was used to monitor the cutting process. Analysis of variance was applied to evaluate the specific cutting energy and the wood basic density. The results obtained appointed a significant difference between the woods of the clones for basic density and specific cutting energy. For the wood in the different axial regions, only the specific cutting energy was significant. Clone 1 required less specific cutting energy, as it was influenced by the lower basic density. In the 2.5 to 4.5 m axial region, a higher specific cutting energy was observed even with lower basic density.

Potential effects of soil chemical and biological properties on wood volume in Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrid plantations and their responses to different intensity applications of inorganic fertilizer.

Long-term and high-intensity application of inorganic fertilizer leads to a strong variation of soil characteristics. The changes in soil chemical and biological properties can significantly affect the yield of Eucalyptus plantation. However, the mechanism of soil chemical properties affecting wood volume mediated by biological factors is not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify which soil properties were affected by different fertilization intensities and to disentangle the dominant factors affecting Eucalyptus volume. After clear felling evergreen broad-leaved forest, a Eucalyptus plantation was established that was coppiced every 5 years and fertilized every year. Within this plantation, areas with different treatments were established. These treatments were a 5-year growth period (low); two times 5-year growth period (medium); and three times 5-year growth period (high). In each treatment area and in a nearby evergreen broad-leaved forest (EBLF Control), five sample plots per treatment were set up. Various biological and chemistry analyses (18 in total) were related to determining the most important path and index for optimizing Eucalyptus plantation. The analysis of variance of enzyme activity and microbial biomass showed that the soil biological characteristics decreased over 10 years of plantation, and the enzyme activity was close to the state of EBLF control in medium, while the microbial biomass failed to return to its original state during continuous planting. Redundancy analysis results show that there was a strong correlation in chemical indicators and biological characteristics. Partial least square structural equation model showed that total phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, urease, catalase, and microbial biomass nitrogen and phosphorus were the most influential soil biochemical factors, and the indirect effect of chemical properties on volume was achieved by microorganisms through enzyme activity. Continuous planting and large-scale application of inorganic fertilizer would lead to a decrease in plantation yield and fertilizer utilization efficiency and would affect the microbial biomass and enzyme activity by destroying the stability of soil chemical properties.

ENXERTIA DE TOPO PARA A CELERAR A A UTOPOLINIZA ÇÃO NO MELHORAMENTO DE Eucalyptus

ABSTRACT The top grafting technique can make early flowering possible and consequently accelerate self-pollination in Eucalyptus breeding, reducing the period of each generation. This study aims to establish a methodology to top graft by applying the growth regulator paclobutrazol in self-pollinated Eucalyptus genotypes to induce early flowering and accelerate inbred line strategies. A total of 448 top grafts of seven genotypes (three Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrids, one Eucalyptus urophylla, and three Eucalyptus grandis) were performed in two periods of the year: July and October. The top grafting samples were evaluated concerning flower induction and graft development at three-month intervals. A t-test was performed with a 5% significance level for type I error to compare the relevance of paclobutrazol application. A fixed model was also used to analyze the significance of the treatments. The fastest blooming occurred after three months of applying the graft methodology. After two years, the top graftings performed in October presented higher flower bud and fruit production. The top grafting affected the induction of self-pollinated Eucalyptus flowers with enough flower buds produced to follow the next cycle of self-pollination in some genotypes. The effectiveness of self-pollinated top graftings varied with the genotype used as the scion. The paclobutrazol improved the flowering of the top grafting samples. The methodology established in this work allows accelerating self-pollination strategies in the globally important industrial crop Eucalyptus.

Spatial variation of eucalyptus fibres considering the structure of annual growth rings

Background: The fibres dimensions vary along a tree trunk, and these variations are related to the apical meristem and vascular cambium activities; understanding these variations would guide the best use of wood. There have been studies on the pattern of fibres dimensions variation along the tree trunk in the radial and longitudinal directions; however, the vast majority do not take into account the structure of the annual growth rings. Hence, this study aimed to obtain the pattern of fibres dimensions variation and their quality indexes along the tree trunk take into account the structure of the annual growth rings. Two Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid clones were used in the study. Ten-year-old trees were selected and discs were removed from 13 longitudinal positions. The disks were prepared and the growth rings were subsequently identified and the samples used for maceration were collected. Twenty fibres were measured in the annual growth rings present in each longitudinal position. Results: In the longitudinal direction, within the annual growth rings, the fibre dimensions and their quality indices did not show a well-defined pattern of variation. In the radial direction, the length, cell wall thickness, wall fraction, and Runkel ratio of the fibres tended to increase following the pith-bark direction, while the lumen diameter and flexibility coefficient decreased. Conclusion: Nevertheless, the fibre width and fibre slenderness index did not present a well-defined pattern of variation in the radial direction.

Differences in wood properties among Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla with different degrees of ploidy

We compared the anatomy, density, chemical contents, and bioenergy values of Eucalyptus grandis and hybrids of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla wood originating from diploids, triploids and tetraploids. We hypothesize that Eucalyptus grandis and hybrids of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla with different degrees of ploidy have variations as a result of different sets of chromosomes producing different phenotypic expressions and chemical constituents, such as variation in cell size and frequency, which would directly influence wood quality. Twenty-year-old trees were cut, eight for each ploidy: diploids and tetraploids are E. grandis; triploids are E. grandis x E. urophylla. We use standardized techniques. Our hypothesis was confirmed. Triploid and tetraploid trees presented wider trunks, taller trees with longer stems and wider crowns compared to diploid trees. Wood density showed significant radial variation only in diploids, while triploid and tetraploid trees were more homogeneous. In polyploid trees, the anatomical features did not clearly present a radial pattern. Triploid and tetraploid trees presented higher density wood than diploid trees. The chemical constituents varied from pith to bark in the three ploidies, but no differences between ploidies were found. For energy generation purposes, diploid and triploid trees are more desirable than tetraploid trees.

Wood–cement boards with addition of coconut husk

ABSTRACT The present work evaluates the production of wood–cement particleboards (WCBs) with addition of coconut-husk fibers. Trees of a Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrid were used as wood source. Boards were produced with addition of five coconut-fiber levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) to replace the original wood, in a completely randomized design. From each board, specimens were taken to perform physical–mechanical tests (density, water absorption, thickness swelling, static bending, compression strength, and internal bond strength). The chemical characterization of the coconut fiber – in particular the total amount of extractives – in cold and hot water and an organic solvent, along with determination of lignin, holocellulose and ash amounts. The results showed that the addition of coconut fibers significantly affected the physical–mechanical properties of the boards. For the physical properties, the addition of coconut fibers improved the dimensional stability with the respective decrease in water absorption and thickness swelling. For mechanical properties, a decrease in the MOR and MOE was observed as the percentage of coconut fibers increased, most likely due to a poor interaction between the particles and the cementitious matrix. The resulting WCBs were suitable for nonstructural and indoor uses.

EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS X EUCALYPTUS UROPHYLLA GROWTH CURVE IN DIFFERENT SITE CLASSIFICATIONS, CONSIDERING RESIDUAL AUTOCORRELATION

Brazil is a major producer in the timber sector, mainly with the use of wood from species of the genus Eucalyptus, with 26.1% of planted forests located in Minas Gerais. Researchers and manufacturers have been searching for techniques with the objective of making full use of these forests, with a primary focus on greater growth. A modeling of growth curves is an alternative for the estimation of oral production andan important aid tool for the researcher's decision making. Growth curves are commonly studied by nonlinear regression models, which have important assumptions that if not met should be added to the model. The present work aims to select among nonlinear Logistic, Gompertz and von Bertalany regression models the most suitable to describe the growth in wood volume of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrids in three Forest Site categories, including whether assumption deviations are required. Methods were executed by the Gauss-Newton iterative method implemented in nls() and it gnls() functions of the R software. Determination coecient, Akaike information criterion (AICc) and Residual Standard Deviation (RSD) were used as selection evaluators of the best model. The results demonstrate that for all site categories, the Gompertz model with addition of autoregressive parameters AR (1) is the most appropriate to describe the growth in wood volume of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrids. The addition of the rst-order autoregressive parameter does not aect the quality of t, but it is the correct procedure. Site I, which presents the largest trees according to pre-dened variations, recorded 308 m3/ha of wood volume, followed by 286 m3/ha and 263 m3/ha for Sites II and III, respectively. The time for Site III to reach the maximum point of volume growth is between the fourth and sixth year, while the other sites are more precocious, reaching this point between the second and third year.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF WOOD PROPERTIES ON THE CHARCOAL PRODUCTION: APPLYING THE RANDOM FOREST ALGORITHM

ABSTRACT The understanding of the relationship between the properties of wood and charcoal makes it possible to improve the production of charcoal. Therefore, the random forest algorithm was used in this study to analyze the influence of eucalyptus wood properties on the quality of charcoal as well as the accuracy of the predicted values concerning the results estimated by support vector regression and multiple linear regression. Six properties of wood and six properties of charcoal obtained from the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and from twelve clones of Corymbia torelliana x Corymbia critriodora at the age of seven were measured. In the analysis, the measure of mean decrease in node impurity (residual sum of squares) calculated with the random forest and the copula correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between properties of wood and charcoal. The random forest was compared to the support vector regression and multiple linear regression through the coefficient of determination, linear correlation between observed and predicted values, mean absolute error and root mean squared error. The accuracy of the random forest was greater than that obtained with the support vector regression and multiple linear regression, mainly in terms of the coefficient of determination and the linear correlation between observed and predicted values. The yield and quality of the charcoal produced from clones were mainly influenced by the holocellulose content, heartwood/sapwood ratio, and basic wood density. The apparent relative density of charcoal was the variable in which the random forest algorithm reached the best level of explanation of the variability as a function of the properties of wood, while the minor error was observed for the fixed carbon content.

Differential water-use efficiency and growth among Eucalyptus grandis hybrids under two different rainfall conditions

Aim of the study: To analyze the course of leaf water status, water-use efficiency and growth in Eucalyptus grandis and hybrids throughout seasons with different rainfall.Area of study: The study was conducted in northern Uruguay.Methods: A randomized block trial was established containing E. grandis (ABH17), E. grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis (GC172), E. grandis × Eucalyptus tereticornis (GT529), and E. grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla (GU08). Predawn leaf water potential (Ψpd) and midday leaf water potential (Ψmd) were measured every six weeks from the age of 16 months, throughout two growing seasons. Stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthetic rate (A), and leaf-level transpiration (E) were measured once in each growing season, along with leaf carbon isotope discrimination (∆13C) and tree growth. Stomatal density and distribution were studied.Results: ABH17 and GU08 had the lowest daily fluctuation of leaf water potential and showed stronger stomatal regulation; they were hypostomatic, and stomata on the adaxial leaf surfaces remained immature. GC172 and GT529 (Red-Gum hybrids) were amphistomatic and transpired more intensively; they were less efficient in instantaneous and intrinsic water use and grew faster under high soil moisture (inferred from rainfall). Under such conditions, GC172 reached the highest gas-exchange rate due to an increase in tree hydraulic conductance. ABH17 and GU08 were hypostomatic and used water more efficiently because of stronger stomatal regulation.Research highlights: Red-Gum hybrids evidenced less water use efficiency due to lower stomatal regulation, different stomatal features, and distinct growth patterns as a function of soil moisture (inferred from rainfall).Keywords: Eucalypt hybrids; stomatal conductance; water-use efficiency; transpiration.Abbreviations used: Ψpd:predawn leaf water potential;Ψmd: midday leaf water potential; ΔΨ: daily fluctuation of leaf water potential ( ; A: net photosynthetic rate, E: leaf transpiration rate, gs: stomatal conductance, WUE: instantaneous water-use efficiency; WUEi: integrated water-use efficiency; A/E: leaf photosynthesis-to-leaf transpiration ratio; ∆13C: leaf carbon isotope discrimination; K: tree hydraulic conductance; E/∆Ψ: ratio between leaf transpiration and daily fluctuation of leaf water potential; δ13C: natural abundance of 13C.

Chrysoporthe puriensis sp. nov. from Tibouchina spp. in Brazil: an emerging threat to Eucalyptus

The discovery of Cryphonectriaceae and more specifically species related to the Eucalyptus canker pathogen Chrysoporthe cubensis on shrubs and trees in the Melastomataceae, has deepened our understanding of relevant, and potentially globally threatening tree pathogens. Recent isolations of Cryphonectriaceae associated with cankers on Tibouchina spp. in Brazil gave rise to an apparently undescribed species of Chrysoporthe associated with stem and branch cankers that lead to tree death. Cultures of this fungus were subjected to phylogenetic studies based on sequences for the ITS and β-tubulin gene regions. These analyses revealed a novel taxon that is described here as Chrysoporthe puriensis sp. nov., having both sexual and asexual states. Pathogenicity tests on two species of Tibouchina (T. granulosa, T. heteromalla) and hybrids of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla showed that Chr. puriensis can infect and cause disease on all of these trees. It is clearly not only damaging on native Tibouchina spp. where environmental conditions are conducive to disease development, but also potentially threatening to non-native Eucalyptus spp., which form the basis of a major plantation forest industry.

Technical Note: Properties of Wood from Frost-Tolerant Eucalyptus Planted in Brazil

The study of the technological characteristics of wood is of great importance as it provides information that may help to direct its best use. It is also useful in forest breeding programs and in the choice of which species to plant. Traditionally, the most planted tree in Brazil is the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla. The planting of Eucalyptus in Brazilian cold regions has intensified in recent years, and this and other species of the genus have also been used for this. Wood basic density, fiber dimensions, chemical composition, and higher heating value (HHV) of Eucalyptus benthamii,Eucalyptus dunnii, and Eucalyptus saligna, all species with a tolerance to frost, were analyzed. Basic densities, all greater than 460 kg/m3, were not significantly different among species. E. dunnii had the longest fiber ().98 mm), the highest holocellulose content, and the lowest lignin content, showing its potential for pulping. E. Benthamii and E. Salignatogether have higher lignin content with greater HHV, and so are more indicated for energy. Total extractive and ash content were high, but there were no significant differences among the species.

Taper modeling and economic evaluation of multi-products obtained from wood of short-rotation eucalyptus stands

This study aims at defining the appropriate model to describe the stem tapering of trees of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid, and at evaluating the economic viability of obtaining wood multi-products at different interest rates. The volume of 60 sample trees were determined, and stem tapering was described according to the models proposed by Demaerschalk, Prodan, Kozak, and Ormerod. The best model was used to convert the trees into assortments so that the wood could be optimized for the product that offers the maximum economic return with the minimum possible waste. Then, an economic viability analysis was performed for wood multi-product production, using the Net Present Value (NPV) and applying interest rates of 8 to 12% p.a. The Demaerschalk model is the most appropriate one for the study of stem tapering and assortment determination in short-rotation stands of the Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid intended for multi-products in the region covered by the study. The allocation of wood for multi-products is a viable option for stands of the Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid, according to the interest rates applied in the present study.

Responses of resistant and susceptible hybrid clones of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis to infection by Ceratocystis fimbriata

A histopathological study using one resistant and one susceptible clone of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrid showed that the colonization of Ceratocystis fimbriata was limited by rapid and intense host defense responses such as closure of the vessel pits; formation of tyloses and gels; accumulation of amorphous material, starch, phenolic compounds, and calcium oxalate; and tissue lignification. The defense mechanisms of the resistant clone were not lethal to the pathogen because the fungus was reisolated from the diseased tissue. The use of resistant genotypes of eucalypt is widely used to control Ceratocystis wilt caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata. However, little is known regarding the fungal infection process and the host defense responses. Thus, the objectives of this study were to compare the histopathological responses of one resistant and one susceptible clone of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis to artificial inoculation with C. fimbriata and to identify possible host defense responses against fungal infection. Fungal colonization was analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The host defense responses to artificial fungal inoculation were evaluated through histochemical analysis and determining of the lignin concentration and lesion lengths, whereas the pathogen viability was confirmed by reisolations. Both tested clones showed similar responses against fungal infection but presented defense responses with different speeds and intensities. Fungal colonization was not restricted in the tissue of plants from the susceptible clone, whereas in the resistant clone, fungal colonization was limited to the xylem vessels and parenchyma around the vessels due to closure of the vessel pits; intense formation of tyloses and gels; accumulation of amorphous material, starch, phenolic compounds, and calcium oxalate; and tissue lignification. However, the fungus was reisolated from the inoculated tissues of both clones. The resistance of eucalypt cuttings was found to be based on the rapid and intense defense responses shaped by biochemical and structural mechanisms that contained fungal colonization in the xylem vessels and parenchyma tissues.

PRE-IRRIGATION WITH GEL HIDRORETENTOR IN EUCALYPTUS SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT IN THE FIELD

Research has sought new technologies aimed at establishing more productive forests. Hidroretentor gel that has the function of increasing the availability of water to the plant, in the most critical stage of establishment of the cuttings in the field. The objective of this study was to evaluate increasing levels of water retention gel applied in pre-irrigation, moments before planting, observing the survival index, and the morphological variables for the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla-03, in Chapadinha-MA. The experiment was a randomized block with seven treatments and three replicates. The treatments consisted of five increasing doses of 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0 and 5.0 g 5 L-1 gel solution per liters of pre-irrigation, a treatment without the use of the gel; and a conventional planting treatment. The use of pre-irrigation with hidroretentores polymers, known as hidroretentor gel at a concentration of 4 and 5g 5L-1, provides a greater height, stem diameter, increasing the growth of eucalyptus plants in post-planting. The depth of the root system did not improve when a higher dose of gel was used, obtaining lower values than those obtained by the treatment without the use of the hidroretentor gel.

Photosynthetic responses of <i>Eucalyptus seedlings</i> submitted to chemical and mechanical stimulus

This work aimed to investigate the photosynthetic responses of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrids 1528 submitted to the application of jasmonic acid (JA) and stem bending. The experiment was conducted in a shade house using a completely randomized design with five replicates of 20 seedlings, with the following treatments: T1: control, T2: 8.0 μmol of JA and T3: 40 stem bending. The net assimilation rate of CO2 (A), stomatal conductance (gs), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), leaf transpiration rate (E), water use efficiency (WUE), intrinsic efficiency of use of Water (iWUE) and carboxylation efficiency (Fc) were measured with an IRGA. The dose of JA applied to the seedlings was insufficient to alter the photosynthetic responses in relation to the control treatment. Mechanical stimuli induced by stem bending in eucalyptus hybrid 1528 seedlings promoted an increase in the maximum photosynthetic capacity and maximum assimilation of CO2, but the seedlings presented a reduction in the efficiency of the water use, that is, lower photosynthetic efficiency when compared to the seedlings submitted to other treatments. Seedlings of eucalyptus hybrid 1528 submitted to mechanical stimuli and jasmonic acid show greater respiration under low flow levels of photosynthetically active photons.

Aspergillus flavipes as a novel biostimulant for rooting-enhancement of Eucalyptus

In recent years, forest breeding programs have increased Eucalyptus production for commercial purposes; however, high-performing Eucalyptus clones have had problems with propagation, especially when rooting. Nevertheless, studies have shown that inoculation of microorganisms producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is an especially productive procedure to help these clones breed. In this study, we evaluated the production of IAA and analogues in 16 microbial strains. For the first time, a high IAA production was described in the strain Aspergillus flavipes (ATCC® 16814™), and A. flavipes was shown by LC-MS/MS to produce IAA through a tryptophan-dependent biosynthetic pathway. A. flavipes reached the highest IAA production when cultivated under solid-state fermentation in an optimized medium composed of soybean bran, water and tryptophan. We mixed the fermentation products in solid form (SF) and liquid form (LF) with the substrate Carolina I® and then planted the cuttings of the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla (clone IPB2). In fact, treatments with 40–120 mg kg−1 of SF increased the adventitious rooting rate, root length and both root fresh and dry mass, while 120 mg kg−1 of LF increased root length and dry mass. Additionally, there was no toxicity on fibroblasts (NIH/3t3), and, therefore, the plant biostimulant was confirmed as a novel, non-toxic, and eco-friendly solution.

Genetic diversity and aggressiveness of Calonectria pteridis in Eucalyptus spp.

Calonectria leaf blight, caused by Calonectria pteridis, is currently one of the main foliar diseases in eucalypt plantations in Brazil. In warm and high rainfall regions, the disease can be a limiting factor for eucalypt production when planting susceptible genotypes. The most effective method for controlling this disease in the field is the use of resistant genotypes, which requires knowledge of the genetic variability and aggressiveness of the pathogen population for effective deployment of plant resistance. This work evaluated the genetic diversity and aggressiveness of C. pteridis populations obtained from infected eucalypt plants in Monte Dourado (Pará state) and Imperatriz (Maranhão state), Brazil. To study the genetic diversity, 16 ISSR primers were tested, five of which amplified polymorphic, reproducible and informative bands. Thirty‐one closely related genotypes were identified from 84 isolates studied, indicating that the population has a low genetic diversity. The aggressiveness of seven isolates, selected according to geographic origin and their clustering in the ISSR‐based dendogram, was determined by inoculation of a hybrid Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clone under controlled conditions. Disease severity was assessed by both measuring the percentage of plant defoliation and assigning a score according to a diagrammatic scale of symptoms. A high correlation between the two evaluation methods was observed, which revealed significant differences in aggressiveness among the isolates. The diagrammatic scale is recommended for disease evaluation because results are obtained much faster, before the occurrence of severe defoliation. No correlation between clustering in the ISSR‐based phylogenetic analysis and aggressiveness was observed.

Simple model of evapotranspiration by Eucalyptus plantations for data poor areas and tested using water balance data from a small catchment in Guangxi, China

ABSTRACTMeasurements of catchment and stand water balance were made in a small, upland catchment in Guangxi province, China that was covered with a plantation of a Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrid. These data were used to investigate the relationship between streamflow and the net stand water balance and to test the efficacy of a relationship between the crop factor (ratio of evapotranspiration to potential evaporation) and relative plant available soil water for predicting evapotranspiration. The model was then used to quantify the effect of afforestation with Eucalyptus plantations on the water balance of (1) upland catchments with shallow soils and (2) catchments with deeper soil profiles such as those that can occur in lowland catchments in Guangxi.During the experiment, the plantation experienced a dry year in 2014, when rainfall was 1095 mm, and a year with approximately average rainfall in 2015 (1493 mm). In 2014, plantation evapotranspiration was 779 mm or 71% of rainfall while during 2015 the annual plantation evapotranspiration was 931 mm or 61% of rainfall. Measured streamflow for a full year was only 18 mm (2%) less than the difference between rainfall and estimated evapotranspiration. The relationship between measured streamflow and the net stand water balance was also strong (r2 = 0.8) and unbiased (slope of 1.006).A model that predicted the crop factor as a function of relative plant available soil water explained more than 78% of the variation in observed evapotranspiration and had a model efficiency of 0.73. It also provided an unbiased prediction of monthly evapotranspiration. When used to model the effect of a change from grassland to a plantation of E. urophylla, it predicted an average annual decrease in drainage of 70 mm and a 5% increase in the number of months with zero flow.