Mahogany Seedlings Research Articles

Improving regeneration of mahogany: techniques for vegetative propagation of four African mahogany species using leafy stem cuttings

Regeneration to ensure sustainable production and conservation of mahogany species globally is considered very important to foresters, investors in plantation, conservationists and timber industries worldwide. Natural regeneration of the mahoganies has been found to be far less than the rate of exploitation hence strong efforts are being made to develop other methods to regenerate mahogany seedlings to augment the low natural replacement and to ensure sustainability. This study was commissioned to investigate the effect of rooting media (river-sand, top soil and a mix of the two (50:50 v/v) on the rooting ability of four mahogany species (Khaya grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, Entandrophragma angolense and E. utile) using non-mist propagators. We investigated the effects of the source of stem cutting within a shoot (top, middle and basal position) on the rooting ability of stem cuttings from the four species in river-sand. Roots per cutting, longest root length and rooting percentage differed significantly among species in all three rooting media. Rooting ability was greatest in K. grandifoliola, which exhibited the highest average rooting percentage (73 %), longest average single root (9.9 mm) and the most roots per cutting (4.9). Rooting percentage was higher in the Khaya species than in the Entandrophragma species in all three rooting media. The mixed medium had the highest rooting percentage and the highest number of roots per rooted cutting in the two Khaya species, while the topsoil media had the best rooting percentage in the Entandrophragma species. Rooting of the two Khaya species can be maximized using a mixture of river-sand and topsoil. Cutting position within a shoot had significant impact on rooting in all four species with rooting percentage being best from middle positions in all four species. However, length of longest root and the number of roots per rooted cutting varied between the middle and basal portions. The study provides useful information for vegetative propagation of leafy stem cutting of the four African mahogany species, which could contribute to regeneration and conservation of these important timber species in the tropics.

Organ-coordinated response of early post-germination mahogany seedlings to drought

Water deficit tolerance during post-germination stages is critical for seedling recruitment. In this work, we studied the effect of water deficit on morphological and biochemical responses in different organs of newly germinated mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) seedlings, a woody species that occurs in the Amazon rainforest. The root : shoot ratio increased under water deficit. The leaf number and water potential were not altered, although reductions in leaf area and stomatal conductance were observed. Osmotic potential became more negative in leaves of seedlings under severe stress. Water deficit increased fructose, glucose, sucrose and myo-inositol levels in leaves. Stems accumulated fructose, glucose and l-proline. Nitric oxide (NO) levels increased in the vascular cylinder of roots under severe stress while superoxide anion levels decreased due to augmented superoxide dismutase activity in this organ. Water deficit induced glutathione reductase activity in both roots and stems. Upon moderate or severe stress, catalase activity decreased in leaves and remained unaffected in the other seedling organs, allowing for an increase of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in leaves. Overall, the increase of signaling molecules in distinct organs-NO in roots, l-proline in stems and H2O2 and myo-inositol in leaves-contributed to the response of mahogany seedlings to water deficit by triggering biochemical processes that resulted in the attenuation of oxidative stress and the establishment of osmotic adjustment. Therefore, this body of evidence reveals that the development of newly germinated mahogany seedlings may occur in both natural habitats and crop fields even when water availability is greatly limited.

Phosphorus fertilization and the saturation of bases for formation of seedlings of Swietenia macrophyla

Production of quality seedlings with high survival rate in the environment for reforestation purposes still faces many obstacles, especially with respect to mineral nutrition. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the response of mahogany (Swietenia macrophyla) seedlings to the supply of P and base saturation in a Typic Hapludox (Oxisol) with sandy layer surface. We used a completely randomized experimental design with four phosphorus rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg dm–3 of P), with Arad phosphate rock source, with two base saturation levels (natural at 25% and corrected to 45%) and three replications. We assessed the following parameters: soil chemical attributes, stem diameter, plant height, root dry matter, aerial part dry matter, total dry matter, and aerial part dry matter/root dry matter ratio. The content of P in the soil increased with P supply levels, in the absence and presence of liming, respectively. Liming improved soil attributes and the growth of mahogany seedlings. The combination of liming with phosphorus fertilization positively influenced plant height and aerial part and total dry matter. In the absence of liming, P doses as from 100 mg kg–1 negatively influenced the growth of mahogany seedlings.

PENGARUH CARA PENYEMAIAN DAN PEMUPUKAN NPK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT MAHONI DAUN LEBAR DI PESEMAIAN

Swietenia macrophylla King is one of popular tree species for timber product in Java. In order to increase the productivity of planting stock production at nursery, this research was conducted. The objectives of this research was to study the influences of sowing method and NPK fertilizer application on the growth of mahogany seedlings at nursery. The treatments were sowing methods (with and without pricking out), types of NPK fertilizer (grain and solution) and the dosages of NPK fertilizer (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 gram/seedlings). The result showed that sowing methods and type of NPK fertilizer did not give significant effect on the growth of mahogany seedlings. The dosages of NPK fertilizer caused significant different on the variation of height, diameter, total dry weight and seedling quality index. The application of NPK fertilizer at 0.6 g/seedlings/month showed the best result i.e: the seedling heigth (42 cm), stem diameter (5.15 mm), total dry weight (5.28 g) and seedling quality index (0.38).

DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MUDAS DE Swietenia macrophylla EM RESPOSTA A NITROGÊNIO, FÓSFORO E POTÁSSIO

Objetivou-se avaliar neste estudo o efeito de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio no crescimento de mudas de mogno. As plantas foram cultivadas num Latossolo Amarelo Distrófico argiloso com seis níveis de nitrogênio (0, 50, 100, 125, 150 e 200 kg N ha-1), seis níveis de fósforo (0, 75, 150, 225, 300 e 400 kg P2O5 ha-1) e seis níveis de potássio (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 e 200 kg K ha-1), em condição de casa de vegetação. Aos 100 dias após o transplantio, as plantas foram colhidas para determinar as características de crescimento: altura, diâmetro, matéria seca da parte aérea e raízes e a concentração de nutrientes presentes na parte aérea e raízes. O desenvolvimento das mudas de mogno é pouco influenciado pelo fornecimento de doses crescentes dos nutrientes nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, indicando uma baixa exigência nutricional da espécie na fase inicial de crescimento. Entre os nutrientes avaliados, a espécie parece ligeiramente mais exigente quanto ao potássio em relação aos demais. No entanto, a demanda da planta já seria satisfeita com uma pequena adição do respectivo nutriente. A adubação com nitrogênio e fósforo não promove melhora na qualidade das mudas de mogno.Palavras-chave: Espécies florestais; mogno; nutrição mineral; crescimento inicial. AbstractDevelopment of Swietenia macrophylla seedlings in response to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. A Greenhouse experiment was developed in order to investigate effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the growth of mahogany seedlings (Swietenia macrophylla King). The plants were cultured in clayey dystrophic Red Latosol containing six nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, 125, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1), six phosphorus levels (0, 75, 150, 225, 300 and 400 kg P2O5 ha-1) and six potassium levels (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg K ha-1). After 100 days of transplanting, the plants were harvest and processed for determine height, diameter, dry weight and nutrient concentration in roots and shoots. Addition of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium did not affect the mahogany seedlings development. In contrast to N and P, the yield of plants was slightly greater with K fertilization. In general, results of this study clearly demonstrate the absence of a beneficial effect of these nutrients on the growth of mahogany seedlings. The nitrogen and phosphorus did not improve the quality of mahogany seedlings.Keywords: Forest species; mahogany; mineral nutrition; early growth.

CALAGEM E ADUBAÇÃO FOSFATADA PARA A PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE Swietenia macrophylla

Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, avaliar a eficiência agronômica de quatro fontes de fósforo, na presença e ausência de calagem, no crescimento inicial e nos teoresde macronutrientes em mudas de mogno, cultivadas em vasos com Latossolo Amarelo Distrófico, textura argilosa. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4: dois níveis de calagem (ausência e presença) e quatro fontes de P (superfosfato simples, superfosfato triplo, fosfato natural reativo Arad e termofosfato Yoorin), com quatro repetições. A absorção de macronutrientes e o crescimento das mudas de mogno foram pouco afetados, tanto pelas fontes de P quanto pelo fornecimento de calcário, indicando ser a espécie pouco sensível à acidez do solo e pouco exigente a esse nutriente nessa fase de cultivo. A maior eficiência tanto na absorção de nutrientes quanto para o crescimento da espécie mogno foi observada para o fosfato natural reativo Arad, sugerindo que a fonte de P com menor solubilidade em água pode ser agronomicamente mais eficiente em solos altamente intemperizados e com altos teores de argila. De modo geral, o comportamento das fontes de P foi pouco influenciado pelo pH do solo.Palavras-chave: Correção do solo; mogno; adubação; espécies florestais nativas. AbstractLiming and fertilization phosphated for the production of Swietenia macrophylla seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of four P sources in the presence and absence of liming on the growth and nutrition of mahogany seedlings conducted in pots with very clayey dystrophic Yellow Latosol. It had been used a randomized-block designed in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme represented by: two levels of liming (absence and presence) and four P sources (simple superphosphate, triple superphosphate, Arad reactive rock phosphate and Magnesium thermophosphate) with four replications. The absorption of nutrients and growth of mahogany seedlings were little affected by both P sources and supply of limestone. It indicates that this specie presents low sensibility to soil acidity as well as little requirements of P as nutrient at this stage of cultivation. Higher efficiency in both nutrients uptake and mahogany seedlings growth was observed for the Arad phosphate rock. Results suggest that sources of P with low water solubility can be agronomically more effective in highly weathered soils as well as with high clay content.In general, the behavior of P sources was little affected by soil pH.Keywords: Soil amendment; mahogany; fertilization; native forest species.

Enrichment of big-leaf mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King) in logging gaps in Bolivia: The effects of planting method and silvicultural treatments on long-term seedling survival and growth

To insure adequate regeneration and future timber yields of mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King), many logged forests will have to be restocked through enrichment planting and managed using silvicultural techniques that maintain this species’ long-term survival and growth. This study compared the effects of planting method and two silvicultural treatments on the survival and growth of mahogany seedlings in logging gaps in Bolivia. We tested the hypotheses that survival and growth will be higher among transplanted seedlings than seedlings established from sown seeds and higher in silvicultural treatments that reduce competing vegetation and increase light. The first silvicultural treatment consisted of gaps logged 6 months prior to planting, gaps logged just prior to planting, and gaps treated with herbicide prior to planting. The second treatment, applied 12 months after planting, consisted of manual vegetation cleaning around mahogany seedlings in half of the gaps. The first hypothesis was supported in terms of initial seedling growth but not survival, which was similar between planting methods during the 12–92 months after planting. Transplanted seedlings grew significantly faster than those established from sown seeds during the first year, but this growth advantage disappeared by the second year. Although transplants were 84 cm taller than seed-sown seedlings by the end of the study, this height gain was probably not worth the cost of growing and transplanting seedlings. The second hypothesis was supported in terms of both survival and growth. A significantly greater proportion of seedlings survived in herbicide (62%) compared to 6-month-old (46%) and recent gaps (18%) and in cleaned (51%) versus control gaps (39%). Seedlings initially grew faster in herbicide and recent gaps than in 6-month-old gaps. These differences among silvicultural treatments were largely explained by canopy cover, which, throughout the study, was at least 14% lower in herbicide gaps and 9% lower in cleaned gaps relative to their respective alternatives. By 64 months growth diminished to near zero and no longer differed among gap treatments, despite lower canopy cover in herbicide gaps. By 92 months, saplings in herbicide gaps were only 145 and 77 cm taller than those in recent and 6-month-old gaps, respectively. To maximize survival and growth of mahogany seedlings in logging gaps while minimizing costs, silvicultural strategies should focus on direct seed sowing and appropriately timed interventions (i.e. manual cleaning) to control competing vegetation.

Cadmium accumulation and tolerance of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) seedlings for phytoextraction applications

Mahogany, a high biomass fast-growing tropical tree, has recently garnered considerable interest for potential use in heavy metal phytoremediation. This study performed hydroponic experiments with Cd concentration gradients at concentrations of 0, 7.5, 15, and 30 mg L(-1) to identify Cd accumulation and tolerance of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) seedlings as well as their potential for phytoextraction. Experimental results indicate that Cd inhibited mahogany seedling growth at the highest Cd exposure concentration (30 mg L(-1)). Nevertheless, this woody species demonstrated great potential for phytoextraction at Cd concentrations of 7.5 and 15 mg L(-1). The roots, twigs, and leaves had extremely large bioaccumulation factors at 10.3-65.1, indicating that the plant extracted large amounts of Cd from hydroponic solutions. Mahogany seedlings accumulated up to 154 mg kg(-1) Cd in twigs at a Cd concentration of 15 mg L(-1). Although Cd concentrations in leaves were <100 mg kg(-1), these concentrations markedly exceed the normal ranges for other plants. Due to the high biomass production and Cd uptake capacity of mahogany shoots, this plant is a potential candidate for remediating Cd-contaminated sites in tropical regions.

Usage of sewage effluent in irrigation of some woody tree seedlings. Part 3: Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq.

A pot experiment was investigated to study the effect of sewage irrigation treatments (primary and secondary effluents) compared with tap water on the growth and chemical constituents of mahogany seedlings ( Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq.) as well as soil chemical properties. The experiment was conducted at a greenhouse in the nursery of Timber Trees Research Department of Sabahia, Horticultural Research Station in Alexandria, Egypt, from June 2003 to December 2004 for three irrigation periods (6, 12 and 18 months). The sewage effluent waters were taken from oxidation ponds located in New Borg EL-Arab city and used directly for irrigation. The primary effluent treatment was superior than other treatments in improving the growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaves number, fresh and dry weights of leaves, shoots and roots and shoot/root ratio) and showed the highest concentration and total uptake of N, P, K, Cd, Ni, Pb and Fe in plant parts, followed by secondary effluent then tap water. The data revealed that soil salinity in terms of electrical conductivity of saturated paste (EC), CaCO 3%, organic matter% and soluble anions and cations were influenced significantly by primary or secondary effluent treatment. The data also showed that the use of sewage effluent for irrigation increased N, P, K and DTPA-extractable-heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn). The effects of sewage effluent on growth parameters and elements content in plant parts and treated soil were more pronounced as water treatments were used for long period. The results suggested that the use of sewage effluent in irrigating mahogany trees grown on calcareous sandy loam soil was an important agriculture practice for improving soil properties, increasing fuel and timber production, and is an economic and safe way to dispose wastewaters.

Long-distance dispersal helps germinating mahogany seedlings escape defoliation by a specialist caterpillar

Herbivores and pathogens with acute host specificity may promote high tree diversity in tropical forests by causing distance- and density-dependent mortality of seedlings, but evidence is scarce. Although Lepidoptera larvae are the most abundant and host-specific guild of herbivores in these forests, their impact upon seedling distributions remains largely unknown. A firm test of the mechanism underpinning the Janzen-Connell hypothesis is difficult, even for a single tree species, because it requires more than just manipulating seeds and seedlings and recording their fates. Experimental tests require: (1) an insect herbivore that is identified and highly specialised, (2) linkage to an in situ measure (or prevention) of herbivory, and (3) evaluation and confirmation among many conspecific adult trees across years. Here we present experimental evidence for a spatially explicit interaction between newly germinating seedlings of a Neotropical emergent tree, big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla, Meliaceae), and caterpillars of a noctuid moth (Steniscadia poliophaea). In the understory of a southeastern Amazon forest, the proportion of attacks, leaf area lost, and seedling mortality due to this specialised herbivore peaked near Swietenia trees, but declined significantly with increasing distance from mature fruiting trees, as predicted by the Janzen-Connell hypothesis. We conclude that long-distance dispersal events (>50 m) provided an early survival advantage for Swietenia seedlings, and propose that the role of larval Lepidoptera as Janzen-Connell vectors may be underappreciated in tropical forests.

Efeito do cálcio no controle da Hypsipila grandella em mudas de mogno cultivadas em hidroponia

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o teor de cálcio e o efeito do ataque da lagarta H. grandella em plantas jovens de mogno (S. macrophylla), cultivadas em função de diferentes épocas de aplicação de doses crescentes de cálcio no substrato sílica moída, utilizando sistema hidropônico. O experimento foi instalado em casa de vegetação na Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Belém-PA, de setembro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2005. Utilizou-se cinco doses de cálcio (0, 80, 160, 240, 320 mg Ca.L-1), em solução nutritiva proposta por Hoagland &amp; Arnon, modificada por Epstein (1975). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC), as variáveis utilizadas para avaliação foram a susceptibilidade do mogno ao ataque da broca H. grandella, comprimento da galeria da broca e o teor de cálcio no caule. Foi realizado um DIC com cinco doses de cálcio, cinco repetições cada, e duas épocas de inoculação da broca. Utilizou-se regressões lineares simples para interpretação dos dados. Através da pesquisa, conclui-se que a aplicação de doses de cálcio, em solução nutritiva, reduziu o comprimento da galeria de infecção e exerce eficiente ação no controle do ataque da praga em plantas de mogno.

Adubação nitrogenada na produção de mudas de mogno (Swietenia macrophylla King)

Estudos sobre aspectos silviculturais de espécies florestais nativas da Amazônia são escassos, principalmente aqueles que visam a identificar técnicas de cultivo para a produção de mudas. O trabalho foi realizado objetivando avaliar efeitos de doses crescentes de N no desenvolvimento de mudas de mogno. O estudo consistiu de sete tratamentos, correspondentes à doses crescentes e equivalentes a 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 e 120 g N ton-1 de substrato, utilizando-se uréia como fonte de N. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com oito repetições. Noventa dias após a repicagem foram avaliadas as seguintes características: altura de planta, diâmetro do caule, matéria seca das raízes, do caule, das folhas e total. Também se avaliou o conteúdo de N, P, K, Ca e Mg nas folhas. Os resultados mostraram que a dose de máxima eficiência física correspondeu a 61,5 g N ton-1 de substrato; o nível crítico de N para a parte aérea é de 27 g kg-1 e a dose para atingí-lo de 57,5 g N ton-1 de substrato. Observou-se também que na dose de 120 g N ton-1 houve efeito negativo da adubação nitrogenada sobre as características de crescimento avaliadas. Estes resultados indicam que as características de desenvolvimento e de acumulação de nutrientes pelas mudas de mogno foram influenciadas positivamente por doses crescentes de N, contudo na dose máxima utilizada neste estudo 120 g N ton-1, houve efeito negativo; a adubação nitrogenada resultou em aumento no conteúdo de N, P e Ca nas folhas; a dose de N recomendada para a produção de mudas de mogno, em substratos com características semelhantes ao empregado neste estudo, é de 57,5 g N ton-1 de substrato.

Adubação fosfatada para a produção de mudas de mogno (Swietenia macrophylla King)

O mogno (Swietenia macrophylla King), pelo elevado valor comercial da sua madeira, é uma das espécies mais exploradas na Amazônia, sendo ameaçada de extinção por não haver renovação dos estoques através de reflorestamento com a espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação fosfatada sobre o desenvolvimento de mudas de mogno. O estudo foi conduzidos em casa-de-vegetação e o solo utilizado para compor o substrato foi Latossolo Amarelo de textura muito argilosa. Os tratamentos constituiram-se de doses crescentes de fósforo de 0, 25, 30, 75, 100, 150 e 200 kg.ha-1 de P. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com 4 repetições, num total de 28 parcelas. Cada parcela foi formada por 2 mudas, cultivadas em sacos com capacidade de 4 dm³. Verificaram-se respostas positivas às doses de fósforo para todas as características de crescimento, bem como na absorção da maioria dos macronutrientes. Para as características de crescimento a dose de 200 kg.ha-1 de fósforo, foi a que proporcionou máximo crescimento para as mudas de mogno, no intervalo de 90 dias.

Planting mahogany in canopy gaps created by commercial harvesting

Attempts at natural forest management of mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King) have so far met with limited success, whilst many plantations are beset by the shoot borer Hypsipyla spp. In this paper we present preliminary results of an approach to enrichment planting that aims to balance economic returns (rapid growth and good silvicultural form) with intervention costs and changes to forest structure. Mahogany seedlings were planted in gaps created by selective timber harvesting and that ranged in vertical projected area from 91 to 542 m 2 (mean = 257 m 2). Seedlings grew within the matrix of gap regrowth, with limited control of competing vegetation. Sixty-one percent of seedlings had survived by 4.4 years (equivalent to an annual mortality rate of 10.5% year −1), and had reached a mean height of 4.5 m. Stocking levels of mahogany were similar to that of naturally regenerated commercial species in unplanted gaps of the same age, but mahogany seedlings were significantly taller. The incidence of shoot borer attack on mahogany stems was relatively low (54.7%), but, more importantly, most damaged stems (58%) responded by producing a single replacement leader. The cost of the proposed methodology (US$ 94 per gap over 4.4 years) was low compared to the high value of mahogany timber relative to other species in the forest. The implications of planting mahogany in gaps for forest management and the potential benefits to conservation of the species are considered.

Experimental establishment of big-leaf mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King) seedlings on two soil types in native forest of Pará, Brazil

Research into the mechanisms underlying edaphic associations reported for many tropical forest tree species, including those in the Meliaceae, has paid little attention to the earliest post-dispersal life stages. We conducted a reciprocal sowing experiment to examine germination and establishment rates of big-leaf mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King) during the first seedling growing season in two local edaphic habitats in southeastern Amazonia. In this region, adult populations are restricted primarily to low-ground soils associated with seasonal streams, but rarely are found on high-ground soils. Soil analyses revealed that low-ground soils at the study site were silty loams whereas high-ground soils were clays. High-ground soils were less acidic and more fertile than low-ground soils, especially with respect to total nitrogen, Mg, and sum of basic cations. In October 2003, at 30 locations evenly split between the two soil types, we added 40 seeds to paired canopy gap and closed understory plots on low- and high-ground soils. Two months after sowing, no significant differences between the two soil types were found for the proportion of seeds: (1) ungerminated yet viable, (2) still germinating, (3) already established, or (4) surviving (variables 1, 2, and 3 combined). Nearly twice as many seedlings had established in the understory (43%) than in canopy gaps (24%), and overall survival was lower in canopy gaps than in the understory (46% vs. 58%, respectively). Seven months after sowing, survival was similar between gaps and understory; however, seedling recruitment on high-ground soils was nearly twice that on low-ground soils (38% vs. 20%, respectively; P = 0.006). Localised flooding in low-ground plots drowned seedlings at four locations (16 plots). Difference in seedling performance between soil types weakened when these flooded plots were discarded (corresponding recruitment was 38% vs. 27%, P = 0.083). On average, seedlings showed small differences in leaf damage, leaf numbers, and foliar conditions between edaphic habitats. As expected, seedlings had more leaves and greater between-census survival rates in canopy gaps compared to understory conditions. Collectively, we found little evidence of enhanced early post-dispersal performance on mahogany's preferred soil type in the region. Any ecological processes driving mahogany's association with low-ground forest soils presumably emerge beyond the first growing season.

Energetic flux and performance index in copaiba (Copaifera multijuga Hayne) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) seedlings grown under two irradiance environments

Plant adaptation under conditions of limited irradiance can be investigated by their efficiency while using the available energy with a minimal thermodynamic energy loss. For this reason, we compared the energetic fluxes and the performance index (PI ABS) in copaiba (Copaifera multijuga) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophyla) seedlings under both sunlight and shade. The experiment was carried out in Manaus (3º8'S, 59º52'W), Amazonas State, Brazil. The fluorescence transients were obtained in intact and healthy leaves using a Plant Efficiency Analyser (PEA) between 1200 h and 1300 h. Using the O-J-I-P test, the following parameters were calculated: 1) density of reaction centers per cross section (RC/CS), 2) maximum quantum yield for primary photochemistry of photosystem II (sigmaPo), and 3) probability of energy excitation (psio) or that of an absorbed photon (sigmaEo) to move an electron further than quinone A, and 4) the performance index (PI ABS). The highest PI ABS was found in seedlings under shade for both species. Mahogany seedlings exhibited values of PI ABS about three-fold and 14-fold higher than copaiba seedlings under shade and sunlight, respectively. For RC/CS, reaction centers were inactive under sunlight, 58% for mahogany and 78% for copaiba. The high irradiance induced a decrease of sigmaPo in mahogany (36%) and in copaiba (69%) when compared to shaded seedlings. This likely was a result of need for excess energy dissipation under sunlight. In addition, it was verified that seedlings under sunlight presented a severe decrease in sigmaEo, particularly in copaiba (23-fold), when compared to mahogany (9fold). Therefore, mahogany seedlings showed the highest performance in energy use under low and high irradiance, thus it may be proposed that mahogany presented lower entropy than copaiba seedlings, as demonstrated by the higher plasticity in the use of energy.

Efeito de micronutrientes sobre o crescimento de mudas de mogno (Swietenia Macrophilla King) em Latossolo amarelo

O plantio de espécies florestais nativas é uma atividade que além de repor os recursos florestais também pode atenuar os impactos ambientais decorrentes do extrativismo. Entretanto, seu sucesso depende, entre outros fatores, do conhecimento a cerca das necessidades nutricionais da espécie a ser utilizada. Com o objetivo de obter informações das necessidades de mudas de mogno (Swietenia Macrophilla King) por micronutrientes, foi realizado um experimento em casa de vegetação. Foi utilizado como substrato um Latossolo Amarelo de baixa fertilidade, coletado da camada de 20-40 cm de profundidade, localizado no setor Sul do Campus da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM). Foram testados sete tratamentos e quatro repetições dispostos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, sob a técnica do elemento faltante. Os tratamentos foram: Completo (Calagem + N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn e Mo), Testemunha (Calagem + N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S e Mo) e a omissão de um micronutriente catiônico por vez (-B, -Cu, -Fe, -Mn e - Zn). Após quatro meses foram avaliadas as seguintes características: altura da parte aérea, diâmetro do colo, produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes e conteúdo de nutrientes na matéria seca da parte aérea. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa permitiram concluir que as mudas de mogno tiveram seu crescimento comprometido pela baixa disponibilidade de cobre no substrato, sendo necessária sua aplicação para que as plantas tenham um desenvolvimento normal, compatível com o crescimento da espécie, quando as condições de substrato são adequadas.

Diagnóstico de um projeto de enriquecimento florestal na Comunidade do Brasileirinho, Manaus, Amazonas

As ações do projeto consistiram no reconhecimento da comunidade, realizando-se entrevistas, seguidas de um levantamento da demanda por espécies florestais e frutíferas, aquisição, transporte e distribuição das mudas e sementes. Das 28 propriedades cadastradas, 18 tornaram-se participantes, engajando-se no projeto. Na comunidade, a fruticultura é a principal atividade e o cupuaçu a principal cultura, presente em oito propriedades participantes com 2950 indivíduos plantados. Outras culturas importantes são: manga, pupunha, açaí, coco. O projeto promoveu também a introdução e o plantio de espécies vegetais com valor de mercado. Com as atividades do projeto, diversificaram-se as espécies florestais e frutíferas existentes na comunidade. Distribuíram-se 12.455 mudas de pau-rosa, cedro, andiroba, mogno, maçaranduba, seringueira, camu-camu (caçari), araçá-boi, cubiu e outras. Como perspectiva, as ações pretendem fixar o agricultor no campo, propor alternativas econômicas, sensibilizar a comunidade com relação à preservação da floresta e exploração racional dos recursos naturais.

Impact of geothermal well testing on exposed vegetation in the Northern Negros Geothermal Project, Philippines

The impact of geothermal fluid discharges during the testing of Pataan 5-D well was evaluated on seedlings of mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King) at various distances from the well and on natural forest vegetation around the wellpad. The parameters measured were: (1) geothermal brine spray concentration; (2) plant concentration of geothermal signature ions (B, Cl, Li and Na); (3) symptoms of plant damage; and (4) plant recovery. Meteorological parameters were also gathered. Adverse effects on the test plants were observed at distances of 5–50 m from the well silencer for over-spray during the horizontal discharge and at 50–350 m from the wellhead during the vertical discharge. Salinity was identified as a significant cause of plant damage. Observed symptoms of damage included drying of leaf tissues expressed as necrotic areas, which occurred first at the tip of older leaves and progressed along the margins as severity increased, resulting in abnormal defoliation. Recovery of seedlings and natural vegetation from sprays was observed in both vertical and horizontal discharges.

Regenerating mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla King) on clearings in Mexico’s Maya forest: the effects of clearing method and cleaning on seedling survival and growth

To mimic catastrophic disturbances which have favored the establishment of natural stands rich in mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla), two 5000 m 2 clearings were established in each of four locations using each of three treatments: complete felling; slashing, felling and burning; and machine-clearing, which uprooted all prior vegetation. One to three months later, and again after an additional 12 months, twenty 4-month-old mahogany seedlings were planted in the center of each clearing, and, simultaneously, nearby, under the forest canopy. One year after the first planting and again 7 months later, vines and competing vegetation were cleaned from around the seedlings on one of each type of clearing in each location. Fifty-eight months later, only 5% of mahogany seedlings survived under the canopy, as compared to 32% on felled clearings and 50% on burned or machine-made clearings. Average annual growth of seedlings planted the year clearings were opened was approximately double that of seedlings planted a year later, after natural regeneration of other species had become established. At 58 months uncleaned trees averaged 352 cm in height (and the tallest 600 cm) on burned clearings, 324 cm on machine-made clearings, and 195 cm on felled clearings. Surviving seedlings planted under the forest canopy had grown less than 30 cm during the same period. On burned and machine-made clearings the effect of cleaning on growth was not statistically significant, but on felled clearings cleaning increased growth by 120%, to rates similar to those on burned clearings. Attack by the Hypsipyla grandella shootborer was significantly affected by cleaning. After 58 months, only 12% of seedlings on uncleaned plots had been attacked, compared to 44% of seedlings on cleaned plots. Cleaning also significantly increased vines, particularly on seedlings planted the year after clearings were created: 36% of all seedlings on cleaned plots had vines, as compared to 19% of uncleaned seedlings. In summary, planting mahogany seedlings under the forest canopy cannot be expected to regenerate mahogany trees. However, mahogany seedlings survive and grow well on clearings, with no subsequent interventions, if planted shortly after these are opened by machine or burning. This approach to regeneration could be expected to yield densities of 100 commercial-sized mahogany trees/ha among a matrix of 400 naturally regenerated trees/ha of other species. At this rate, regenerating mahogany on clearings equivalent to 3% of the annual cutting area intervened at each harvest, could provide for replacement of mahogany trees harvested from the permanent forest reserves in the region.