Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the taxonomic and functional diversity of the ant fauna in eucalyptus plantations (Corymbia citriodora; Eucalyptus urophylla; and E. saligna) in the Mário Xavier National Forest, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The E. saligna plantation was adjacent to an urban area, while the others were at least 1 km away. A total of 36 ant species from 14 genera were collected. The largest number of species was found in the C. citriodora plantation (20), followed by E. urophylla (18) and E. saligna (9) plantations. Species composition varied significantly among the areas. Greater numbers of guilds were found in the C. citriodora and E. urophylla plantations (6) compared to the E. saligna plantation (4). These results indicate that environmental attributes and proximity to urban areas can affect the richness and composition of ant species in eucalyptus plantations, consequently influencing the functional diversity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aniba rosiodora Ducke, an Amazonian species, is valued for its essential oil rich in linalool, which is widely used in fine perfumery. Due to this, it has been overexploited and recognized as a threatened species. Despite efforts to maintain their genetic variability, there are few quotes about their behavior in the face of climate change. This study uses species distribution modeling (SDM) to project its geographic distribution in future scenarios (2009-2019) with projections for SSP245 (less pessimistic) and SSP585 (more pessimistic) for 2041-2060, 2061-2080 and 2081-2100, based on 19 bioclimatic and 14 edaphic variables in South America. The results indicate that the distribution of rosewood trees is mainly influenced by temperature and precipitation, and the analyzed scenarios indicate a reduction of the areas with environmental suitability, especially in the Amazon, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest. Strategies should be planned to ensure the conservation and genetic variability of the species.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of this study was investigating the factors that render Araucaria angustifolia trees less stable in secondary forests to support the species conservation strategies. Nine plots were allocated in a Mixed Atlantic Forest where, buckling damage was observed among Araucaria’s trees. Then stability was evaluated using the tree slenderness coefficient (TSC), considering TSC≥80 as the critical stability threshold of buckling and breakage. Generalized additive models were fitted to describe variations in TSC in response to tree and plot characteristics. The tree-level characteristics DBH, TH, and canopy position significantly influenced the TSC, as well as competition with larger trees at plot-level. Slenderness decreased with tree size and increased with light competition, with small trees under competition having TSC values beyond the critical stability threshold. Therefore, to maintain more resistant and stable stands, small trees under intense competition should receive more attention and be favored in thinning procedures.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Copaifera langsdorffii thrives in variable light conditions, prompting investigation of this adaptive advantage. We evaluated morphological and physiological traits contributing to phenotypic plasticity in response to nursery light environments, aiming to improve seedling quality and inform light-based management strategies. Morphological adjustments, especially in stem and root growth, were the primary response to light variation, with high light promoting root development and higher DQI values. The greatest plasticity occurred between high and medium light. As light decreased, morphological plasticity declined while physiological adjustments became more prominent, suggesting a hierarchical acclimation strategy. For nursery management, we recommend high light conditions (full sunlight) to produce robust seedlings with enhanced root development (27% higher root allocation) and superior quality indices (DQI = 0.40), while medium light (50% shade) and low light conditions (75% shade) should be avoided due to reduced seedling quality despite physiological acclimation. Assisting with best practices and seedling nursery management.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Wood has long been one of the most widely utilized natural building materials. This study investigated the effect of thermal modification on the durability of Daniellia oliveri wood through laboratory and field decay tests. Five mature trees were selected and felled for the experiment. Wood samples were prepared and subjected to thermal treatment at 160, 180, and 200°C for three hours. The heartwood recorded a mass loss of 25.58% for the untreated wood, while the sapwood showed a slightly higher mass loss of 26.23%. Specimens treated at 200°C had the highest resistance to mass loss, with 7.08% for the heartwood and 8.73% for the sapwood. Similar trends were observed in the mass loss measured after exposure in the field, where mass loss decreased as the temperature increased. Thermal modification enhanced the resistance of D. oliveri wood, thereby increasing its durability and broadening its applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The use of biosolids as a sustainable alternative in the management of planted Pinus taeda forests affects availability of nutrients and beneficial elements. Calcium (Ca) and Silicon (Si) play important roles in plant regulatory and protective systems; therefore, our objective was to use scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to analyze the accumulation of elements in P. taeda needles grown in soil that received 0 to 60 Mg ha-1 applications of cellulosic waste. Microanalyses of needle sections were performed using a SEM with elemental detection by EDS. Mapping mode allowed for detection and analysis of Ca, Si, and C distributions in needle sections. Calcium and Si precipitation occurred in needles, with Ca accumulating in the phloem and Si in the epidermal cells. Application of 60 Mg ha-1 changed the availability and accumulation of elements, which resulted in more Ca crystals and fewer Si crystals.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We present the first study on the reproductive phenology and above-ground and below-ground trait relationships of Andira humilis, an endemic underground tree from Brazil. We studied an A. humilis population in caatinga remnants. The phenology seasonality was assessed using circular statistics (monthly frequency) based on herbarium vouchers. We used PCA on functional traits and climate to examine their relationships, and linear regression to assess the effects of mean rainfall and temperature on phenophases. A. humilis exhibits seasonality, flowering in the dry season and fruiting in the rainy season. Functional traits (low-wood density and high-water storage) enable flowering during water stress. Temperature drives fruiting, while flowering is independent of rainfall or temperature. Fruiting is less seasonal than flowering, likely due to extended maturation periods. This study highlights the role of A. humilis functional traits in adapting to extreme water stress in dry forests.