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ABSTRACT Background: Forests in the Atlantic Forest Domain are increasingly threatened by fire, which disrupts their structure, biodiversity, and resilience. This study investigates how fire impacts functional diversity, community structure, and regeneration in fragmented forest patches near urban areas. Results: We analyzed three types of forest patches: Closed Forest, Perturbed Forest (Once-burned Forest), and Burned Forest (Twice-burned Forest). Significant differences were found in species composition, diversity, and structural parameters among these vegetation types. Closed Forests exhibited the highest levels of functional diversity, structural complexity, and species richness. In contrast, Perturbed and Burned Forests showed reduced functional diversity, lower community-level traits, and diminished resilience. Functional metrics, such as functional divergence (Fdiv) and functional richness (Fric), were notably lower in fire-affected areas. Additionally, fire occurrence influenced dispersal modes, with animal-dispersed species predominating and a notable absence of large-seeded species. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of fire on forest regeneration. Recurrent fires lead to decreased species diversity and functional redundancy, transforming closed-canopy forests into more open, savanna-like landscapes. The absence of large-seeded and animal-dispersed species further impedes the regeneration and resilience of fragmented Atlantic Forests. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation and management strategies to support forest recovery and maintain biodiversity in fire-prone regions.

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ABSTRACT Background: Türkiye is a very rich country in terms of the distribution and diversity of plants. Despite these current conditions, natural plant species are not sufficiently used in designing urban landscapes. The research aims to reveal an ecological model approach to urban planting by determining the ecological indicator values ​​(EIV’s) and coexistence in nature of the species detected in the natural vegetation, revealing the potential of plants to come together. Results: Within the scope of research, natural areas in Düzce Plain and at the points touching the plain were determined according to the CORINE land cover classification, and 5 different habitat types were determined as forest habitat, riparian areas, rocky habitat, wetlands and meadow habitat. In this study, 420 plant taxa belonging to 89 families which were taken from 33 points and 168 sample areas, were identified. Both natural plant species determined by collecting plant species from the area and plant species diversity will be revealed by determining the ecological demands of the plants. After determining whether the coexistence of plant species collected and identified in these habitat types is distributed in an interdependent manner, scenarios regarding the coexistence of plants were constructed with the help of the latent variables model (LVM’s) by R software program. Conclusion: Some of the plant species with the highest percentage of presence according to the plant layers were selected, and plant compositions with high coexistence were proposed according to the LVM’s.

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ABSTRACT Background: The mountainous ecotonal regions of Brazil have a high diversity of species due to the sharing of faunal and floristic elements with adjacent biomes. These areas are preserved on a mesoscale and play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. This study aims to analyze bird community distribution within an ecotonal region based on phytophysiognomies, focusing on species richness, composition, and seasonality. Additionally, it seeks to estimate species diversity through richness estimators and identify bioindicator species for each environment using statistical models. Direct observations were carried out in 18 areas representing primary environments/phytophysiognomies during two distinct seasons. Results: 324 bird species from 60 families were recorded, including six species listed as threatened. The species accumulation curves did not reach asymptote, with a greater number of species for the summer. The distribution of species in the landscape was considered unique for each physiognomy and species composition. The INDVAL analysis found Serpophaga nigricans as an anthropogenic species, suggesting an adaptation of the species to areas with human activities, such as the tourist waterfall regions in this area. Conclusion: The distribution of birds in the mountainous ecotonal landscape showed the importance of environments as they are unique in each phytophysiognomy, highlighting the importance for hosts of endemic, rare and endangered species.

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ABSTRACT Background: The Caatinga, unique in northeastern Brazil, has species adapted to the semi-arid climate. Recurrent fires put its biodiversity at risk, highlighting the need for urgent measures to protect this fragile ecosystem. This study analyzed four decades of fire behavior in the Caatinga biome (1985-2023) using data from the MapBiomas Fire project and spatial analysis, revealing an alarming increase in fire activity, which affected approximately 10.9 million hectares (≈12.74% of the biome). Results: Showed an increasing trend in the frequency and intensity of fires, with critical peaks between August and November, particularly in October where historical maximums were reached in the period 2015-2023 (48.1%). Spatial distribution showed significant concentrations in the western and southern regions of the biome, especially in the states of Bahia and Piauí, mainly linked to human activities. The temporal analysis revealed a progressive accumulation of burned areas, with a notable increase towards the end of the period studied. The recurrence of fires presented a heterogeneous distribution, with up to 39 events at the same point in critical areas, affecting mainly forest formations and herbaceous-bush vegetation. Conclusion: The research underlines the vulnerability of the Caatinga ecosystem to these recurrent events, highlighting the urgent need to implement land management and fire management measures, including continuous monitoring programs and regional adaptive strategies that combine agricultural productivity with ecosystem conservation. This study contributes to the understanding of fire dynamics in tropical semiarid biomes, providing crucial information for decision-making in conservation and sustainable management policies.

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ABSTRACT Background: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) generate a symbiotic relationship with most terrestrial plants, influencing the dynamics and functioning of ecosystems. There are few studies on the diversity of these fungi associated with forest species and in different types of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity and structure of AMF communities associated with Cordia alliodora and Swietenia macrophylla in two forestry ecosystems with different types of management in Costa Rica. For this purpose, rhizosphere and soil samples were collected from 10 trees at random, spores and sporocarps were isolated and characterized, AMF abundance, richness and diversity were determined, and a physicochemical analysis of the soil was carried out. Results: Fifty-seven AMF morphospecies belonging to five orders, 10 families and 15 genera were identified, with a predominance of Diversisporales and Glomerales; we report 15 new geographic records of AMF increasing the richness to 76 species and by 24% the Glomeromycota’s richness in Costa Rica. There were no significant differences in total spore abundance between the two forest species, however, there were significant differences in the modes of formation and species composition. Conclusions: The alpha diversity analysis showed that rare species largely explain the differences between the sites, and the AMF community structure was influenced by edaphic factors such as pH and available phosphorus content. These types of studies highlight the importance of considering the identity and diversity of AMF associated with forest species of commercial interest and ecological importance in different types of ecosystems.

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ABSTRACT Background: Quantifying aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for studying the carbon cycle and estimating mitigation potential of climate change. Combining field inventory data and remote sensing such as Landsat imagery, is a common approach for landscape-Level AGB analysis. However, uncertainties in biomass estimations persist, highlighting the need for improved statistical methods. The objectives of this study were (i) model the AGB of temperate forests managed for timber production using Landsat 8 data and three regression algorithms (linear regression, generalized additive models [GAM], and random forests), and (ii) quantify interannual AGB variations (2013-2022) across a forest landscape. Predictor variables included spectral bands, vegetation indices (VI), textural metrics, and stand age. Results: The RF algorithm showed the best performance with accurate estimates, explaining 76% of the AGB variability. It also showed an RMSE of 32.93 Mg ha-1 when stand age was included as a predictor variable. The AGB showed a spatial variation from 9 to 289 Mg ha-1, and an inventory of 113,408.81 Mg (±11,663.13 Mg) in a landscape of 823.6 ha, ranging from 101,904.70 Mg in 2013 to 127,915.60 Mg in 2022. The 10-12-year-old stands showed the highest increment of biomass after a decade, increasing from 71.06 Mg ha-1 (±19.81) in 2013 to 153.37 Mg ha-1 (±14.13) in 2022. Conclusion: The study evaluated a practical methodology to estimate the spatiotemporal variation of AGB in managed temperate forests. This approach can be implemented to support the evaluation of the potential contribution of managed forests to climate change mitigation.

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ABSTRACT Background: The prediction of hollows in standing trees is an expensive operation, but it is essential for decision-making about harvesting in managed forests in the Amazon. The hollow test that is currently used has strong limitations for correct prediction of the presence of hollows in a tree of commercial interest. The objective of this research was to select and validate generalized linear logistic models to estimate the occurrence of hollows in trees of fifteen commercial species and to compare the efficiency of the models to the results from the traditional manual method of hollow testing in the state of Pará, Brazil. A database of 27,380 trees was used to adjust models by species. To validate the equations, 9,915 trees from an independent area were used. Results: Diameter at breast height (DBH), commercial height (hc) and stem quality (SQ) were important predictors of the occurrence of tree hollows, while wood density (WD) did not generate significant gains in the models. Species are determinants of the probability of a tree being hollow. From a DBH of approximately 100 cm, the probability of occurrence of hollows in the trees reaches about 80% for Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) A. Chev., and for and Mezilaurus itauba (Meisn.) Taub. ex Mez and Astronium lecointei Ducke, for example, hollows occur in diameters of about 120 cm. Logistic equations are more efficient in predicting the presence of a hollow when a tree contains one, compared to the hollow test. Conclusion: It is possible to accurately predict the occurrence of hollows in commercial trees, which may be an alternative to the current hollow test used in managed areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

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ABSTRACT Background: The principal challenge in forest transportation lies in minimizing the fleet of vehicles and cranes while adhering to operational constraints. Addressing this intricate operational issue yields numerous advantages. This research is dedicated to the development and evaluation of a controlling device designed to enhance timber logistics. A queue simulator is utilized to estimate prospective wait times for the optimized system. Two scenarios are analyzed: one integrating the controlling device and the other excluding it. The study underscores the advantages of vehicle type A, which, due to its higher number of wheelers and fewer cranes compared to vehicle type B, demonstrates greater efficacy in establishing a robust queuing system. Results: Although comprehensive numerical analysis is not provided, the utilization of fewer cranes indicates potential cost reductions. The Forest Transportation Problem (FTP) model is employed to optimize the spatial allocation of trucks and cranes during loading and unloading operations. The succinct mathematical formulation of this model renders it both effective and user-friendly. The fuzzy controlling device (FCD), which emulates human decision-making processes in the allocation of wheelers to cranes, significantly enhances the comprehension of optimization outcomes. A comparative assessment reveals that scenario 1 (excluding the FCD) appears more advantageous for replicating the queuing system under the specified conditions. Notably, the integration of the FCD with the queue simulator engenders logical and coherent queue behavior within the forest transportation framework. Conclusion: The findings of this study substantiate the effectiveness of the developed controlling device in optimizing timber logistics by augmenting the efficiency of the queuing system and potentially reducing crane utilization costs. Vehicles associated with higher crane productivity required fewer trucks to perform transportation tasks more efficiently compared to those with less productive cranes. The incorporation of the FCD refines the decision-making process and yields valuable insights into the operational dynamics of forest transportation. The study’s outcomes contribute significantly to the field, offering practical implications for optimizing resource allocation and enhancing logistical performance in forestry operations.

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ABSTRACT Background: Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae) is a tree species of growing conservation concern due to population decline driven by current land-use practices in the Caatinga, a highly vulnerable ecosystem. The decline of S. tuberosa populations is particularly concerning given its ecological importance and value to local communities. This study aims to quantify the impact of fruit extraction on S. tuberosa populations and to predict current and future climatically suitable habitats for the species, thereby providing critical insights for developing effective management and conservation strategies. Production data (tons) and commercial value (U.S. dollars) were collected from 1994 to 2021. Using the Maxent algorithm, we correlated species occurrence records with key climatic variables under two climate change scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): an optimistic scenario (RCP2.6) and a pessimistic scenario (RCP8.5). Results: Bahia was the leading producer and trader of S. tuberosa fruits between 1994 and 2021, despite the species’ broader distribution across the Northeast Brazil. The Maxent models demonstrated high predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.94) for both current conditions and future climate change scenarios. Annual precipitation was identified as the most influential climatic variable shaping the distribution of S. tuberosa. Conclusion: Future climate scenarios project a significant expansion of suitable habitats for S. tuberosa in Pernambuco and Bahia. The findings support the development of sustainable resource management strategies, such as establishing commercial plantations and the creation of ex-situ conservation banks alongside environmental protection areas.

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ABSTRACT Backgrounds: Research on how obtaining basic variables from the forest inventory supports the accurate estimation of planted forest production. Therefore, this work aimed to select the best modeling method for estimating the heights of trees in a Schizolobium parahyba forest and livestock integration system in the countryside of Pará state, Brazil; hence it was established to compare specific and general regression equations for the different management types, and to analyze whether there is a gain in precision with the increased complexity of the regression models and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Three hypsometric regression models were tested: Curtis, Stoffels & Van Soest, and Petterson, using linear, mixed, nonlinear, and covariate models. The ANNs were of the Multilayer Perceptron type with one and two variables in the input layer. Results: The linear Stoffels & Van Soest hypsometric models showed the best regression adjustment, followed by the Curtis model. The linear and nonlinear regression models performed similarly; hence, the linear ones were more efficient based on their simplicity of adjustment. The specific equations performed better than the general equation except for stratum II. The artificial neural networks with two input variables resulted in better estimates of tree heights. Conclusion: The linear equation models were selected, including the specific strata I and III, and the general equation for stratum II. The increase in the complexity of the regression models did not indicate better estimates, unlike the ANNs.

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ABSTRACT Background: Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting aerial surveys without ground control points to estimate the volume of wood piles in planted areas. The data used in this study include both manual measurements (conventional method) and aerial imagery of 24 wood piles composed of Eucalyptus sp. The aerial surveys were conducted based on two flight plans: one performed at a flight height of 50 meters above the ground, with frontal and lateral overlaps of 70%, and other one conducted at a flight height of 80 meters above the ground, with frontal and lateral overlaps of 80%. Thirty-five ground control points (GCPs) were considered. Friedman and Nemenyi tests were applied to evaluate whether there were significant differences between the wood stockpile volume estimates obtained by the conventional method and those derived from the different surveys, with and without GCPs. Results: The processing with the use of GCPs resulted in smaller RMSE values compared to those without GCPs. The volume estimates for each wood stockpile were similar, regardless of the presence or absence of GCPs. The Friedman test yielded a p-value of 0.3796, indicating that there is no evidence to suggest significant differences between the values obtained by different methods. Conclusion: The use of control points did not significantly improve the accuracy of volume estimates for wood piles placed in the field. Under the analyzed conditions, a low-cost drone can be used to estimate the volume of wood piles in the field without the need for ground control points.

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ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to recover the silvicultural history of a 58-year-old Pinus elliottii stand, monitor its growth rate and volume evolution of assortments, especially in the older tree ages. Methods: The study area is located in the Três Barras National Forest, SC, Brazil, and composed of four stands established in 1963, totaling an area of ​​8.95 ha. The studied stand was subjected to 4 mixed thinnings at 6, 14, 23 and 36 years of age, with the latter in 1999, and since then they have not undergone any further intervention. A census of the stands was conducted in 2013 and 2021; increment cores of 33 trees were collected in the four stands in 2021. A retrospective analysis and estimation of DBHs were performed in the years in which thinning was performed, hypsometric estimates were made, volume and assortment were calculated at the ages of the interventions using equations available in the literature. Results: A reduction in diameter growth and stabilized height growth of trees was observed after 36 years, the date of the last thinning. Even so, it was found that 78% of the volumes at 50 years were of the most valuable assortment and 83% at 58 years. Conclusion: There is a need for an economic, sensitivity and risk assessment to assess and identify the viability of long-term planting, especially the optimal age to balance wood production and proportion from the most valuable assortments in the shortest time.

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ABSTRACT Background: Paliavana sericiflora, a vulnerable species. Brazilian endemic from the rupestrian fields, lacks established seedling production methods. Micropropagation offers a promising alternative for its conservation. This study evaluated the influence of spectral quality on in vitro multiplication, elongation, rooting and acclimatization in biodegradable microcontainer of P. sericiflora. Established shoots were subcultured in MS medium with plant growth regulators for bud multiplication under four spectral qualities: white, red, blue, and purple (red and blue combination 1:1). The same spectra were used in the elongation and rooting stages. Results: All light spectra influenced bud multiplication. Buds with the highest vigour were produced under white, blue, and violet light, with values close to 1. Red light induced more elongated buds, but with lower vigour compared to the others. The elongation and rooting stages were most successful under purple or white light, yielding the highest number of roots approximately 12 roots per plant. The use of biodegradable microcontainers resulted in 100% survival, producing more vigorous plants for nursery hardening-off. Conclusion: Spectral quality had no significant effect on bud multiplication, but purple and white lights promoted better elongation, rooting, and plant vigour. These stages can be conducted simultaneously, optimizing time and development. Acclimatization was efficient, and seedlings were ready for hardening-off in approximately 110 days.

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ABSTRACT Background: The cost of forest roads is practically estimated by determining the Surface Material Types (SMT). Experts determine SMT by classifying soil, loose soil, and rocky surface material classes (%) through in-situ measurements, which are both costly and time-intensive. This study aims to reduce cost and time loss by evaluating the effectiveness of high-resolution remote sensing (RS) data in determining SMT. Conducted on a forest road in Konuralp region of Düzce district in Türkiye, the study involved experts classifying the road’s Soil, Loose Soil and Rocky surface material classes (%) and collecting high-resolution RS data using UAV. The RS data was processed through Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to classify the surface material types, and their accuracy was assessed using the Kappa Coefficient, Overall Accuracy (%) and Conditional Kappa. The images were clipped at 20-meter intervals for detailed analysis. The RS data classifications were then compared with in-situ measurements using statistical analyses Index-of-Agreement (IA). Results: The RF algorithm made the best identification, although the classification of the Loose Soil class was more difficult for both algorithms compared to the other classes. Both algorithms highest accuracy in identifying the Rocky class. Conclusions: This study proposes methods to reduce time loss in cost calculations and enhance the use of RS images for estimating forest road costs.

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ABSTRACT Background: Harvesting, especially skidding operations have a significant impact on the forest soil properties. This study aimed to advance understanding of how timber harvesting may influence soil respiration in forested ecosystems. We investigated the impact of soil respiration for some of the skidding techniques after skidding operations depending on slope and stand types. Results: We measured soil CO2 efflux to evaluate the skidding techniques on soil, depending on the slope and stand type. Thus, three skidding techniques with tractor for harvesting (1-suspended skidding, 2-using a skidding cone, 3-cable-pulling) were used in 6 different study site and the variations in soil respiration and soil properties were examined at 3 different slopes (0-20%, 20-33%, >33%), 2 different stand types (b-bc, c-cd) at topsoil (0-5 cm). Also soil respiration was measured at intervals of 5 days (on days 1, 5, and 10) after skidding operation. In addition, pH, EC (electrical conductivity), and soil moisture were evaluated depending on slope and stand type in the study. Conclusion: It was determined that respiration increased on the first day but decreased on day 5 and 10. It was found that the slope and stand type have no effect on soil respiration. It was determined that the skidding technique that reduces the soil respiration the most is suspended skidding with a rate of 90%. However, the skidding technique that reduced respiration the least was skidding by using a skidding cone suspended skidding with a rate of 64% when evaluated on day 10.

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ABSTRACT Background: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of restoration practices following the Fundão disaster in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a key region for global biodiversity. Focusing on affected areas in Mariana, MG, the study used seed bank analysis as a key indicator to understand environmental recovery progress. The study compared active and passive restoration areas with a reference ecosystem by collecting 168 soil samples, which were subjected to germination in a greenhouse. Results: The results revealed a high germination rate of herbaceous seeds, predominantly native species. Significant differences were found in floristic composition among the different restoration types studied. Areas undergoing active restoration showed greater similarity to the reference ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of Distance from Forest Fragment, Percentage of Forest Area in the Surroundings, and species diversity for restoration success. Conclusion: The results highlight the crucial importance of landscape connectivity for the success of ecological restoration. Active restoration strategies play a fundamental role in accelerating environmental recovery and bringing degraded areas closer to the floristic composition of reference ecosystems.

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ABSTRACT Background: Scarce information is available on soil-plant interactions to guide management practices for the Khaya genus. This study aims to evaluate the influence of seasonality on the accumulation of litter during two different rainfall periods, as well as to determine its nutrient and carbon content and stock in stands of Khaya at 10.6 years of age. The samples were collected using a template measuring 0.25 m × 0.25 m (0.0625 m²) in a zigzag pattern with a minimum distance of 4 m between points. Results: Nutrient contents were quantified, including macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and B), as well as organic carbon in the plant tissue of three species of Khaya (K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, and K. senegalensis). In terms of C content, no statistical differences were found between the species during the rainy season. However, for the same period, higher stocks of macronutrients were observed in the following order: Ca > N > Mg > K > S > P. Among micronutrients, Fe showed the highest and Cu showed the lowest stocks. Conclusion: K. ivorensis species exhibited the highest biomass production and the best nutritional quality.

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ABSTRACT Background: Mining has a long history and significantly impacts national economies, but it also causes considerable environmental damage. Forest areas are particularly affected, and sustainable management practices are essential for natural resource utilization. Effective rehabilitation of open-pit mining sites is crucial before, during, and after mining operations This study focuses on the rehabilitation process of an open-pit mining site located at the boundary of mountainous forest areas. Landform (slope geometries) measurements and boundary checks were conducted using the UAV-based PPK method. UAV flights were conducted at two different times over a period of approximately seven months. Orthophoto images and DEMs from both flights were used to measure slope width, height, and angle, and to monitor boundary violations during the rehabilitation process. The calculation of slope geometry values was performed using ArcGIS software. Results: Results indicate that the quarry area expanded by 1,044 m², its perimeter increased by 25 meters, and the slope grade changed over the seven months. According to the results of the first and second flights, the average slope width, height, and angle were 7.39 m, 12.45 m, and 83.46°, respectively, in the first flight, and 16.09 m, 13.33 m, and 40.48°, respectively, in the second flight. Additionally, no boundary violations of the quarry were detected. Conclusions: The UAV-based PPK method effectively prevented data loss in rugged and difficult-to-access quarry areas. This study demonstrates that public administration can use UAV systems to monitor and control rehabilitation works during and after mining activities.

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ABSTRACT Background: Forest restoration plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change. In the Cerrado biome, effective and scalable restoration techniques are still lacking, particularly those that balance logistics, cost, and ecological success. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of four direct seeding techniques for forest restoration under field conditions. Results: The tested treatments included: (DS) direct seeding with native species, (DS+BAC) with a bacterial consortium, (DS+NPK) with NPK fertilizer, and (DS+BAC+NPK) with both inputs. The experiment, conducted in Monte Alegre de Minas (MG, Brazil), used a randomized complete block design with 16 plots. Botanical inventories occurred at 63, 105, 164, and 454 days post-sowing. Significant height differences were observed, with DS+BAC+NPK yielding the tallest plants. Species richness showed no consistent differences across treatments, while diversity and evenness increased over time. Similarity among plots declined, indicating vegetation differentiation among treatments. Conclusion: All four direct seeding techniques showed promise for Cerrado restoration, but DS+BAC+NPK was the most effective in promoting plant growth and ecological indicators. Continued long-term monitoring is essential to fully understand the role of all four direct seeding techniques showed promise for Cerrado restoration, although DS+BAC+NPK was the most effective in promoting plant growth and ecological indicators. Continued long-term monitoring is essential to fully understand the role of forest restoration in various ecological contexts.

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ABSTRACT Background: The argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels], native to Morocco, faces significant threats from climate change, leading to a shrinking natural distribution area. This study aimed to assess the diversity within argan tree populations and identify morphological differences and similarities among them by examining their fruits, seeds, and almonds. Results: Researchers analyzed 32 morphological characteristics from 13 populations (40 samples each, totaling 520 materials) across diverse Moroccan coastal and inland habitats. Analysis of variance and multiple tests revealed significant morphological changes and high diversity among the populations. Notably, Cluster Analysis showed that the Aoulouz population formed a distinct group, highlighting its unique characteristics. Significant differences were also observed in fruit, seed, and almond diversity parameters. Conclusion: The study confirms the high diversity of argan populations in Morocco’s natural distribution areas. These findings are crucial for developing integrated in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for the argan species. The research outputs will support the economic viability, ecological integrity, and long-term sustainability of this valuable and long-degraded species.

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ABSTRACT Background: The Eucalyptus genus is globally important for wood and non-wood product supply due to its fast growth, high productivity, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Eucalyptus benthamii is notably cultivated in subtropical regions, such as southern Brazil, due to its frost tolerance. However, the species exhibits low efficiency in adventitious rooting when propagated through clonal techniques. This study aimed to assess vegetative rescue techniques with different stump heights for E. benthamii and evaluate the effect of indolebutyric acid (IBA) 2024 on cutting rooting and seedlings development. Results: The first trial was conducted in the field using a 2x3 factorial design to compare two stump heights (15 cm and 90 cm) and three collection intervals. The number of shoots and total cuttings were analyzed across three shoot height classes. The stump 15 cm, especially in the second collection (111 days after rescue), produced the highest number of shoots (73.7 shoots stump-1). The second trial, carried out in a nursery, assessed rooting responses to IBA concentrations (0, 1500, 3000, and 4500 mg L-1) in cuttings from both rescue techniques (stump 15 cm and 90 cm). IBA significantly improved cutting survival, rooting rate, and root development. Conclusion: The stump at 15 cm was the most effective for shoot and cutting production in the field for vegetative rescue. Furthermore, an IBA concentration of 2800 mg L-1 is recommended for improving adventitious rooting and seedling production of E. benthamii.

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ABSTRACT Background: Brazil has the largest tropical forest cover in territorial extension, although it is subject to different forms of threat. We analyzed a time series of the firewood and charcoal production from the extractivism of native forests between the years 2010 and 2020 in Northeast Brazil, in order to support future reflections on the impacts of these uses on the sustainability of the production chain of exploration and on the conservation of native forests in the region. Considering the time frame from 2010 to 2020, data on the volume of firewood and charcoal produced from plant extraction in the Northeastern, were obtained via the official platform of Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Results: The total production of firewood was 157,771,059 m3 and charcoal 4,137,418 t., while the states of Bahia (29.3%), Ceará (21.4%) and Maranhão (14.1%) accounted for 74.8% of total firewood produced in the Northeastern. As for charcoal production, Maranhão (51.0%), Bahia (20.3%) and Piauí (23.8%) accounted for 95.1% of total produced. Production stationarity was found for all states, with the exception of Paraíba and Piauí in firewood, and Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte in charcoal. A downward trend was identified in most states, with the exception of Paraíba and Piauí in firewood and Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte in charcoal, both without any type of trend. Conclusion: Considering the economic sustainability of the production chain, efforts to encourage energy plantations should focus on regions with lower production, using species of fast-growing species that can meet demand and conserve native caatinga vegetation.

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ABSTRACT Background: The development and application of new technologies and solutions are extremely important to manage and monitor urban forestry to prevent accidents resulting from falls that often result in social and property damage. To evaluate the internal conditions of a tree, it is recommended to use indirect methods, both for the trunk and the root system. However, existing methods can predict trunk properties at the lower level in some situations, that can lead to a misinterpretation of the actual phytosanitary status of the evaluated specimen and cause the incomplete assessment. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate, with acquisition and software development, the use of geophysical method of electrical resistivity (ER), with longitudinal profiles along the trunk, every 45º, for internal and non-destructive analysis of two specimens of Eucalyptus sp. and one of Pachira aquatica trees. In these trees, data were acquired and compared each other’s by ER, mechanical impulse tomography and resistograph. Results: This approach allows for the investigation the entire length of the trunk, in a reduced time. From the results, it was possible to establish qualitative (from images) and some quantitative (physical property values) relationships between the ER, impulse tomography and resistography, by the internal image generated and the physical properties obtained. Conclusion: Both in the interpretation of the generated images and the values obtained, they exhibited different characteristics of the studied wood, demonstrating the potential of the developed methodology for rapid and precise application in urban trees.

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ABSTRACT Background: There is a need to find a simpler sampling strategy that still maintains the accuracy of the results. This work aimed to assess different sampling strategies for measuring the basic wood density of Eucalyptus clones along the tree trunk. Results: The basic wood density of most Eucalyptus clones was affected by the sampling strategy employed. The average density varied between samples, ranging from 476.69 to 449.61 Kg m-3. In this study, the base positions generally showed lower density averages. Traditional sampling best represented the variation trend in Composite sampling due to their similar behavior. Depending on the clone and sampling methodology, the diameter at breast height represented 91.85 to 99.74% of the overall average stem. All adjusted equations were significant, allowing the basic density to be estimated through smaller sampling regions along the tree trunk. When the goal is to evaluate the property at four sample points, the best model corresponds to the heights in the upper half of the stem, which are the higher regions. Conclusion: The analyzed base-top sampling strategies did not show significant differences between them, except for the one that only considered the diameter at breast height, which underestimated the basic density value of the wood. Sampling Removal of extremes effectively estimated the average density when considering all clones as a single material, which is the best strategy for measuring basic density under the conditions in the present study. Sampling positions at 50% of the tree’s commercial height were more associated with the basic density.

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ABSTRACT Backgrounds: There are still uncertainties on how the data obtained from tomographs can affect tree failure risk evaluations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the internal trunk condition of Spathodea campanulata using sonic and electrical resistance tomographies. Forty-three sidewalk-planted, mature-stage individuals were assessed using PiCUS 3 and TreeTronic 3 tomography. Results: Sonic tomographies detected internal wood decay in 27,9% of the individuals and the Electrical resistance ones detected 30,2%, due to sensitivity to different types of anomaly, explained by different operating principles. Five individuals showed differing results between the two types of equipment. Collectively, the tomographies revealed the following results: 55.8% of the trees had good internal conditions, 6.3% demonstrated decay, 16.3% demonstrated early stages of decay, and 11.6% demonstrated advanced stages of wood decay. Conclusion: In conclusion, both tomographies provided significant information for diagnosing the internal condition of the trunk though their correct interpretation relies on the operator’s level of expertise.

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ABSTRACT Background: The prediction of apparent relative density (ARD) based on spectral data obtained in the near-infrared (NIR) region has not achieved high accuracy in the literature, emphasizing the need for alternatives to enable the use of NIR technology for classifying charcoal by ARD. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the precision of NIR in estimating ARD classes for charcoal produced at different carbonization temperatures. Wood wastes from six tropical species (Dinizia excelsa, Licania sp., Brosimum gaudichaudii, Caryocar sp., Simaba guianensis, and Parkia sp.) were carbonized at four final temperatures (400, 500, 600, and 700 °C) under laboratory conditions. The spectral data collected from the radial and transverse surfaces of the charcoals were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Results: While PCA was ineffective in distinguishing the ARD classes, PLS-DA demonstrated relevant accuracy for classification. The quality of the PLS-DA models varied depending on the final carbonization temperature and the surface from which the spectra were collected. Spectral data from the radial and transverse surfaces showed high accuracy in classifying charcoals (>70%) up to 500 °C for ARD. A global model with data from temperatures of 400-500 °C achieved accuracy rates of 74% (transverse) and 80% (radial). Conclusion: Using NIR technology for ARD classification represents significant progress for the energy sector, especially in the pursuit of bio-reducers with suitable quality for industrial applications.

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ABSTRACT Background: Agro-industrial residues offer a sustainable alternative to mitigate raw material scarcity for particleboard production. Surface treatments with natural products can enhance dimensional stability. This study evaluates medium-density particleboards made from Eucalyptus grandis particles and Triticum aestivum bran treated with tall oil and citric acid. Results: Increasing T. aestivum proportions improved the compression ratio but reduced dimensional stability, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture. Thickness swelling increased from 18.46% in 100% Eucalyptus particleboards to 41.31% in 100% T. aestivum particleboards. The modulus of rupture decreased from 17.86 MPa (100% Eucalyptus) to 5.37 MPa (100% T. aestivum). Citric acid improved water absorption but did not affect thickness swelling. In 100% Eucalyptus particleboards, water absorption was 64% (citric acid), 72% (tall oil), and 70% (untreated). In 100% T. aestivum particleboards, absorption was 82% (citric acid), 91% (tall oil), and 86% (untreated). The modulus of elasticity was higher in citric acid-treated particleboards (2491 MPa) than in tall oil-treated ones (1903 MPa) for 100% Eucalyptus particleboards, and the same was observed in 100% T. aestivum particleboards (784 MPa vs. 259 MPa). Conclusion: T. aestivum residues are a viable alternative for particleboards, especially in moderate proportions (≤50%) combined with Eucalyptus. Higher proportions negatively affect particleboard properties. Citric acid was the most effective surface treatment, while tall oil showed limited benefits. These findings reinforce the feasibility of sustainable particleboards and the importance of optimizing raw material composition and surface treatments.

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ABSTRACT Background: This study analyzed waste generation in the production of certified and legal wooden furniture from tropical forests, aiming to provide insights for environmental and economic management decisions within the company. The study was conducted in a furniture industry that utilizes certified exotic species as well as certified and legal native wood as raw materials. The production yield of two chair models, with and without armrests, was evaluated. To achieve this, the industry was characterized, production flowcharts were created, waste diagnosis (identification, classification, quantification, and causes of generation) was conducted, and linear programming techniques were applied to evaluate two scenarios: profit maximization and waste generation minimization. Results: Differences in results were observed based on the type of wood, chair model, and the interaction between wood type and chair model. The lowest waste generation was observed in the processing of legal wood, particularly in the armchair model. Linear programming for Scenario 1 yielded a monthly profit of R$ 22,209.16 (US$ 8,444.55), with a total production of 112 chairs of all models. In Scenario 2, a monthly waste generation of 1.52 m³ was observed, considering a production of 67 units of the studied products. Conclusion: It was found that producing only certified wooden furniture is not feasible for the company.

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ABSTRACT Background: One of the challenges in the development of densified wood products is maintaining their dimensional stability. Several treatment methods are employed to achieve this stability, including the delignification process. This paper analyzes the efficiency of the delignification process on the improving of the densified wood dimensional stability through a systematic literature review. This research was based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and conducted using Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. After the eligibility criteria application and bias analysis, the systematic search sample resulted in 54 articles. The meta-analysis was conducted through a narrative synthesis, including the densification process, wood species, apparent density, delignification process, other wood treatments, and dimensional stability. Results: The delignification process was used in approximately 26% of the 54 articles analyzed and these numbers occurred after 2018. Of the studies that related dimensional stability to delignification, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as a reagent in 50% of the cases. The combination of NaOH and Na2SO3 in the alkaline treatment of wood was the most used (28.5%). The treatments used proved effective in the partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose, improving the dimensional stability of the species analyzed. Conclusion: The increasing number of publications in China indicates that the Chinese market has a significant demand for densified wood. Although partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose improves the dimensional stability of densified wood, some studies have shown that excessive removal of lignin can negatively impact the mechanical characteristics of the material.

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ABSTRACT Background: The Caatinga biome has high deforestation rate, so the correct identification of species is important to conserve resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of NIR spectroscopy to distinguish tree barks from eight species from the Caatinga biome based on the development of multivariate models. Three trees of each species were felled, and the trunk was cut at six positions to obtain bark sample discs: 0%, diameter at breast height (DBH) (1.30 m from ground), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of commercial height. Spectra were collected with resolution of 4 cm-1 and wavenumber ranging from 10 000 to 4 000 cm-1 using a probe with 2 mm aperture. All discs obtained from the six positions were approximately 5 mm from the probe, and 24 spectra were collected from each disc, for a total of 144 per tree and 432 per species. Classification methods were based on all spectra and only the DBH position, by applying linear discriminant analysis, support vector machine and k-nearest neighbors (K-NN). Results: Better results were obtained with K-NN and first derivative spectra, with accuracy of 0.91 (all tree positions) and 0.85 (only DBH). NIR spectroscopy with multivariate analysis has potential to discriminate Caatinga species based on spectra of bark samples. Conclusion: The use of near infrared in forest can confirm the correct species before cut on forest management, contributing to conservation of Caatinga resources and an adequate use of species with high aggregated value.

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ABSTRACT Background: Fast-growing species are crucial for the wood panel market, and Erythrina poeppigiana (mulungu) emerges as a promising alternative. Although its wood is not suitable for high-performance applications, using its veneers for plywood supports the diversification of raw materials in forestry. Furthermore, replacing petrochemical-based adhesives is essential due to associated health and environmental risks. Tannins from forest species provide a sustainable alternative; however, their mechanical strength and moisture resistance must be improved. Nanolignin, a nanoscale additive, enhances these properties, making it a viable option for biodegradable adhesives. This study evaluates plywood production using E. poeppigiana veneers bonded with a tannin-nanolignin adhesive. Results: Adhesives were formulated with Acacia mearnsii* tannin partially replaced by nanolignin at different concentrations and tested for rheological properties. The wood, sourced from experimental plantations in Ilhéus, Bahia (Brazil), was processed into five-layer plywood panels bonded with 320 g/m² of natural adhesive and pressed at 150 °C and 1 MPa for 10 minutes. The resulting panels were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), acoustic insulation, and thermal conductivity. The results confirmed E. poeppigiana as a viable raw material for plywood production. Partial replacement of tannin with 1-2% nanolignin reduced adhesive viscosity, improving application and veneer penetration. The 2% nanolignin formulation increased hydrophobicity, reducing water absorption, while shear strength tests revealed higher cohesion and adhesion, particularly in adhesives containing 2-3% nanolignin. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that E. poeppigiana veneers bonded with tannin-nanolignin adhesives can produce plywood panels with suitable physical and mechanical performance. The incorporation of small amounts of nanolignin enhances the adhesive’s rheological and bonding characteristics, contributing to improved durability and water resistance. These results support the potential use of E. poeppigian and nanolignin-modified tannins as sustainable materials in eco-friendly plywood manufacturing.

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ABSTRACT Background: To cope with global change, plants shift their distributions. Rare species tend to shift their distribution more. Over 30% of the land is covered with woody species, which because of their longevity offer unique opportunities to monitor distribution shifts. The study addresses the following questions (1) how the distribution range of eight rare woody species is changing and how effectively the plants cope with the shift; (2) whether plant traits could predict those parameters. Maxent Distribution Modelling, was carried out for this purpose, on species observation records prior to 1980 under present climatic conditions and four future (CMIP5) scenarios. To assess how effectively plants cope with migration species observations after 1980 were assessed. Relationships with plant trait data on three traits were finally assessed. Results: The distribution ranges for four out of the eight species expanded northwards. Temperature driven (mostly through mean annual temperature which was ranked first for six out of the eight species) rather than precipitation (mean annual precipitation was ranked first only in two cases and in one case precipitation of the driest month was ranked third) driven variables described distribution shifts best. Wood density summarized well the susceptibility of those plants to climate change. There are many woody species in tropical and subtropical areas for which we have very little information available. Conclusion: Subject to the small pool of species, a plant trait was identified, wood density, that could summarize responses to global change that could potentially be used as a tool in conservation ecology to prioritize conservation efforts.

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ABSTRACT Background: Guadua is a bamboo genus widely distributed in the state of Acre and holds significant potential for various applications; however, it remains largely underexplored. Bamboo morphology and anatomy are fundamental for accurate botanical identification, providing valuable insights for bioprospecting and influencing its functional properties. This study aimed to describe the morphology and perform an anatomical characterization of mature culms of Guadua acreana. Results: Mature culms were collected from a bamboo grove located on a private lot adjacent to FUNTAC (Fundação de Tecnologia do Estado do Acre), at geographic coordinates Latitude 9°56’46.01” South and Longitude 67°52’8.86” West. A total of 10 culms were analyzed at FUNTAC. Anatomical sections were prepared and examined using optical microscopy, revealing size variations in the vascular bundles, with increasing metaxylem and phloem dimensions toward the inner culm region, which may influence mechanical properties or water conduction efficiency. The vascular bundles of G. acreana were classified as type V, characterized by a central vascular strand surrounded by condensed sclerenchyma sheaths and fiber cords. Conclusions: This study enhances the anatomical understanding of G. acreana and highlights its potential applications in reforestation, construction, furniture making, and pulp and paper production. Future research should focus on the mechanical properties and chemical composition of this species to improve its industrial utility.

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ABSTRACT Background: This study evaluates the anatomical, physical, and colorimetric properties of Gordonia fruticosa (huamanchilca) and Vochysia ferruginea (bella María), two tropical timber species from the montane rainforest of Amazonas, Peru. Samples were analyzed according to radial and tangential anatomical planes to examine their influence on wood properties under dry and saturated conditions. Results: Anatomical analysis revealed diffuse porosity in G. fruticosa and visible porosity with aliform parenchyma in V. ferruginea. Physical tests showed medium basic density values (0.55 and 0.41 g/cm³, respectively) and similar volumetric shrinkage (~10.8%) in both species. Colorimetric results indicated that drying increases lightness and modifies chromatic coordinates. G. fruticosa showed increased red and yellow saturation after drying, whereas V. ferruginea exhibited a decrease. No significant differences were found between radial and tangential planes in color parameters. Conclusion: These findings contribute to understanding the interaction between anatomical features and moisture content on wood properties, providing valuable information for optimizing industrial drying processes and supporting sustainable management of these tropical species.

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ABSTRACT Background: Although bark is often considered undesirable in industrial applications, it is an integral part of the tree and is always present. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of wood and bark of Eucalyptus clones cultivated for medium density fiberboard production. Results: Bark proportion ranged from 8.22% to 10.25%, and heartwood from 26.98% to 36.16%. The basic density of wood ranged from 455 to 502 kg·m⁻³, wood with bark from 447 to 483 kg·m⁻³, and bark from 342 to 368 kg·m⁻³. Bark showed higher extractive (8.59% to 13.21%) and holocellulose (67.70% to 71.43%) contents and lower lignin content (18.20% to 19.99%) compared to wood. pH values ranged from 4.40 to 4.75, being higher in bark. Ash content was significantly higher in bark (1.64% to 2.21%) than in wood (0.18% to 0.29%). The inclusion of bark in wood did not significantly affect density, pH, or chemical composition, indicating its technical feasibility for MDF panel production. Conclusion: The inclusion of bark in the wood of Eucalyptus clones did not cause significant changes in basic density, chemical composition, pH, or ash content, confirming its technical feasibility for MDF panel production. The most affected properties due to the presence of bark were extractive and ash contents.