Cattleya granulosa is an endangered epiphytic orchid native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Since its responses to light intensity and its CAM expression remain elusive, C. granulosa juvenile plants were grown under full sunlight, 60% shading, and 95% shading in a nursery and plant growth, water status, titratable acidity, and gas exchanges were assessed during the rainy and dry seasons. The plants exposed to full sunlight showed visual symptoms of light stress but survived throughout the experiment. These plants exhibited reduced shoots and extensive roots regarding the plants submitted to shading. The time-course of CO₂ uptake and stomatal conductance in C. granulosa leaves over 24 h, independent of treatment, is compatible with constitutive CAM. However, changes in timelapse and magnitude of CO₂ uptake and in accumulated acidity promoted by light regime and seasonality reveal that CAM expression in C. granulosa leaves may be modulated according to growing conditions.

Given that water availability plays a central role in seed germination and is a limiting resource in arid and semi-arid environments, a series of experiments were performed to characterize hydration kinetics, reserve mobilization, and water memory in seeds of Cenostigma pyramidale, a tree legume native to the Caatinga. Germination tests were carried out using the paper roll technique, and the contents of water, reserves, and metabolites were assessed during seed hydration until radicle protrusion. Hydration kinetics during germination fitted into the triphasic pattern, although imbibition began slowly and became fast during phase I. Since water uptake by the testa was slower than that by the embryo during phase I, the testa was clearly involved in the regulation of seed imbibition. In seeds germinated under continuous hydration, oils were mobilized in the cotyledons during phases I and III, and non-reducing sugars in the embryonic axis supported phase II. Seeds exposed to a hydration-dehydration cycle revealed changes in the germination process when they were rehydrated. Water uptake became faster by the intact seed and its different parts (testa, embryonic axis, and cotyledons). Also, seeds germinated under discontinuous hydration retained oils but mobilized carbohydrates in the cotyledons. These findings can contribute to understanding the mechanisms used by C. pyramidale seeds to respond to discontinuous hydration and can be applied to protocols for seedling production.

Brazil is characterized as the largest charcoal producer in the world, a factor that boosts the sector. A product of the carbonization of wood, charcoal, also known in agriculture as biochar, is responsible for improvements in the most diverse aspects of soil and culture. It acts as a good soil conditioner, improves fertility and the development of the root part and its products. The pyroligneous extract is a by-product of the smoke collected during the carbonization process and has properties favorable to the development, rooting and protection against pests in the species. Cowpea is a variety widely produced and consumed in the country. Therefore, the present work aims to analyze the action of biochar and saneka mixtures (biochar + pyroligneous extract) on the development of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), in two stages: green and dry. Furthermore, paying attention to the productivity levels, size, quantity and quality of the grains obtained. Seven treatments were used, one being a control, and the dosages were 3, 6 and 9 ton/ha of biochar and saneka. The treatments had eight replications each. Four seeds were planted, thinning the two least vigorous seeds after the first few weeks after emergence. The variables analyzed were: number of pods, pod length, grain size and weight, and root dry mass. The experiment data was collected after a period of three and a half months. After that, they were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Tukey test. It was found that, for beans harvested green, the best treatment was 9 tons for all variables. As for beans harvested green, the most relevant treatment was the smallest, with 3 tons/ha having been applied to all the variables analyzed.

With the increasing reduction of native forests, the maintenance and survival of the tree component depends on appropriate sustainable management strategies. Thus, understanding spatial genetic structuring and intrapopulation genetic diversity is important for the management and conservation of forest genetic resources, as well as for evaluating the impacts of exploitation and fragmentation and establishing sampling strategies in natural populations. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the ecological aspects of the ontogenetic stages of Copaifera arenicola through studies of diversity and spatial genetic structure on a fine scale in a remaining fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Rio Grande do Norte. The sampling involved 249 individuals subdivided into three life stages, Regenerating, Young and Adults in the forest fragment. The DNA obtained from leaf and stem samples was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and the products were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis. Using 72 ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repetition) loci, Nei's genetic diversity and the Shannon index presented averages of 0.27 and 0.43, respectively, with high averages being identified for all growth stages according to the life history of the species. Bayesian analysis detected the presence of k = 3 for the population, confirming intrapopulation diversity. The Spatial Genetic Structure (SGS) revealed that related individuals tend to be closer together. The EGE aggregation radius for regenerants was up to approximately 15 meters, followed by complete randomness. The spatial distribution pattern was aggregated for all distance radii across life stages. It is recommended to prioritize seed collection at distances greater than a radius of approximately 36 meters, since individuals are spatially aggregated over short distances, to minimize the degree of kinship between specimens. The population can be a genetic support for conservation programs, as individuals present a high diversity according to the species' life history. Thus, the assessment of diversity and spatial genetic structure in association with the distribution pattern are bases that will help in the establishment of conservation strategies, sustainable use and genetic improvement.

The exploration of new approaches for utilizing resources from forest ecosystems is important for optimizing the forestry sector. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate different methods of applying wood vinegar (EP) on the initial growth of Handroanthus impetiginosus seedlings. The investigation involved incorporating EP into the substrate in different proportions of biochar (B) + commercial substrate (S) and biochar enriched with wood vinegar (BP) + commercial substrate (S), specifically in the proportions of 20%B + 80%S (BS20), 20%BP + 80%S (BPS20), 30%B + 70%S (BS30), and 30%BP + 70%S (BPS30). A second trial was conducted after seedling emergence, in which EP was applied at concentrations of 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%, using two methods: direct application to the substrate and foliar spray. Seedlings were evaluated at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing, measuring height, stem diameter, and leaf number. At 120 days after sowing, seedlings were sectioned and dried in an oven to determine dry mass and Dickson's quality index (IQD). Regression analysis and analysis of variance were performed using the collected data. The results indicated that the methods of applying EP influenced the initial growth of the seedlings. Notably, incorporating EP into the substrate resulted in inferior performance in height and the ratio between shoot dry mass and root dry mass. On the other hand, applying EP after seedling emergence, either through direct application to the substrate or foliar spray, increased seedling height at all tested concentrations, differing only from the control treatment. Root dry mass, total dry mass, and IQD showed significant differences in the interaction between the application method and EP concentrations.

Wood vinegar (WV) is a co-product generated in the pyrolysis process of plant biomass that can have a range of applications. Among these applications, it is used as an antimicrobial agent. However, there are statements that limit the antimicrobial action that EP performs only to the fraction of organic acids present in its chemical composition, raising doubts as to its efficiency as a whole. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of WV, test the influence of its pH on this activity, evaluate the chemical composition of this product and record images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of microbial cells. Antimicrobial evaluations to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were performed in vitro by the broth microdilution method. For the Minimum Bactericidal and Fungicide Concentrations (MBC and MFC) the agar growth method was used. The chemical composition of WV and its concentrate was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and the SEM images were obtained with the aid of an electron microscope (Pfeiffer Vacuum – D-35614 Assiar). Statistical analyzes were performed using regression analysis using the R software (version 4.1.3). The results obtained showed that even at neutral pH, WV proved to be effective as an antimicrobial, proving that its action is not limited to a single class of compounds, but to all of them. However, the increase in neutralization influenced the WV concentrations required for the inhibition of the evaluated microorganisms. Both WV obtained from B. vulgaris and E. urograndis played a satisfactory antimicrobial role, inhibiting the development of all tested microorganisms. SEM images demonstrated that WV influences the morphology of the cell wall of microorganisms, resulting in alterations in its structure. It is concluded that these products are promising for the development of effective antimicrobial alternatives. However, further studies are needed to confirm its use, highlighting the need for in vivo tests.

Biomass is a renewable energy source with the greatest potential to contribute to the energy needs of modern society. The most important sources of biomass come from wood, wood residues, agricultural plantations, grasses and their by-products. Currently, much research has focused on sustainable and ecologically correct energy, in order to find ways to replace conventional fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. The solid residues produced by tree management in the city of Natal-RN are currently crushed and organized in windrows, in order to obtain organic compost for use as fertilizer. The present study sought to find new possibilities for the use of biomass originating from the management, carrying out the evaluation of its use as a source of renewable energy, carrying out the characterization of the material and production of briquettes. In addition to studies on its use as an energy source, the quantification of the tannin content was carried out - a compound that has a strong economic impact on the country - widely used for tanning animal skin, effluent treatment, wood adhesive, among others. After extracting and quantifying the tannins, it was observed that, because it is waste from urban pruning, and because it is not possible to quantify the percentage of leaves, thin branches and bark of each species, the levels of concentrated tannins found in the species were below the desirable for commercial exploitation. The results for the use of briquettes as an alternative source of energy to replace the current energy matrix, proved to be satisfactory and with high potential for the generation of bioenergy and a viable alternative for use in the form of firewood or charcoal. Biomass of urban origin is a resource offered by the environment, as a way of maintaining its own ecosystem; its great advantage is related to the low financial cost, and it can be used as a source of energy generation, changing the condition of waste to a renewable energy source.

New technologies have been developed in the search for reducing production costs and for more sustainable alternatives, such as the use of organic waste from agribusiness, such as biochar, that have potential for the formation of substrate. Biochar is a product rich in carbon, has physico-chemical characteristics capable of decreasing the leaching of nutrients, promoting greater water retention, contributing to the increase in porosity and sanding. Thus, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the effect of adding charcoal residues mixed to different materials in the formation of alternative substrate to produce quality seedlings of the species Tabebuia aurea, Handroanthus impetiginosus e Pityrocarpa moniliformis. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, consisting of eight treatments and four repetitions each. The mixture of the substrate was constituted in the proportions: T1 sand (25%), coconut fiber (50%), expanded vermiculite (25%); T2 sand (25%), coconut fiber (30%), expanded vermiculite (25%), biochar (20%); T3 sand (25%), coconut fiber (20%), expanded vermiculite (25%), biochar (30%); T4 sand (25%), , expanded vermiculite (25%), biochar (50%); T5 commercial substrate Tropstrato® (100%); T6 commercial substrate Tropstrato® (80%), biochar (20%); T7 commercial substrate Tropstrato® (70%), biochar (30%); T8 commercial substrate  Tropstrato® (50%), biochar (50%). The emergency variables were evaluated, the emergence speed index, growth rate diameter the neck, height of the aerial part, height of the aerial/diameter the neck ratio, number of leaves, root system dry mass, shoot dry mass, total dry mass, shoot dry mass/root system ratio and Dickson Quality Score. In general, the addition of 30% of biochar to the commercial substrate for seedling production of T. aurea is a viable alternative for the use of waste. For H. impetiginosus the addition of 20% of biochar to the commercial substrate was ideal for the production of quality seedlings. The addition of 20% of biochar to the commercial substrate provided the greatest increase in quality in the production of P. moniliformis seedlings. The addition of 50% of biochar in the substrate composition decreases the quality of the seedlings. The use of biochar in the substrate composition for seedling production represents a viable, promising and environmentally sustainable alternative.

Seedling production is commonly carried out in polyethylene bags and polypropylene treepots, raw material from petroleum. In addition to being derived from non-renewable natural resources, they have a long-life cycle and cause a relevant environmental impact. Forest and agro-industrial waste, which also applies to this use, is renewable, easy-to-obtain and biodegradable materials. Thus, the study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using cashew residues associated with beeswax for the manufacture of biodegradable treepots intended for the production of seedlings of forest essences. The treepots will be made with wastes from the processing of cashew nuts previously selected and classified. The cashew nut husks will be used to manufacture the treepots and will be evaluated according to the standards TAPPI ABNT, ASTM and TAPPI, in relation to characterization and quality. Additionally, the biodegradable treepots and conventional treepots will be submitted to the planting of Sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) and evaluated for the development and quality of seedlings produced in a nursery with 50% of shading. The composites produced were analyzed as to the behavior according to the physical-mechanical properties of the material. seedlings and evaluated their development in a greenhouse and in the field. The raw materials chosen were suitable for the manufacture of tubes, in which beeswax has melting temperature at 60°C and cashew nut bark has chemical composition rich in NPK, oils and resins. The biodegradable tubes presented quality indicators of seedlings similar to conventional ones, however, with low mechanical resistance. It is concluded that it is possible to develop tubes through the suggested raw materials (carbonized cashew nut bark and beeswax) that proved viable for the production of biodegradable tubes. The material, in a nursery, was resistant to sun exposure, ambient temperature conditions and daily watering, without the deformation of its structure, offering adequate conditions for the production of seedlings, similar to polypropylene tubes.

Considering the importance of evaluating the compatibility between the exploitation system usually used in the Caatinga and the vegetation regeneration process, identifying the growth dynamics and investigating the loss of floristic diversity, this study aims to characterize the adult and regenerative shrub-tree component, in four stands with ages of 9-, 12-, 16-, 20- and 26-years post-exploitation, submitted to clear and selective cutting regimes. For the adult component, individuals with CAP ≥ 6 cm and total height greater than 1.0 m were measured, in permanent plots of 20 x 20 m, and subplots of 5 x 5 m were used to evaluate the regenerative stratum, measuring the individuals with total height greater than 0.5 m and CAP < 6.0 cm. Data analysis was performed by estimating phytosociological parameters (absolute and relative), such as: frequency, density and dominance, as well as the importance value index, diversity index, basal area and volumetry. Ten species were inventoried, distributed in four families, among them, the following stand out: Croton blanchetianus, Pityrocarpa moniliformis, Cenostigma pyramidale and Piptadenia retusa, due to their high density. Data analysis made it possible to observe a distinction between treatments, especially in the structural parameters of density (CS3 – 1,867 ind ha^-1; CS1 – 1,742 ind ha^-1; CS2 – 1,575 ind ha^-1; CR – 1,550 ind ha^-1), dominance (CS3 – 5.05 m² ha^-1; CS2 – 4.51 m² ha^-1; CR – 4.17 m² ha^-1; CS1 – 3.45 m² ha^-1), vertical stratification and forest dynamics. Management systems CS2 and CS3 stood out in relation to CR and CS1 in terms of the recovery of the original stock in basal area and volume, presenting values higher than those of 1995 and indicating that the initial data did not correspond to the maximum potential for woody biomass. The forest dynamics of the evaluated area points to the insufficiency of the 15-year cutting cycle, common in PMFS in Rio Grande do Norte, regarding the recovery of forest composition and structure in this region.

Araceae belongs to the group of angiosperms, monocotyledons, Alismatales order, and is represented by 144 genera and about 3.645 species. It is distributed throughout the Brazilian territory, totaling 47 genera and 519 species in the different biomes. However, studies point to gaps in the knowledge of species not yet recorded or identified in neotropical regions, such as the Northeastern Brazil, including the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Rio Grande do Norte Flora is partially known and still lacking a taxonomic treatment and studies on uses and potentials for Araceae, which is recognized by presenting species of economic and ecological interest, used in horticulture, food, and with medicinal applications. Thus, the objective of this work is to describe the Araceae of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as to analyze the diversity of the family, its ornamental potential and expand the information on its distribution and conservation. Data collection for the study took place through consultations of specimens deposited at the UFRN, RN and MOSS collections, in addition to consultations via online platforms. Twenty-two species distributed in twelve genera were recorded. The genera with the highest number of representatives were: Anthurium (4 spp. or 18%), Philodendron (4 spp. or 18%), followed by Lemna (3 spp. or 14%), Montrichardia and Taccarum (2 spp. or 9% each). The other genera are represented by one species each. Eleven new occurrences (50% of the total) were recorded for the flora of the state, of which two (~10%) belong to genera Colocasia e Monstera being recorded for the first time. This work presents photographic plates, identification keys, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution of genera and species, distributional maps and descriptions of each species.

The objective of this work was to investigate the bioenergetic potential of Eucalyptus wood under different density conditions and its technical performance as a fuel in the burning process of red ceramic products. Initially, five eucalyptus clones were selected in 06 different spacings (3 x 0.25; 3 x 0.5; 3 x 1.5; 3 x 3; 3 x 5 and 3 x 6.5), totaling 30 response variables. . The mortality of individuals was counted based on the database recorded in the inventories that took place every six months (2013 - 2019) and later, extrapolated by the planting density (ind.ha-1) to estimate the survival rate and volumetric production. Three sample trees were felled from each treatment and sent to determine the basic density, higher calorific value, ash content, volatile materials and fixed carbon and based on the data obtained, the stored energy per cubic meter (m3) and hectare was estimated. (there is). The material A1 was selected, due to its wide commercialization, for the firing process in a red ceramic industry, using the species Prosopis juliflora as a comparative factor. That said, for the technical evaluation in the burning, three treatments were adopted, with four replications: T1 - 100% P. juliflora, T2 - 100% Eucalyptus sp. and T3 - 50% of P. juliflora and E. sp. The wood used was previously organized in piles in the yard and its dimensions were measured to obtain its volume in stereo (st) and its solid volume was determined from the stacking factor promoted by a template (1m2) at the center of each pile. For each repetition, the number of times the oven was filled with firewood was recorded, the interval between supplies and, at the end of the firing, the percentage of first quality pieces, raw and broken. It was concluded that in situations where the planting was more dense, there were higher percentages of mortality. Higher wood basic density was found for clone R9 at 6.5 spacing and, in general, there was a positive correlation between the increase in wood basic density and wide spacings. The stored energy was superior in treatments with high population density that presented low mortality rates. Considering the final use of wood as an energy source, the C3 genetic material in the 3 x 0.25m spacing resulted in the highest bioenergetic potential of wood (1,010,310 kcal/ha) due to the high survival rate in a reduced spacing. . For the burning process, the average consumption of wood was higher in T1 (5.27 m3), followed by T3 (4.70 m3) and T2 (2.90 m3). Overall, in both treatments, the first quality pieces were above 90% (94.05%, 92.49% and 96.64%), followed by a low percentage of raw pieces (5.57%, 7 .07% and 3.06%) and broken parts (0.38%, 0.44% and 0.29%). The values found for raw pieces can be related to the temperature drops below 900°C, which occurred during the firing process, called “attention points”. It is concluded that there are no significant differences in the quality of the pieces, however there is a reduction in wood consumption of 10.82% in treatment T3 and of 44.93% in treatment T2 in relation to T1.

Determining adequate procedures for conducting the germination test in forest species is important to enable the commercialization of seed lots, especially for those that are not included in the Normative Instructions. Therefore, the objective was to determine the ideal temperature and substrate conditions for the Senna siamea seed germination test, as well as to characterize the morphophysiology of the seedling establishment during the germination process and the period for seedling evaluation, in order differentiation of Senna siamea seed lots. Initially, the experiment was carried out in a 2 x 2 arrangement (substrates x temperature), using the substrates paper roll and on sand, and at 25 and 30 ° C installations. For the comparison of the seed lots, we used if the arrangement of 10 x 1 (lots x experimental condition). The percentage and speed of germination, first count, seedling length, accumulated germination, seedling morphology during germination and accelerated aging are recorded. Senna siamea seeds have a higher germinative potential in a paper roll substrate at temperatures of 25 and 30 ° C. The first germination count and a final seedling evaluation must be done at 10 and 21 days after sowing, respectively. The species has germination of epigeal type seeds and its seedlings are phanerocotyledonous. Lots being 3; 4; 6 and 9 with greater viability potential for the commercialization of seed lots and for the production of seedlings.

Tannins are polyphenols present in various groups of plants and are found in almost all parts of plants, have a physiological function of protection against herbivores and diseases, which can be characterized as hydrolyzable or condensed. Vegetable tannins are of relevant economic, ecological and social importance in the country's non-timber forest sector, sparking numerous studies in search of new species that produce tannins. This research aims to quantify the condensed tannins extracted from the bark of two forest species: Mimosa tenuiflora Willd and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth and evaluate its potential as a coagulant for water treatment. The barks were collected from five trees that had appropriate phytosanitary characteristics for each species, obtained from a six-year-old forest plantation, grown for timber purposes. Located in the Experimental Area of the Academic Unit Specialized in Agricultural Sciences (UAECIA) of the Agricultural School of Jundiaí (EAJ), municipality of Macaíba-RN. Total solids content (TST), Stiasny index (I) and condensed tannin content (TTC) were determined. The species M. tenuiflora obtained higher percentages in all parameters TST, I and TTC (27.60%, 74.82% and 20.65% respectively), indicating potential for large-scale tannin production, although the M. caesalpiniifolia has presented lower TTC, TST values in I, the value was similar to that of black jurema with (71.43%), characterizing a high degree of pure tannins, requiring further research, such as chemical characterization for identification possible new uses for this species.

Protium heptaphyllum (AUBL.) March is a native species of Brazil with medicinal properties and pharmacological potential, and vegetable tannins are secondary compounds that act in the treatment of different diseases. The objective of this work was to evaluate the characteristics and composition of the bark, leaf and fruit of the species, as well as the number of tannins in each structure. The content of moisture, ash content, volatile content and fixed carbon, as well the amount of crude protein, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose were determined. Afterwards, extracts were obtained, evaluating in the samples the amount of total solid, Stiasny Index, condensed tannins and not tannins. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the biomass and tanning extracts were also performed. The bark presented higher moisture content and ashes. The leaf was the structure that obtained higher amount of volatiles and the fruit a higher fixed carbon content. The leaf is the structure that has more crude protein and hemicellulose, and the lignin content was higher in the bark. The amount of cellulose is statistically the same for the three structures. The fruit contains a more significant amount of total solids, condensed tannins and no tannins, since the bark and leaf are structures that also have greater value in the Stiasny Index. The extracts showed different weight loss than biomass, and above 900 °C, the fruit has different thermal characteristics of the bark and leaf. Spectroscopy shows that the biomass and extracts of the three structures are similar.

The demand for timber products grows annually in Brazil and this fact causes scarcity of forest resources. Therefore, the timber sector seeks alternatives to maintain production and meet the demand for these products. The one of these alternatives is the production of agglomerated panels with lignocellulosic residues. The several studies have been carried out involving  the incorporation of agro-industrial waste in the manufacture of reconstituted panels, such as, the coconut fiber, sugarcane bagasse, rice hulls, coffee husks, among others, for the production of panels. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of cement panels composed by different proportions of Eucalyptus urograndis wood and coconut fiber, with Portland cement CPV-ARI as the binder. We realized six treatments, which was coconut fiber added in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%, besides to the control without addition of coconut fiber (0%). In addition, we used the chemical additive to cancel another treatment in the raw materials to make panels. Due to, previous studies have displayed that chemical treatments on wood particles and coconut fiber were not able to cause significant differences to occur for both physical and mechanical properties. The panels were analyzed for physical properties, which were specific mass, water absorption in 2 and 24 h and swelling in thickness in 2 and 24 h of immersion. We will also submit the panel to the mechanical tests, as static bending, internal bonding and compression. Finally, with the already obtained data we could observe that the physical analyzes were satisfactory, with the panels produced in 50% of coconut fiber can be used for internal use.

Trees play an important role in improving the environmental and living quality of urban populations by their ecological, economic, aesthetic and recreational functions. These functions are affect thermal comfort, the balance of the hydrological cycle, the mitigation of noise, visual and air pollution, the breakdown of the artificiality of the urban environment, among others benefits. In this context, this thesis aims to characterize the afforestation of urban areas in the cities of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and to test methods for quantification of green areas. We will use to characterize the urban afforestation the correlation of metadata from all cities of the RN from the IBGE’s statistics census. In addition, we will do the correlation and comparison of the socioeconomic data, such as violence statistics from Secretariat of Security of the state of Rio Grande, due to several surveys indicating a clear relationship between lower rates of green areas and higher rates of disease, including depression, and violence. For the statistical tests it was necessary to check the behavior of all the data regarding its normality, using the analysis of the main components, then the data that presented normality were separated and the covariance matrices and factorial analysis were done, all in the Core R Team (2018). Soon after data analysis, two municipalities were chosen (high homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants and low afforestation of public roads; low homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants and high afforestation of public roads) in each mesoregion of the state of RN. We compared the geoprocessing of images with the afforestation census data. Our partial results indicate a correlation for the variables: afforestation of public roads, hospitalizations for diarrhea at the East, Agreste, Central and West Potiguar regions of the State of RN. Moreover, the Central, West and East Potiguar regions presented an inversely proportional rate of homicide and afforestation rates of public roads. That is, the greater the afforestation of public roads in these regions the lower the homicide rates. And the municipalities that had a higher homicide rate had less afforestation of public roads for the Central, West and East Potiguar regions were Currais Novos, Caraúbas and São Gonçalo do Amarante, are placed, respectively.

The litter is the most superficial layer of the forest floor and, analyzing its deposition is fundamental to evaluate the stability of the forests.  The objective of this work was to evaluate the litter input on the edge of three forest fragments with different use histories.  The fragments are located in Nisia Floresta FLONA, being classified in F1, F2 and F3.  54 collectors were installed (collector area: 0.159 m²), 18 in each area, spaced from 0 to 100 in relation to the border and, monthly, for 12 months, all the deposited material was collected.  The estimated litter deposition was 3,227.90 kg ha-1 year, 3,315.60 kg ha-1 year and 1,775.90 kg ha-1 year, respectively, for fragments F1, F2 and F3, during the one year.  collect.  The largest contribution in F2 was due to the location of the fragment, which is located in the area of greater floristic diversity of Flona, composed mostly of adult individuals.  The litter input had seasonal behavior, presenting greater deposition in the adverse period, indicating that rainfall acts as a regulator of this material.  About the contribution of litter from the edge to the interior of the fragments, only in F3 there were statistical differences with values between 93.87 kg ha year and 261.7 kg ha year (100 m).  Fragments with high disturbance histories deposit less litter from the edge to the interior of the forest, claiming that this is the most degraded fragment.

The BDq method is based on the concept of balanced forest and its application as determination of selective logging leads the population to a remaining stock promoting the maintenance of the diameter structure. The work aimed to apply the BDq method in an area subjected to Forest Management. Through 20 m x 20 m sample plots, a forest inventory was carried out in an area of 4,400 m². Three management alternatives based on the BDq method were proposed, with 40% (T1), 50% (T2) and 60% (T3) stem reduction. 1,680 woody individuals were inventoried in 10 families, 18 species and 16 genera. In T1, with a reduction of 40% of the total basal area (8.40 m²ha^-1) there is an estimated harvest of 1,873 stems, being more representative in the center of the diameter class 2.45 cm (1126 stems). The estimated harvest volume was 39.42 m³ha^-1. At 50%, it allowed a permanence of 39.76% of the stems and an estimated harvest of 60.23% of the individuals, representing a total of 1,012 stems. The estimated harvest volume was 39.65 m³ha^-1. In T3, with a reduction of 60%, it allowed a permanence of 37.50% of the stems and a harvest estimate of 62.50%, representing a total of 1,050 stems between the classes. The estimated harvest volume was 40.61 m³ha^-1. Taking into account the dynamics, ecological succession and commercial exploitation, it was observed that the combination that showed the most effective results was that of management Scenario 1, due to the high number of individuals able to silvicultural activities, thus ensuring the ecological succession, of the area and subsequently its dynamics.

Seed quality is one of the parameters of great importance among the criteria of establishment and establishment of a species. Thus, the determination of seed quality in a non-destructive and fast way, which is the case of X-ray, shows benefits in the seed industry, especially in the process of decision making during the separation of the lots according to their quality. Although efficient, the tools used need to be improved for better data processing, thereby strengthening the reliability and repeatability of the test. The objective of this study was to suggest a high-performance morphometric methodology using free tools in the processing of X-ray images of Senna siamea is seeds, that is, correlating the parameters of the physiological quality of the seeds, as well as the adequacy of methodologies for the analysis of seedlings. Two experiments were conducted. In both, five lots of S. siamea were used, and in the first experiment, ImageJ®, which is free software, was used to measure both seeds and seedlings, correlating with the traditional tests and thus evaluating the potential of physiological quality. In the second experiment, the reliability of a new software, developed for automated processing of the radiographed images, was evaluated without the use of subjective evaluations, correlating the data in order to identify relationships with the traditional tests. For the conventional criteria, as soon as the seeds were radiographed, they were subjected to the germination test, from which the variables related to the physiological quality were obtained. The obtained data were submitted to ANOVA, when significant, the averages were compared by the Tukey test (p≤0.05). Subsequently, Pearson's simple correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for all combinations between the physiological and physical quality evaluation tests of the seeds. Among the results, it was observed that the X-ray technique in the evaluation of seeds of S. siamea, demonstrated efficacy in the identification of damages, showing a relationship between the X-ray test and that of the physiological potential. Besides, it was possible to differentiate of batches from the analysis of seedlings images, being able to associate the relationship between this test as the image analysis of the radiographed seeds.

Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong is a fast-growing tree species that has multiple purposes, such as medicinal, recovery of degraded areas, manufacture of boats, furniture and boxes in general. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological and biochemical changes in E. contortisiliquum seedlings submitted to abiotic stresses. The experiment was carried out at the Academic Unit Specialized in Agricultural Sciences (UAECIA), belonging to the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Macaíba, RN - Brazil, in the first half of 2019. The design used was in randomized blocks, with five treatments and four repetitions, with the experimental unit consisting of twenty plants. The experimentation of the different stresses occurred independently. Water stress was performed in the following periods: 0. 4. 8. 12 and 16 days, saline stress was simulated in the following electrical conductivities of irrigation water (CEa): 0.3 (control); 2. 4. 6 and 8 dS.m^-1. Before sowing, pre-germination treatment of overcoming dormancy was performed with the help of sandpaper. As a substrate, a mixture of common soil and tanned bovine manure (1: 1) was used. The evaluations were carried out at 30 days after sowing. The variables evaluated for water and saline stresses were: plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, root length, Dickson quality index, height and dry mass ratio of the aerial part, dry mass of the aerial part aerial, root and total dry mass, besides biochemical tests (total free amino acids, proline, total soluble sugars and starch). The results were submitted to analysis of variance by the F test at 5% probability and, in case of significance, submitted to regression analysis. E. contortisiliquum seedlings obtain greater initial growth in an environment with water availability. The four-day water stress period provides E. contortisiliquum seedlings with better drought tolerance. Osmotically active solutes act positively to minimize damage caused by increased water stress, whose mechanisms may be the main determinants used by plants in this condition. The gradual increase in salinity of the irrigation water was detrimental to the growth and accumulation of dry mass of E. contortisiliquum plants with a marked decrease from the 2 dS.m^-1 threshold. The biochemical mechanism of tolerance to salt stress was due to the increase in amino acids, proline and total sugars, concomitantly with the consumption of starch reserves.

Plasma technology consists of a fast, clean method that has great potential for use in agriculture, especially in modifying the integumentary surface of dormant seeds. The objective was to evaluate the effect of plasma application on overcoming dormancy of P. moniliformis seeds. The seeds were submitted to cold plasma for 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2; 3; 4 and 5 minutes, and as a control, seeds intact, without any type of treatment. As seeds they were submitted to the germination test and the results were used to determine the accumulation or Richards curve, moisture, soaking curve and electrical conductivity of the seeds. The design used was randomized, with four replicates per treatment. The wettability results were subjected to descriptive analysis, obtaining the mean and standard deviation for each treatment. For the data obtained in germination, proceed to an analysis of variation by the F test (5%) and, when significant, as the media of the procedures compared by the Tukey test. The plasma provides an increase in germination in all tests tested, when compared to the control.

Plasma can directly affect the chemical and physical structure of seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plasma, generated by a dielectric barrier discharge source (DBD), on the physical, chemical and germination characteristics of Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth) and Senna siamea (Lam) seeds. The seeds of both species were submitted to plasma in a coplanar plate covered by a petri dish of similar dimensions, the conditions of the plasma environment were obtained using the DBD generating source and the flow applied in the pulse to generate plasma occurred continuously, with a voltage of 10 KV at a working frequency of 4,000 Hertz, in an exposure time of 10 minutes. The physical-chemical alterations were diagnosed through the surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique and the crack areas were calculated in percentage using the imageJ® software. The chemical analysis was carried out through infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformation, in the Total Attenuated Reflection (FTIR-ATR) configuration. For physiological analyzes, a completely randomized design was used with four replications of 25 seeds for each species in a controlled environment at 25 0 C, the seeds were distributed on germitest paper, and kept for a period of 18 days in a cold chamber. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the treatment means were compared at a significance level of 5% probability using the Tukey test. With the results obtained it is concluded that the DBD plasma was presented as an efficient technique, modified the physical structure and changed the chemical properties and provided an improvement in the seed germination of the species.

We carried out a circadian characterization of the non-structural carbohydrate dynamics in the different organs of Erythrina velutina seedlings at late establishment. Seeds were incubated under controlled conditions for 9 days and then seedlings were hydroponically grown in a greenhouse for 8 days. Gas exchanges were measured in the cordiform leaves every 2 h during the daytime (12 h) and seedlings were harvested every 4 h during the day-night cycle (24 h) to assess the contents of non-structural carbohydrates and the activities of amylases and invertases. Photosynthetic net rate was highly synchronized with transpiration rate under high irradiance, when the cordiform leaves assumed the paraheliotropic position and water use efficiency increased. Diel patterns of non-structural carbohydrate content were identified in the photosynthetic organs, in which the turnover of starchoperated far from its depletion at dawn. In the heterotrophic organs, however, changes in the starch content over 24 h may have maintained the supply of soluble sugars, buffering transient fluctuations in carbon availability. Although it seems that amylase activity was not influenced by the circadian rhythm in the different seedling organs, diel patterns of invertase activity were recognized in the leaves and roots.

Studies on compounds from secondary plant metabolism may increase our ability to understand the pharmaceutical potential of tropical flora. The presence of substances such as tannins arouses pharmaceutical interest in several plant species, based on the principle of popular use, and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-tumor properties of tannins, which are already well known and documented. The aim of this study is to extract, chemically characterize the tannins of Acacia mangium Willd., Azadirachta indica A. Juss Mimosa tenuiflora Willd, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth ,. and to verify antibacterial activity of these tannins against strains of cariogenic bacteria. The content of tannins present in bark of trees from commercial plantations with 4 years of age, located in an experimental area in the municipality of Macaíba, State of Rio Grande do Norte, was analyzed. The extractions were performed in hot water. Total solids content (TST), Stiasny index (IS) and condensed tannin content (TTC) were determined. The chemical characterization of tannic extracts was carried out using infrared spectrometry with Fourrier transform. The evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the tannins was performed by means of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test for the species Streptococcus mutans (UA159), Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATCC IAL523), Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 193) and Candida albicans (SC5314). The quantification of the extracts showed that M. tenuiflora and A. mangium presented higher percentages of TTC (23.40% and 12.41%, respectively), indicating the potential for tannin production on an industrial scale. Although M. caesalpiniifolia had a low TTC (8.38%), this species had a high IS (91.27%), characterized by a high degree of pure tannins. Regarding chemical characterization, the tannins of all species showed very similar spectra, with strong OH elongation in the range of 3,439 to 3,418 cm-1. No evaluated extract showed inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms (MIC> 2500 µg / mL).

Considering the medicinal potential of Erythrina velutina Willd., a woody species native to the Caatinga, the aim of this work was to characterize the mobilization of reserves in parallel with the content secondary metabolites during seed germination and seedling establishment. Hence, seeds were scarified, surface-sterilized, planted between towel paper sheets and cultivated under controlled conditions. Then, seedlings were transferred to distilled water in hydroponics and cultivated in a greenhouse. In a time-coarse experiment, seedling growth, reserve mobilization and the content of soluble sugars and free amino acids, as well as the preliminary profile of secondary metabolites were assessed in the cotyledons during and after germination. Germination included the stages of imbibed seed and radicle protrusion, whereas establishment encompassed hypocotyl emergence, plumule hook opening, and the expansion of cordiform leaves, first trifoliate leaf and second trifoliate leaf. Seeds contained 20% starch, 14,5% storage proteins, 11,6% neutral lipids and 5,7% non-reducing sugars in dry weight basis. The major reserves were synchronically and intensely mobilized from apical hook opening, while non-reducing sugars were utilized from hypocotyl emergence. The activity of amylases, lipases and acid proteases increased from cordiform leaf emergence, coinciding with the mobilization of starch, lipids and proteins, respectively. By thin layer chromatography, it was possible to verify the presence of terpenes and phenolic acids during the experiment. The results indicate the occurrence of flavonoids from seed germination and at the expansion of cordiform leaves. Throughout the experiment, it was evidenced the presence of alkaloids, mainly in the imbibed seed.  The elucidation of these processes may help in understanding the strategies used by E. velutina to colonize the environment as a Caatinga pioneer species.

Cordia oncocalyx (Allemão) Baill, popularly known as pau-branco is an endemic species of the Caatinga and has multiple uses. Due to the lack of information to enable its perpetuation and conservation, studies related to biometric evaluation, as well as the propagation are important for the production of seedlings of the species. The aim of this study was to analyze the biometric characteristics of diaspores and seeds manually and by digital image analysis, in order to compare the best evaluation method. In addition, to analyze in vitro, ex vitro, and cuttings of C. oncocalyx, with a view to optimizing the production of seedlings of the species. For the determination of biometric parameters by manual and digital method, 300 diaspores and 300 seeds were used. Subsequently, the ex vitroemergency was performed, testing the treatments in the diaspores: control (without scarification), scarification in the peduncular region with and without hydration for 24 hours, scarification in the region opposite the peduncle with and without hydration for 24 hours, scarification in the lateral with and without hydration for 24 h, scarification with immersion in sulfuric acid for 90 min and for 180 min. Finally, in vitro germination was tested, using different compositions of the culture medium: 12 g.L^-1 of sucrose and 1.80 g.L^-1 of M&S medium; 12 g.L^-1 of sucrose and 0.90 g.L^-1 of M&S medium; 6 g.L^-1 of sucrose and 1.80 g.L^-1 of M&S medium; 6 g.L^-1 of sucrose and 0.90 g.L^-1 of M&S medium. For the evaluation of the effect of the time of collection and the use of indolbutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of cuttings of C. oncocalyx, the propagules were collected in Mossoró-RN, in April and July 2019, and in February 2020 The AIB concentrations tested were 0; 2000; 4000 and 8000 mg.L^-1. With regard to the use of AIB and the pyroligneous extract in rooting C. oncocalyx, the cuttings were immersed in AIB solution at concentrations of 0; 2000; 4000 and 8000 mg.L^-1 and pyroligneous extract at 0; 10; 100; 500 and 1000 ml.L^-1. In relation to the determination of the optimal rooting time, evaluations were made regarding oxidation, swelling, presence of calluses and rooting at the base of the cuttings. Regarding the results obtained, it was demonstrated that digital image processing is a viable and fast technique in obtaining biometric parameters for diaspores and seeds. Chemical and mechanical treatments in the diaspores did not promote the emergency. The composition of the culture medium influenced the percentage of in vitro germination, with the maximum value (96% of germination) observed with 6 g.L^-1 of sucrose and 0.90 g.L^-1 of M&S medium. Seminiferous propagation of C. oncocalyx can be successfully performed when the seeds are germinated in vitro and digital image processing shows solidity and applicability with a view to the evaluation of quantitative parameters of C. oncocalyx fruits and seeds. In the semiarid, the cutting of C. oncocalyx must be carried out in the rainy season, right after the emission of the shoots and using 2000 mg.L^-1of IBA. Based on the results found, it is concluded that the use of IBA and EP, in shoots collected at the beginning of the dry season, are not indicated as inducers of adventitious rooting in cuttings of C. oncocalyx. It was found that the cuttings need to remain in the propagation environment for about 76 days, to achieve 100% rooting. It was also observed that digital image analysis proved to be a fast and accurate tool in obtaining the length and number of roots, as well as providing additional characters, such as area and perimeter of the roots of C. oncocalyx. Therefore, it is concluded that the present study contains silvicultural information that can contribute to the production of seedlings and perpetuation of C. oncocalyx.

Activated carbon is an important product, used in several areas, with the most diverse applications, among them we can highlight its environmental application, acting in the remediation of impacts caused by industries, among others. The aim of this work was to perform the oxidation and characterization of Eucalyptus urograndis carbon, oxidized with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and to test them in the removal of heavy metals in aqueous solution, by performing a thermodynamic study of the adsorption process. Wood discs of a five-year-old Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid were used to make the carbonizations. After charring, part of the material was oxidized on a magnetic stirrer at 80 °C for 4 h using 30% H₂O₂. Then, the characterization (TG-DTG, XRD, MEV and CHNS-O) of the oxidized carbon was performed, after, adsorption kinetics were performed in aqueous medium using a synthetic solution of Cu (II), analyzing pH of the solution and the mass of the adsorbents. Finally, the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were prepared for both a single metal system (Cu) and a system with a mixture of metals (Cu, Ni, Cd) at concentrations ranging from 50 to 250 ppm. The adsorbent oxidized with H₂O₂ reached the adsorption equilibrium with only 30 seconds in the system tested. The ideal adsorbent mass found was 0.4 g. The best adsorption capacity of the oxidized adsorbent was 263.77 mg.g^-1 for the experimental values and 235.77 mg.g^-1 for the value calculated by the Langmuir model. The most ideal adsorption isotherm model applied was Langmuir, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9976 for the oxidized carbon. In a system containing 3 different metals, the total adsorption capacity of the oxidized carbon was equal to 305.35 mg.L^-1 for the experimental values and 270.91 mg.g^-1 for the values calculated by the Langmuir Isotherm. It was observed that the adsorption affinity follows the sequence: Cu>Cd>Ni. Eucalyptus urograndis carbon oxidized with H₂O₂ proved to be efficient for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions and the total adsorption capacity increases when the adsorbent is used in a system containing more than one metal. The oxidation caused morphological changes in the charcoal, thus favoring its adsorption capacity.

Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & RW Jobson (Fabaceae) is a tree species that has social, ecological and economic potential for the Northeast of Brazil, with several uses for timber and non-timber, conservation and development of semi-arid regions. The objective of this work was to select P. moniliformis matrices for the production of quality seeds and in situ conservation, evaluating the genetic diversity with the use of molecular markers Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), and seed biometry by digital imaging for studies of genetic divergence. In Chapter 01, 28 ISSR molecular markers were tested, evaluating the total number of loci, polymorphism rate and content value of the polymorphic information (PIC). Seven primers were selected, which provided 74 loci, 82% polymorphism and PIC of 0.344. Therefore, the molecular markers ISSR (UBC 827, 840, 844, 857, 859, 860 and 873) were selected for genetic diversity studies of P. moniliformis. In Chapter 02, we performed the biometric of the seeds of 33 lots by means of digital image processing, with analysis of the descriptive statistics, main components, and correlation between Euclidean distance and genetic similarity of trees with the use of molecular markers ISSR. The digital image processing was efficient in gauging and detecting biometric differences between seed lots, which have different morphological and biometric aspects due to genetic differences between P. moniliformis trees. In chapter 03, seeds of 44 trees were submitted to quality determination and genetic diversity for selected matrices and progenies. 77% and 43% of the trees produced seeds with germination higher than 50% and 70%, respectively. The selected progenies represent 64.4% of the source of total variation in the loci, and only 35.6% are due to variation between matrices. The P. moniliformis trees produce seeds with different levels of quality, being selected as trees producing seeds of high and medium physiological quality, eleven and fifteen matrices, respectively.

Contamination of a course is not always detectable. The adsorption is one of the most used technologies in the removal of contaminants of waters, has been gaining prominence. Without effluent treatment, adsorption with activated carbon (CA) is presented as an efficient and low cost method. The main advantage of the production of disposable waste is often inadequate. In this context, the study aims to obtain the consumption of agroindustrial residues (castor-bean) in the production of activated charcoal with adsorbent characteristics that can later be used in the application of an industrial effluent treatme nt. Coals have different types of activators, time and temperature, from castor bean cake. The yields were characterized by a chemical analysis, thermogravimetric (TGA), yield, zero load pH (pHcz), mesoporosity, Brunauer surface, Emmett and Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After a characterization, adsorption tests of methylene blue were performed, aiming at adsorption capacity of the same,  and the results applied in the Langmuir and Freundlich equations to verify the fit of the data as. The chemical characterization of the castor bean (TM) showed that the material presented a heterogeneous structural structure, with its components of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The TGA analysis was stable during decomposition and increased at 400 °C, and pHcz of the coals with broad basal power ranges, and with the development of mesopores of good adsorptive capacity for  CA at 800 °C. The adsorption of N2  showed CA with isotherms of type IV, images exhibited with appearances of analysis in the  MEV.  The best result was the adsorption test in CA 800°C with 60 minutes and 40% of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and the mathematical model that best suited  a Langmuir isotherm with a comedy of 0.99948,  showing that the type of absorption was monolayers.

The study of different sources of renewable energy has been intensifying because to the current climate changes, the population increase and the increasing energy demand. Thus, biomass appears as an alternative resource due to its availability and potential of transformation in products and biofuels. Its characterization allows to evaluate its energetic potential for application in energy conversion processes. This work aims at the energetic characterization of the fruit peels of Pachira aquatica Aubl. to evaluate its energy potential for application in thermochemical conversion processes. The energy characterization was carried out from the physical-chemical and thermal characterization of the biomass, it was performed the immediate analysis, for determination the percentage of moisture (ASTM E 871-81), volatile materials (ASTM E 872-85) and ash ( ASTM E 1755-01), in addition to fixed carbon, calculated by difference; the elemental analysis, to determine the percentage of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen; the apparent density (ASTM E 873-82); the hemicellulose (FDA), cellulose (FDN) and lignin (Klason) content;  the thermogravimetric analysis, using thermogravimetric balance model Q600 SDT of TA Instruments®; the spectroscopy in the infrared region, performed in infrared spectrophotometer with Fourier transform; and analytical pyrolysis from a pyrolyzer coupled to gas chromatography. The fruit epicarp biomass of Pachira aquatica presents a lignocellulosic biomass containing 6.58% of moisture,76.90% of volatile material, 5,57% of ash, 11.43% of fixed carbon, apparent density of 252.6 kg/m³ and higher calorific value of 16.24 MJ/kg. It also presents 18.62 of hemicellulose, 45,23% of cellulose and 10.80% of lignin. Chemical compounds identified as products of rapid pyrolysis were mostly oxygenated compounds such as phenols and ketones. The carbonization of the fruit epicarp showed a 32.03% gravimetric charcoal yield, a pyrolignous liquid of 46.53% and a non-condensible gas of 21.44%. The results indicate that the biomass form the fruits peels of Pachira aquatica presents as potential lignocellulosic biomass for application in conversion processes such as pyrolysis and gasification, besides showing compatible characteristics for the production of second generation ethanol.

The sustainable use and commercialization of native wood for energy purposes depends on the determination of the difference between the amount of energy produced in areas under sustainable forest management and the understanding of the performance of this fuel in the main sector that consumes it in Rio Grande do Norte, of red ceramic. Within this context, the objective was to study the amount of energy of the wood stored in three different areas under sustainable forest management in the RN and the quality of the wood of Anacardium occidentale and Mimosa tenuiflora during the burning of pieces of red ceramics. For the study of article 1, 5 forest species for area I (Campo Grande), 6 for area II (Cruzeta) and 12 for area III (Touros) were selected based on the importance value index. Three trees were felled to obtain discs at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the commercial height of the tree. From this, the basic density, the upper calorific value and the calculation of the energy stored by species and area were determined. The experiment was evaluated according to the completely randomized design, with a factorial of 5 x 6 x 12, with three replicates (sample trees) in each area. For the article 2, the woods of Anacardium occidentale and Mimosa tenuiflora were used during the burning of the bricks and for that, three treatments were adopted, namely: (0JP) 100% Anacardium occidentale; (50JP) 50% Mimosa tenuiflora + 50% Anacardium occidentale; and (100JP) 100% Mimosa tenuiflora. The wood stacking factor of both species was determined by Newton method to determine the actual consumption of wood (st) per treatment and the total burning time and product quality were verified. It was concluded that there is a difference in the amount of energy stored in the wood of the studied forest species, which reflected in the energy productivity in each area under study. In this way, area III (Bulls) was highlighted by the greater potential of energy productivity due to the greater number of energy species. Regarding the wood performance of the species used during the burning of the bricks, the 50CJP treatment provided a reduction in the fuel consumption, as well as a higher percentage of ceramic pieces of the first quality.

The basic density is considered one of the main technological properties of wood and is therefore, referred to as an indicator of quality. It can be influenced by how wood is formed during plant growth, which is determined by the edaphoclimatic conditions of the growth site. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of edaphoclimatic variables from 10 growing sites, distributed in the five regions of Brazil, on the basic density and the average annual increment of the wood of three eucalyptus clones at 4 years of age. To do so, we considered the edaphoclimatic variables (2012 to 2015), which are: precipitation, temperature, water vapor pressure deficit in air and soil water storage capacity and the production variables: basic density and increment annual average. To interpret the results, multivariate statistical analyses were adopted, with canonical correlation techniques, principal components and cluster analysis, in order to verify whether there were influences of each edaphoclimatic variable on the set of production variables, as well as formation of similar groups among each other. It was concluded that precipitation, temperature and vapor pressure deficit were the variables most correlated with the response variables of basic density and average annual increment of wood, whereas the variable water storage capacity in the soil did not correlate with the response-variables. In general, the different growth sites promoted divergent responses on the supply and quality of wood of eucalyptus clones.

In this experiment was evaluated the effect of different population densities on the production and allocation of biomass and nutritional efficiency of a eucalyptus clone. Twelve population densities were tested, varying from 498 to 13,333 plants per hectare. The evaluations were performed when the trees were 36 months old, determining the total biomass production and the biomass allocation per plant (kg plant-1) and per area (t ha-1), concentration, content and nutritional efficiency of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S for the components leaves, branches, bark and wood. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and F test, and regression equations were adjusted. The values of total biomass and biomass of the wood per hectare decreased with the reduction of the density of plants, and the values of total biomass and wood biomass per plant increased with the reduction in population density. Proportional allocation of biomass to leaves and branches increased with decreasing plant density, while the proportional allocation of biomass to wood decreased. The highest aerial biomass production per plant (119.5 kg plant-1) was obtained in the density of 2,564 ha-1 trees. The highest density of plants, 13,333 ha-1 trees, provided the highest yield of total biomass (205.5 t ha-1) and wood (159.64 t ha-1) per unit area. With the reduction of population density, there was a linear increase in N and S content in the branches and wood and in the Ca content in the branches; increase in N content in leaves and N, Ca, Mg and S in the bark. The levels of P and K presented quadratic behavior as a function of population density. The content of macronutrients tended to decrease as the population density decreased. The wood was the component that presented the highest values of nutritional efficiency, which tended to decrease with reduction in plant density, with Ca being the only macronutrient that did not show effect in this last parameter. In general, the decrease of the density of plants caused increase in the concentration of some macronutrients, mainly in the bark. It caused reduction in the content and nutritional efficiency, mainly for the production of the wood.

The Document of Forest Origin “DOF” is a mandatory document to control and monitor the transportation of products and by-products of native forest origin, which must accompany the transport and storage of the native products traded at all times. The objective of this work is to analyze the public data of the DOF system generated in the period from 2011 to 2016 and to identify and quantify legalized native forest products marketed and transported in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The data used were made available by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) and correspond to all transport of forest products of native and legalized origin, with final destination of the municipalities of the RN in the period from 2011 to 2016. Rio Grande North between the years 2011 to 2016 received timber products from 24 states of the country, with highlights to the northern states. The number of DOFs originating in the NB had an average growth of 22% between the years 2011 to 2014 and a reduction of 13% in 2015 and 2016 and commercialization and between municipalities transportation were observed in more than 90% of the municipalities. In relation to the species transported in the evaluation period, the movement of 738 different wood species was observed, especially the Angelim-red (Dinizia excelsa), Maçaranduba (Manilkara spp.) and Jatobá (Hymenaea spp.). The main products transported in the state were: Lumber, Firewood and Wood Residues. The analysis of the DOF shows that there have been advances for the native products traded and that most of the products marketed and transported in the RN originate in the Northern states.

In order to complement the information obtained by the germination test, the tests used to evaluate seed vigor, which are classified as physical, physiological, biochemical and resistance to stress. Inserted in the physiological tests, the seedling vigor classification test for the evaluation of seed lots has been little used, mainly with native forest species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the seedlings of Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Pityrocarpa moniliformis and Poincianella pyramidalis in relation to morphological aspects and to use them as specific parameters for the test of vigor classification of seedlings. The study was divided into three distinct stages: morphological characterization of the species, carried out from the germination test; physiological characterization of seed lots, through vigor tests; and seedling vigor classification, where the results obtained in the physiological tests were correlated with the percentage of normal seedlings "strong" obtained in each seed lot. The results showed that there was a difference in the physiological quality of the seeds of E. contortisiliquum, P. moniliformis and P. pyramidalis, and that the parameters adopted in the morphological characterization of strong normal seedlings were efficient in the classification of seeds vigor for the species under study.

Among the parameters used on the biomass carbonization process,the heating velocity presents itself as 
one of the most important. In face of it, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of 
different heating velocities on the gravimetric yields in charcoal, condensable fluids and non-condensable
 gases. The eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla x grandis) and black jurema (Mimosa tenuiflora) woods were
used, shaped as disks with variable diameters and dried. The carbonization occurred in a muffle type
 electric oven for three distinct heating velocities: 1.46, 0.97 and 0.73 °C/min. 
The BioEstat software version 5.3 was employed to perform the normality test and Shapiro Wilk, 
and subsequently the averages were compared by Tukey's test to the 5% significance level. 
The collected pyrollenous extract was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrum ]
(GC-MS). The results showed that smaller heating velocities produce bigger yields in charcoal, 
while higher heating velocities lead to bigger yields in condensable fluids. 
As well as the increase of the heating rate increased the content of furans and pyran and 
decreased the content of phenolic compounds. With this, it is concluded that the choice of 
the heating rate should be carried out according to the main interest of the production.

Mimosa tenuiflora (Fabaceae), known as jurema-preta, has high economic and ecological potential. It is widely used as firewood for the production of red ceramics. Due to the high development capacity in compacted soils, people considered the species an indicator of the initial stages of succession and the recovery of the forest cover. The objective of the study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in natural populations and to predict climatically adequate areas for the occurrence of M. tenuiflora in a climate change scenario. We sampled fifteen natural populations in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 225 individuals, obtaining diversity indexes and genetic structure by means of 70 ISSR (Inter Simple Repeat Intervals). The maximum entropy algorithm (Maxent) was used in the modeling of the distribution of the species, with the use of geographic occurrence points and 19 bioclimatic variables. The genetic diversity of Nei and the Shannon index presented averages of 0.21 (± 0.02) and 0.35 (± 0.03), respectively. The most genetically diverse populations were ACU (Assú), CRV (Caiçara do Rio do Vento) and MAR (Martins), and the least diversified was CAR (Caraúbas). These populations showed significant population decreases in the infinite allele model and should be a priority for conservation. Bayesian analysis indicated the formation of four groups with the greatest genetic differentiation, with ESP (Espirito Santo) being the most differentiated, explained by the genetic discontinuity with the other populations. We selected eleven bioclimatic variables for the distribution models of the species after multicollinearity analysis. Modeling for the present period presented AUC (area under the curve) of 0.94 (± 0.02), indicating good fit of the model used. For the future period (2070), the AUC value ranged from 0.87 to 0.88. The highest percentage of contribution was for the annual precipitation variable (58.3%). The areas of suitability occurred in greater intensity and almost completely in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte. In relation to the predictions of the future, the territory with high adequacy presented a reduction ranging from 30.9% to 59.4%. The results obtained can contribute as a subsidy for the establishment of commercial plantations, and in the definition of management and conservation strategies.

Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H.E. Moore is a native palm tree from northeastern Brazil, it has multiple forms of use, its main product being the ceriferous powder. Due to the extractivism carried out over the years in the natural populations of the species, studies on the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of their populations are increasingly necessary. The present study aimed to study the geographic distribution of Copernicia prunifera as a basis in ecological niche modeling (MNE) and to analyze the genetic diversity among natural populations of the species. The ecological niche models were constructed based on 80 species occurrence points and on 19 environmental variables. The results suggest that the potential distribution model of Copernicia prunifera was concentrated in the states of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, southwest of Pernambuco, north of Bahia and the valley of the São Francisco River, north and southwest of Piauí and north of Maranhão. The environmental variable that contributed most to the MNE was the rainfall of the driest quarter. In the study of genetic diversity 180 individuals were sampled in 11 natural populations in the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará. Seven ISSR primers were used and provided 100 locus with 99.09% polymorphism. The Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of each primer was considered to be medium to informative. The genetic diversity of Nei (He) ranged from 0.071 to 0.288 and the Shannon Index (Ho) ranged from 0.103 to 0.418. AMOVA indicated greater genetic variation among individuals within populations (58.11%) than among populations (41.89%). The Mantel test revealed a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.423; P = 0.006) between the genetic and geographic distances, suggesting isolation by distance. The highest value of gene flow occurred among the populations of AR1 and AR2 (Nm = 29), as well as the greatest genetic similarity. Bayesian analysis revealed that the genotypes were divided into three distinct groups (K = 3). Most populations presented genetic bottleneck populations. Most populations presented genetic bottleneck populations. The results suggest that the populations of Copernicia prunifera are reducing their genetic diversity, being necessary measures of conservation of their populations in order to minimize the loss of important alleles, contributing to the maintenance of the species.

The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of urea on properties of phenolic adhesives produced with oil from pyrolysis of Eucalyptus sp. Adhesives formulations were synthesized involving two formaldehyde/demethylated oil (F/DO) molar ratios (1.4 and 1.7), three NaOH/DO molar ratios (0.9, 1.0 and 1.1) and five levels of urea (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%). For all synthesized adhesives, the following properties and parameters were obtained: solids content (%), gel time (s), viscosity (cP), pH, reaction time (min) and temperature (°C). Experimental data were subjected to quadratic regression analysis and models were adjusted for some adhesives properties and reaction conditions (time and temperature). Then tests were performed to verify the identity of regression models and equality of parameters. The simple correlation test indicates that there was influence in the percentages of urea in the adhesive properties. As urea levels increased, the gel time, reaction time, and temperature increased likewise. Better control of the synthesis could be obtained, avoiding the possibility of sudden gelatinization. As a conclusion, the synthesis reactions are more controllable under the following conditions: addition of urea in concentrations ranging from 5 to 10% with F/OD molar ratio of 1.7 and NaOH/OD molar ratio of 0.9.

The primary challenge of seed storage is the maintenance of the physiological quality obtained from harvest to sowing. The main environmental factors that affect seed quality during this period are the temperature and the relative humidity of the air. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical changes in Acacia mangium seeds in different storage environments. For this purpose, the seeds were stored in semipermeable polyethylene bags under three conditions: freezer (T = -20 ± 3 ° C, RH = 49%), domestic refrigerator (T = 6 ± 3 ° C, RH = 55%) and heated room T = 27 ± 4ºC, RH = 56%), with evaluations performed in the periods of 0 (control - initial quality before storage), 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months. For each evaluation period, the following determinations and tests were performed: water content (%), germination (%), first germination count (%), germination speed (VG), seedling dry mass %), Mean time of emergence (TME-days), total soluble sugars (μmol of AST g-1 MS), non-reducing sugars (μmol of ANR g-1 MS), total free amino acids (μmol of AALT g-1 MS ), Starch (mg g-1 seed glucose) and soluble proteins (mg g PS-1 MS). The experimental design was completely randomized, organized into a subdivided plots scheme, the main plot being the environment (3 levels) and the subplots, storage periods (6 levels). Four replicates of 100 seeds were used for the physiological variables and 5 replicates of 15 seeds (± 200 mg) for the biochemical variables. Seeds of A. mangium remained viable for 15 months and vigor for 12 months when stored in a freezer (T = -20 ± 3 ° C, RH = 49%), domestic refrigerator (T = 6 ± 3 ° C, RH = 55%). And air-conditioned room (T = 27 ± 4ºC, RH = 56%). The changes of physiological quality reduction in A. mangium seeds during short-term storage (6 months) is more pronounced for those kept in the freezer (T = -20 ± 3ºC, U.R. = 49%). For all the conditions tested, the decrease of the starch, AST and ANR contents throughout the storage is not clearly observed. In the 3 environments tested there was an increase in the contents of PS and AALT throughout the storage. It was not possible to explain physiological changes between the 3 storage conditions by carbohydrate reserve degradation mechanisms.

The use of techniques involving a computerized analysis of seedlings in the evaluation of seed lots quality has shown a great efficiency. Them, the aim of this work was to verify the efficiency of Seedling Analysis System (SAPL) in the detection of vigor differences between moringa seed lots in comparison to information provided by usual vigor tests. Therefore, water content and the physiological quality of seeds by germination test, first count test, germination speed index, emergency speed index, usual accelerated aging test, and accelerated aging test using saline solution were determined, as the use of SAPL. The experimental design was completely randomized using four replicates. The parameters obtained in the computerized analysis (shoot and primary root lengths, seedling total length, and growth, uniformity, and vigor index) as the SAPL software were efficient to distinguish seed lots in comparison to usual tests, not only among lots showing low and high vigor, but also to those showing intermediate quality.

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of applying algae to plants, including improved germination and plant establishment. Despite some examples of commercial use, almost all of the algae biomass is not explored by population. Considering its high nutritional value, there is a great potential for the commercial use. Therefore, in order to contribute to the development technologies for use of algae in the production of seedlings for reforestation and sustainable exploitation, we analyzed the effects of algae collected in the coast of the Rio Grande do Norte in the initial growth of native species of Caatinga. Different concentrations (0, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 g kg^-1) of seaweed powder (SP) were tested with a prepared substrate containing clay, bovine manure and sand in Caesalpinia ferrea Mart species. Ex Tul and Poincianella pyramidalis Tul. The most significant results were the stimulation in the absolute growth rate at higher doses for P. pyramidalis and intermediates for C. ferrea at 60 days after sowing (DAS). At 120 DAS, we observed a slight stimulus in the increase of biomass of the roots and diameter of the stem in C. ferrea in relation to the increasing doses of SP. In this species there was also an increase in the concentration of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids. The increase in the concentration of pigments in relation to SP doses also occurred in P. pyramidalis. 

The aim of this work was to investigate the deterioration of Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) seeds during storage under controlled conditions. Seeds were conditioned in semipermeable plastic bags and stored in a growth chamber (27 ± 2ºC and RH 65%) and in a refrigerator (4 ± 2ºC and RH 25%) for 18 months. Harvests were performed prior to storage and every 3 months. Water content, germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling length and dry weight, and content of neutral lipids, starch, soluble proteins, total soluble sugars, non- reducing sugars, and total free amino acids, as the activity of lipases, amylases and acid proteases were evaluated. Water content, viability, and vigor remained unchanged, as well as the content of neutral lipids, starch, total soluble sugars, non-reducing sugars, and total free amino acids did not decrease in the seed stored under refrigeration during 12 months. The content of soluble proteins decreased progressively over time, regardless of the storage environment.  Viability and vigor loss was accompanied by a decrease in the content of neutral lipids, soluble proteins, total soluble sugars and non-reducing sugars and an increase in the activity of lipases and acid proteases in the seeds stored in the growth chamber and in the refrigerator. The role of enzymatic and non-enzymatic hydrolysis in deterioration of food reserves during natural aging is discussed. For cultivation purposes, moringa seeds should be stored under refrigeration at low relative humidity for up to 12 months.

The present dissertation includes the floristic survey of vascular plants in fragments of restinga of the Bonfim-Guarairas Environmental Protection Area, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, as well as the analysis and indication of native plants with ornamental potential and possibilities of its use in landscape projects. Initially, we present a general characterization of the Brazilian ‘restingas’, the objectives and justification of the dissertation, which is structured in chapters. The chapter I provides a floristic survey of vascular plants occurring in Bonfim-Guarairas Environmental Protection Area, based on field collections, herbarium and bibliography. The results of this chapter include the recognition of 169 species belonging to 128 genera and 58 families. The angiosperms were responsible for 166 species (98.2% of total), 125 genera (97.6%) and 55 families (94.8%) and three families (5.1%) were composed of monilophytes. Cyperaceae (11.8% of species), Poaceae (10.6%), Fabaceae (8.8%), Rubiaceae and Orchidaceae (4.7%) were the richest families in number of species. Also, the occurrence of the Orobanchaceae represented by Agalinis hispidula (Mart.) D'Arcy and Buchnera palustris (Aubl.) Spreng. is the first record for the family in the Rio Grande do Norte flora’s. A broad distribution pattern was confirmed for most species, which also occur in adjacent biogeographic provinces, reinforcing the mixed origin of restinga flora and we found a predominantly autochoric dispersion pattern, followed by zoocoric. In chapter 2 we discuss the ornamental potential of native plants, based on the analysis of their aesthetic characteristics. A list of plants with their scientific name is displayed, followed by family, habit, aesthetic characteristics, and possible use in landscaping. The results show a total of 25 species grouped in 22 genera and 16 families with ornamental potential. Convolvulaceae (3 spp.), Apocynaceae, Araceae, Cactaceae, Chrysobalanaceae and Rubiaceae (2 each) are highlighted for their aesthetic characteristics. Most of the species (17; 81%) are endemic to Brazil and two (Aspilia procumbens Baker and Melocactus violaceus Pffeif.) are endangered. In chapter 3 we present and discuss the ornamental potential of the genus Justicia (Acanthaceae) for the Paraíba flora. Dichotomous key for identification of species found in that state, in addition to a new occurrence, Justicia thunbergioides (Lindau) Leonard, followed by taxonomic commentaries, are also presented.

O estudo visou (1) desenvolver marcadores microssatélites (SSR) para Copernicia prunifera, e (2) caracterizar o padrão demográfico e a estrutura genética espacial (EGE) entre estágios de vida por meio de iniciadores ISSR. Foram desenvolvidos 17 pares de iniciadores SSR. A estrutura demográfica e EGE foram avaliadas em uma parcela com área de 0,55 ha em área natural, onde todos os indivíduos foram georreferenciados (n = 161). As análises moleculares dos SSR indicaram que todos os pares de iniciadores construídos, quando submetidos à PCR, amplificaram. Estes apresentaram tamanhos de pares de bases variando entre 113 e 250 bp. As análises demográficas mostraram padrão de distribuição espacial agregado nas primeiras classes de distância, aleatório entre 40 e 50 m e segregado em distâncias superiores. Dos 30 marcadores ISSR testados, oito foram selecionados gerando um total de 102 locos, sendo 100 polimórficos. Entre os três estágios, os jovens apresentaram maior índice de diversidade genética de Nei (He = 0,37), já o menor índice foi observado nos adultos reprodutivos (He = 0,34). Os resultados da AMOVA mostraram maior diferenciação genética dentro dos estágios de desenvolvimento (98,61%) do que entre os estágios (1,39%). A população total apresentou relação positiva e significativa de parentesco na primeira classe de distância (12,3 m). Os jovens apresentaram parentesco significativo até 10,5 m e negativa na quinta classe de distância (37,6 m). Os adultos não reprodutivos tiveram relação positiva de parentesco na primeira classe de distância (10,9 m) e distribuição aleatória dos genótipos nas demais classes. Os adultos reprodutivos apresentaram genótipos espacialmente aleatórios. Os valores para os testes de gargalo genético demonstraram que o número de locos com excesso de heterozigosidade observado foi maior que o esperado. Os resultados da EGE refletem a dispersão restrita da espécie e os testes de gargalo a redução de genótipos provocados pela antropização dos ambientes naturais de C. prunifera.

Apesar da importância do estudo sobre raízes, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos negativos da compactação do solo no desenvolvimento espécies florestais da Caatinga. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento inicial de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Tabebuia caraiba e Erythina velutina, em solo submetido a variados níveis de compactação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação localizada na Unidade Acadêmica Especializada em Ciências Agrárias da UFRN. Pra realização do experimento, foi utilizado Latossolo Amarelo de textura franco-arenosa, proveniente da área de experimentação florestal da Escola Agrícola de Jundiaí (EAJ) do município de Macaíba-RN, em unidade experimental composta por três anéis de PVC sobrepostos, de 10 cm de diâmetro e 25 cm de altura, sendo o anel central o que sofreu a compactação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com seis repetições, sendo testados quatro níveis de compactação do solo (1,35; 1,45; 1,60 e 1,80 kg.dm-³), avaliando-se as seguintes variáveis: diâmetro, altura, número de folhas, massa seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular em cada camada dos vasos. No geral, as espécies M. caesalpiniifolia, T. caraiba e E. velutina tiveram o crescimento inicial favorecido pelo tratamento composto por solo não compactado. As espécies M. caesalpiniifolia e T. caraiba se mostraram relativamente resistente a compactação do solo, não sofrendo nenhuma redução significativa no crescimento radicular a densidade igual ou inferiores a 1,60 kg.dm-³, enquanto, E. velutina se mostrou susceptível aos efeitos da compactação do solo, apresentando alterações significativas no crescimento radicular sob densidades de solo igual ou superiores a 1,45 kg.dm-³. O aumento da compactação do solo provocou o impedimento da expansão da raiz pivotante no interior das unidades experimentais, promovendo o acúmulo de raízes nas camadas superiores do solo para as espécies estudadas. O impedimento físico em subsuperfície alterou o crescimento aéreo inicial das espécies M. caesalpiniifolia e E. velutina, porém não influenciou o crescimento aéreo das mudas de T. caraiba aos níveis de compactação testados.

O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os resultados do manejo florestal comunitário da Caatinga. Por meio da aplicação de questionários semiestruturados foram entrevistados 51 agricultores, em 05 projetos de assentamentos, no estado da Paraíba. Os resultados indicam que há carência de atividades produtivas nos assentamentos, e que os agricultores dependem de recursos de programas sociais, aposentadorias e do trabalho fora do assentamento para comporem a renda familiar. A agricultura ocupa entre 5,4 e 7,8% da área dos assentamentos, e a pecuária extensiva com bovinos, ovinos e caprinos usa mais de 90% da área total, havendo acesso dos rebanhos nas áreas manejadas, Reserva Legal e APP. O manejo demonstrou ser uma atividade geradora de trabalho e renda para os assentados. Os valores recebidos pelas famílias, em 2014, variaram de R$ 400,00 a 12.150,00. As principais dificuldades enfrentadas foram a falta de compradores e o baixo preço da lenha, resultantes do alto nível de informalidade existente entre os consumidores. Os resultados indicam que ampliação da fiscalização ambiental e a redução da burocracia podem estimular a prática do manejo florestal comunitário.

O manejo florestal sustentável na Caatinga é de grande importância, sobretudo para atender à principal demanda de produtos florestais na região Nordeste, a lenha e o carvão vegetal. Apesar disso, há poucos estudos para subsidiar o planejamento e o dimensionamento técnico e econômico das atividades de exploração sustentável de lenha na Caatinga. Neste contexto, este trabalho objetiva analisar dois sistemas de exploração de lenha, um manual e outro semimecanizado, em Planos de Manejo Florestal Sustentável (PMFS) no estado do Rio Grande do Norte. O sistema manual, com corte realizado com machado e foice, apresentou jornada total média de trabalho de 10,17 horas, com eficiência operacional de 60,5% e produtividade média de 4,8 estéreos de lenha por homem por dia. O custo deste sistema foi de R$ 11,17 por estéreo de lenha. O sistema semimecanizado, com corte realizado com motosserra, apresentou jornada total média de trabalho de 7,22 horas, com eficiência operacional de 67,2% e produtividade média de 6,4 estéreos de lenha por homem por dia. O custo deste sistema foi de R$ 14,44 por estéreo de lenha.

Nos últimos anos os estudos dirigidos para a avaliação da morfologia interna de sementes têm sido apoiados em técnicas de análise de imagens. Dentre os métodos utilizados para esta finalidade, destacam-se os testes de raios X, que propicia rápida e eficiente avaliação das partes constituintes da semente da maioria das espécies, e a análise computadorizada de plântulas, que se destaca por incluir a minimização do erro humano, aumentando a confiabilidade dos dados para fins de comparação, além do arquivamento das imagens para análise posterior. Neste sentido, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram: a) avaliar a morfologia interna de sementes Moringa oleifera Lam. pelo teste de raios X e verificar a sua relação com a germinação; b) verificar a potencialidade de utilização do software “Sistema de Análise de Plântulas” (SAP), desenvolvido especialmente para a espécie moringa, para detectar diferenças de vigor entre os lotes de sementes, em comparação com as informações fornecidas pelo teste tradicionalmente utilizados para esta espécie. Foram utilizados quatro lotes de sementes de moringa coletadas manualmente em diferentes localidades, tanto para avaliação da morfologia interna pelo teste de raios X quanto para a análise de imagens de plântulas. A morfologia interna das sementes foi observada empregando o teste de raios X com intensidade 39 kV por 0,06 segundos, utilizando 200 sementes por lote. As etapas das análises das imagens radiografadas foram realizadas através do software ImageJ, no qual foram determinados os valores de área da cavidade embrionária do interior da semente, perímetro, largura e altura. A esfericidade ou fator de forma da semente foi calculado separadamente. Em seguida, as sementes foram classificadas de acordo com a morfologia interna visualizada nas imagens radiográficas, sendo estabelecidas quatro categorias: embrião bem formado, embrião com manchas, embrião com danos mecânicos e sementes sem o embrião. Após a análise de imagens, realizou-se o teste de germinação. Para a determinação do vigor das sementes por meio do SAP, as plântulas foram avaliadas aos seis e oito dias após a semeadura do teste de germinação, sendo obtidos dados referentes ao índice de uniformidade de desenvolvimento, crescimento, vigor e comprimento de plântulas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualisado com quatro repetições. Conclui-se que a utilização do teste de raios X em sementes de moringa é promissora na detecção da qualidade das sementes dos diferentes lotes, auxiliando na separação de sementes vazias e com anormalidades embrionárias, inviabilizando seu uso de imediato ou para armazenamento; o SAP é uma alternativa viável para avaliação do vigor de sementes de moringa, pois permitiu separar os lotes em níveis de vigor de forma similar às avaliações rotineiramente utilizadas para essa finalidade.

Objetivou-se estimar a produção, acúmulo e decomposição da serrapilheira em diferentes ambientes sucessionais e avaliar a repartição da água da chuva por espécies da caatinga. Foram realizadas coletas mensais durante 23 meses em quatro áreas: degradada, estágio sucessional primário, secundário e tardio. A deposição da serrapilheira foi quantificada através de 72 coletores de 1,0 m x 1,0 m, com fundo da tela de náilon, instalados nas áreas de estudo, com exceção da área degradada. A serrapilheira depositada foi fracionada em folhas, galhos, estruturas reprodutivas e miscelânea, secas em estufa e pesadas. Para avaliar a serrapilheira acumulada, utilizou-se moldura metálica com dimensões de 0,5 m x 0,5 m, lançada aleatoriamente na área de estudo. Para avaliação da decomposição, 40g serrapilheira foram colocadas em sacolas de náilon (litterbags) malha 1,0 mm², dimensões 20,0 cm x 20,0 cm, sendo distribuídas na superfície do solo e retiradas mensalmente, limpas, secas e pesadas. Para a avaliação da contribuição das espécies da Caatinga na repartição da precipitação pluvial, utilizou-se interceptômetros instalados 1,0 m acima da superfície do solo, distribuídos sob a copa dos indivíduos das espécies Croton blanchetianus (marmeleiro), Mimosa tenuiflora (jurema preta), Cnidosculus quercifolius (favela), Aspidosperma pyrifolium (pereiro) e Poincianella pyramidalis (catingueira), nas quais foi avaliado a precipitação total, precipitação interna e o escoamento pelo tronco. As deposições totais no período experimental foram 2.631,26, 3.144,89 e 4.542,30 kg ha^-1, nos estágios sucessionais primário, secundário e tardio, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de decomposição (K) da serrapilheira acumulada foram 0,719, 0,848 e 1,170, respectivamente. A deposição da serrapilheira apresenta características sazonais independente do estágio sucessional da vegetação. A maior contribuição no material depositado corresponde à fração folhas em todos os estágios sucessionais avaliados. O escoamento pelo tronco é maior nas espécies com caule liso e sem bifurcações.

Copernicia prunifera (Arecaceae), popularmente conhecida como carnaúba, é nativa da região nordeste do Brasil, com ocorrência ao longo das margens de rios e áreas alagadiças. Por ser versátil em relação às formas de usos, essa palmeira ficou conhecida como “árvore da vida”, sendo o pó cerífero o principal produto extraído da C. prunifera. Este estudo teve como objetivos investigar aspectos etnoecológicos e etnobotânicos da C. prunifera em uma comunidade extrativista, selecionar primers ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) para estudos de genética de populações, e estudar a diversidade e a estrutura genética temporal em microescala espacial de uma população natural no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Foram entrevistados 11 moradores considerados informantes-chaves na região de Ipanguaçu/RN, onde a maioria (73%) relatou a ocorrência de um morfotipo diferente de carnaúba, conhecida como “carnaúba branca”. Grande parte dos informantes (82%) afirmou que a espécie possui dispersão quiropterocórica. Na etnobotânica, o pó cerífero foi citado por todos como o produto mais importante extraído da C. prunifera e a folha a parte mais usada (45%), seguida dos frutos (29%), caule e raiz (ambas com 13%). Na seleção de primers ISSR, dos 17 que foram testados, 12 amplificaram o DNA e, destes, sete foram selecionados para caracterizar a estrutura genética de uma população remanescente (n = 37). O primer que obteve a maior porcentagem de locos polimórficos (L_P%) foi UBC 841 (16,36%), já o primer que teve a menor L_P% foi UBC 827 (8,18%). No estudo de diversidade e estrutura genética temporal em microescala espacial de uma população natural (n = 101) foram utilizados sete iniciadores ISSR que permitiram a visualização de 93 locos, com 100% de polimorfismo. Os regenerantes foram os que mais se destacaram em relação à diversidade genética (He = 0,411 e Ho = 0,599), seguido pelos jovens (He = 0,394 e Ho = 0,579) e adultos (He = 0,267 e Ho = 0,427). A AMOVA mostrou que a maior variação genética ocorre dentro dos estágios de vida (93,42%) quando comparado entre eles (6,58%). O dendograma (UPGMA), com base na identidade genética de Nei mostrou maior semelhança genotípica entre os jovens e regenerantes (0,979). No teste de hipótese para o gargalo genético (bottleneck) foi observado elevado número de locos com excesso de heterozigosidade para os dois modelos utilizados (IAM = 92 e SMM = 91), indicando redução do tamanho efetivo populacional. Todos os estágios de desenvolvimento apresentaram estruturação genética espacial (EGE), com valores de coancestrias positivos e significativos, sendo os valores de Sp de 0,04 para os regenerantes, 0,93 para os jovens, 0,15 para os adultos e 0,53 para a população geral. Essa EGE ocorre, provavelmente, devido à dispersão restrita de sementes. Os resultados desta pesquisa irão contribuir para difundir os conhecimentos etnobotânicos, etnoecológicos e genéticos da carnaúba, subsidiando estratégias de manejo e conservação das populações naturais da espécie.

A germinação da semente e o estabelecimento da plântula são processos críticos para o cultivo comercial. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar a mobilização das reservas e a partição dos produtos durante estes processos em moringa, uma espécie promissora para a produção de biodiesel no Nordeste. Para tanto, as sementes foram germinadas em sistema de rolo sob condições controladas (80 µmol/m²/s, fotoperíodo de 12h e 27±2 °C) e as plântulas foram transferidas para água destilada em vasos plásticos de 1 L de capacidade e mantidas em condições de casa de vegetação por mais 10 dias. As coletas foram realizadas aos 0, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14 e 20 dias após a embebição (DAE), dividindo as plântulas em cotilédones, parte aérea e sistema radicular. Foram determinados os conteúdos de massa seca (MS), lipídeos neutros (LN), proteínas solúveis (PS), amido, açúcares solúveis totais (AST), açúcares não redutores (ANR) e aminoácidos livres totais (AALT) e as atividades de isocitrato liase (ICL), proteases ácidas e amilases. A partição dos produtos, em termos de MS, ocorreu de forma diferencial, resultando em baixa razão parte aérea/sistema radicular, indicativa de um possível mecanismo de resistência ao déficit hídrico. A mobilização das PS foi iniciada na germinação, enquanto que a mobilização dos LN e do amido foi desencadeada no estabelecimento da plântula, embora todas as reservas tenham sido exauridas até o 20° DAE, culminando com a expansão das primeiras folhas. No sistema radicular, houve acumulação de AST, ANR e AALT do 12° ao 16° DAE e consumo destes metabólitos até o 20° DAE, enquanto que na parte aérea, ocorreu diminuição de AST e AALT em paralelo com o aumento de ANR do 12° ao 20° DAE. As atividades de ICL, proteases ácidas e amilases ocorreram de forma coordenada com a mobilização de LN, PS e amido, respectivamente. Estes padrões de mobilização das reservas e partição dos metabólitos em moringa se mostraram distintos daqueles verificados para outras espécies arbóreas estudadas. É possível que estes padrões estejam relacionados com estratégias metabólicas utilizadas por esta espécie para alcançar sucesso durante o estabelecimento da plântula.

A Caatinga e a Floresta Atlântica apresentam ampla riqueza de espécies, as quais podem atender às exigências para diversos usos. Considerando o atual nível de degradação da vegetação do Rio Grande do Norte, e o crescente uso de espécies exóticas, torna-se urgente a execução de ações que visem a conservação da biodiversidade desses biomas. Nessa perspectiva, utilizar espécies vegetais autóctones na arborização das cidades acaba por se caracterizar em um instrumento de conservação e de valorização da biodiversidade local. Diante desse contexto, o objetivo geral do presente trabalho é reunir e fornecer informações acerca das espécies arbóreas nativas ornamentais no estado com o intuito de fomentar e difundir o seu uso na arborização urbana. Como objetivos específicos o trabalho possui: (1) avaliar e verificar a demanda e os custos de manutenção da arborização urbana nativa e exótica, comparativamente, com base em dados obtidos no estado (Cap. 1); (2) Fornecer uma listagem de espécies arbóreas nativas ornamentais do estado, incluindo espécies com uso já difundido e sugerindo novos elementos com potencial ornamental (Cap. 2); e (3) produzir um guia de espécies arbóreas da flora nativa como um meio de divulgação dos resultados obtidos com conteúdo acessível à sociedade. A análise da manutenção da arborização urbana foi realizada no Campus Central da UFRN, para o levantamento das espécies nativas arbóreas ornamentais foram realizadas expedições a fragmentos vegetais no estado, além de levantamento da literatura especializada. Como resultado, verificou-se evidentes menores custos e menor demanda de serviços para manutenção da vegetação nativa, evidenciando a visível vantagem no uso de uma arborização de composição florística regionalizada. O levantamento das espécies nativas arbóreas ornamentais levou à seleção de 95 espécies distribuídas em 30 famílias, sendo 17 espécies (17,35%) ocorrendo exclusivamente na Caatinga, 27 espécies (25,55%) na Mata Atlântica e mais da metade da riqueza considerada (55,10%) ocorrendo em ambos os biomas, o que proporciona uma diversidade disponível para a composição da arborização urbana, tanto para cidades situadas no domínio da Mata Atlântica (81 spp.) como da Caatinga (71 spp.). A partir desses resultados, elaborou-se uma proposta de manual de reconhecimento e cultivo de árvores nativas, consistindo na etapa inicial no processo de valorização do potencial florístico existente com o intuito de auxiliar o desenvolvimento de uma perspectiva ambiental regionalizada da gestão urbana no estado. 

Plantios florestais com espécies nativas podem ser realizados com o intuito de reverter o quadro de escassez de produtos florestais e mitigar a degradação ambiental no bioma Caatinga. Nestes casos, as sementes florestais de boa qualidade constituem-se em insumos importantes para a formação desses plantios. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo selecionar árvores matrizes de Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia em uma floresta plantada no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte com vistas a fornecer sementes para recomposição florestal na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa área foram amostradas nove árvores matrizes, das quais se coletaram amostras de material foliar para estimar a sua diversidade genética e também sementes para avaliação da qualidade fisiológica e estimar a diversidade genética de progênies. Testes de germinação e vigor foram utilizados para avaliar a qualidade das sementes e, para estimar a diversidade genética, foram selecionados marcadores moleculares ISSR (Inter-simple sequence repeat) capazes de detectar polimorfismo genético entre os indivíduos da espécie. Todas as matrizes produziram sementes com elevada taxa de germinação e emergência, porém foram constatadas diferenças sutis de vigor quando avaliadas pelos testes de condutividade elétrica e lixiviação de potássio, os quais são considerados testes promissores para estimar o desempenho das sementes em campo. Os marcadores ISSR selecionados para a espécie revelou que as matrizes apresentam diversidade genética moderada e produzem progênies com diversidade também moderada. Assim, conclui-se que as nove matrizes amostradas produzem sementes com qualidade fisiológica e diversidade genética satisfatória para recomposição florestal.

Os principais testes que avaliam a qualidade de sementes são destrutivos e exigem tempo, o  que é considerado longo e caro na cadeia que envolve a produção e comercialização das sementes. Deste modo, técnicas que viabilizem a redução do tempo que se gasta para se avaliar a qualidade de lotes de sementes é muito favorável, do ponto de vista técnico, econômico e científico. A análise de imagens de sementes tanto por meio de raio-X como por imagens digitais representam alternativas para estes setores, além de serem reproduzíveis e rápidos, dando maior agilidade e autonomia às atividades dos sistemas de produção. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a morfologia interna de sementes desta espécie por meio de imagens radiografadas e a eficiência da determinação do incremento de área de sementes durante a embebição, por meio da análise de imagens e compará-los com os resultados dos testes de germinação e vigor na avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Para os testes de raio-X, as sementes foram expostas por 0,14 segundos à radiação de 40kV e 2,0 mAs. As imagens obtidas foram analisadas utilizando o programa ImageJ e postas a germinar posteriormente em câmara do tipo BOD à 27ºC, no qual realizou-se a comparação dos resultados obtidos nos testes de germinação. Para a determinação do teste de incremento de área (I.A%), foram utilizadas sementes com e sem tegumento, mantidas em câmara do tipo BOD a 15° e 20°C, as sementes foram fotografadas antes e após o período de embebição, os resultados foram comparados com os testes de germinação e vigor. Para o teste de raio-X, observou-se que sementes com área vazia superior a 20%, apresentaram maior percentual de plântulas anormais. E a análise de incremento de área, evidenciou que é possível ranquear os lotes de sementes após 8 horas de embebição a 15°C de acordo com os testes de germinação e vigor.

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção, crescimento, distribuição de biomassa e desrama artificial de três espécies florestais Sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia), Acácia (Acacia mangium) e Nim (Azadirachta indica), aos 12 e 24 meses de idade, em resposta ao método de cultivo do solo. O delineamento experimental foi fatorial (2x3), correspondente a seis tratamentos distribuídos em parcelas subdivididas em faixas com quatro blocos, sendo o fator principal dois métodos de cultivo (intensivo - 1 e mínimo - 0) e o fator secundário as espécies florestais (Sabiá - S, Acácia - A e Nim - N), com quatro repetições, perfazendo 24 parcelas. O plantio foi realizado no espaçamento 3x3 m, tendo 64 plantas/parcela. Nos tratamentos com cultivo intensivo utilizou-se esterco bovino (4,0 t/ha), superfosfato triplo – P₂O₅ (146,0 kg/ha) distribuídos em sulcos e calcário (2,0 t/ha). Em todos os tratamentos aplicou-se NPK (6-30-6: 100 g/planta), em covetas laterais. O crescimento de cada árvore foi obtido com a medição da altura e do diâmetro. Para a quantificação da biomassa desramada selecionou-se uma árvore da bordadura de cada parcela com altura e diâmetro médios. Realizou-se a desrama até a altura equivalente a 1/3 da altura da copa da árvore.  Para o Sabiá, por ser uma espécie que apresenta maior número de fustes foram deixados três fustes mais vigorosos; enquanto, as espécies Acácia e Nim, apenas um fuste.  Para a obtenção da biomassa da parte aérea a árvore média foi abatida, e seus componentes (folhas, galhos, casca e lenho) separados, pesados e secos, obtendo-se biomassa fresca e seca. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos aos 12 meses para as variáveis: altura, galho, casca e lenho. Aos 24 meses as variáveis galho e casca não apresentaram diferença significativa. As variáveis altura, DAP e lenho aos 24 meses apresentaram diferenças estatísticas superiores no cultivo intensivo para as três espécies. As variáveis biomassa seca total e folhas apresentaram diferenças entre os métodos de cultivo apenas para a espécie Nim. Para desrama artificial de folhas e total houve interação entre os fatores, em que a espécie e o tipo de cultivo influenciaram na quantidade desramada, havendo diferença significativa também entre as espécies e entre os tipos de cultivo, apenas o Sabiá não apresentou diferença entre os métodos de cultivo. Já para galhos, houve diferença significativa entre as espécies e entre os tipos de cultivo, porém não houve interação entre os fatores. Concluiu-se que o método de cultivo do solo influencia na produção, crescimento, distribuição de biomassa e quantidade de biomassa desramada artificialmente das espécies sabiá, acácia e nim de forma diferente. O método de cultivo intensivo do solo influenciou positivamente a produção, crescimento e quantidade de biomassa desramada artificialmente das três espécies.

Biocombustíveis são um foco de discussão, ao que se trata de energias renováveis. Quanto a esse ponto, atualmente discutisse a utilização de zonas áridas para produção de biocombustíveis derivados de espécies oleaginosas resistentes às condições de aridez. A Jatropha curcas L. tem sido indicada como uma espécie potencial para esse tipo de utilização, apontada pela literatura como resistente em condições desfavoráveis: seca e salinidade. Todavia, pouco é descrito sobre sua resistência a altas temperaturas e secas severas, principalmente sobre a sinergia de estresses combinados, cenário típico de regiões semiáridas. Este trabalho visa portanto avaliar os efeitos da temperatura sobre a J. curcas em condições de seca. O estresse hídrico foi aplicado utilizando duas concentrações de PEG6000 diluídas em solução hidropônica, induzindo potencial hídrico de -0,3 e -0,7 MPa. Já o estresse térmico foi conduzido em B.O.D. à 40ºC. Após aplicação dos estresses, o material vegetal foi coletado para avaliação dos indicadores de estresse como conteúdo relativo de água (CRA) e dano de membrana (DM), além das determinações bioquímicas de proteínas, aminoácidos totais (AALT), prolina (PRO) e glicina betaína (GB), açúcares solúveis totais (AST) e amido. Os resultados mostraram que o CRA pouco se altera, em condições de estresse e DM foi menor sob estresse térmico. Os solutos AALT, PRO e amido tiveram concentrações mais significativas em folhas, enquanto que proteínas, GB e AST foram mais significativas nas raízes. Quanto à observação dos efeitos provocados pelo estresse hídrico, este trabalho fez comparações a resultados semelhantes obtidos em outros estudos, reforçando afirmações sobre a eficiência das respostas da J. curcas em condições de seca. Todavia as plantas se mostraram mais susceptíveis ao estresse térmico, embora, quando em estresses combinados as respostas tenderam ao aumento em comparação ao estresse térmico isolado. No geral, estes resultados abrem espaço para que novos estudos sejam realizados a fim de testar os efeitos dos estresses combinados sobre a J. curcas e quais respostas a planta pode apresentara sob estas condições.