RESUMO: O pau-de-balsa é amplamente utilizado nas indústrias náutica, aeronáutica e de energia eólica devido à sua baixa densidade. No estado de Mato Grosso, produtores especulativos de balsa têm estabelecido plantios sem conhecimento sólido da cultura usando mudas não padronizadas e não selecionadas. Pesquisas são necessárias para melhorar o cultivo de balsa sob condições brasileiras para melhor explorar este recurso. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do instrumento Pilodyn para a determinação indireta da densidade básica da madeira (DBM) de balsa. Vinte árvores de 12 anos de idade cultivadas em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, foram avaliadas com o instrumento Pilodyn nas faces norte e sul do tronco, na base e a 1,30 e 3,10 m do solo. Discos de madeira foram posteriormente coletados dos locais sondados e o DBM determinado de acordo com o método de imersão em água. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk seguido de análise de variância e análise de correlação de Pearson com α=0,05. Os valores de DBM da balsa diminuiu da base em direção ao topo da árvore, enquanto a profundidade de penetração do Pilodyn foi inversamente proporcional. A correlação entre a profundidade de penetração do Pilodyn e o DBM foi fraca na base do tronco (R2=0,46), mas forte (R2=0,72) nos pontos de 1,30 e 3,10 m. O método Pilodyn foi suficientemente confiável que permitiu o desenvolvimento de uma equação para a determinação indireta do DBM do pau-de-balsa considerando o valor da profundidade de penetração a 1,30 m como uma das variáveis.

ABSTRACT: Balsa wood is used widely in the nautical, aeronautical and wind-energy industries because of its low-density and high-resistance. In the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, speculative producers with little knowledge of the culture have established balsa plantations using non-standardized and non-selected seedlings. In this sense, research is needed to improve balsa cultivation under Brazilian conditions to better explore the resource. The present study evaluated the efficiency of the Pilodyn instrument for the indirect determination of the basic wood density (BWD) of balsa. Twenty 12-year old balsa trees cultivated in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, were probed with the Pilodyn instrument on both north and south faces of the trunk at the base and at 1.30 and 3.10 m from the ground. Wood discs were subsequently collected from the probed sites and BWD determined according to the water-immersion method. Data were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test followed by analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation analysis with α=0.05. The BWD of balsa decreased in the direction from the base to the top of the tree. The penetration depth of the Pilodyn probe was inversely proportional to BWD with a correlation that was strong (R2=0.72) at heights of 1.30 and 3.10 m but considered weak (R2=0.46) at the base of the trunk. The reliability of the Pilodyn method was sufficient to allow the development of a linear equation that could be applied for the indirect determination of the BWD of balsa based on the penetration depth of the Pilodyn probe assessed at 1.30 m from the ground.

ABSTRACT Cattle production is one of the main economic activities in the state of Roraima, and insect pest attacks in pastures have a negative effect on this sector in the region. Little is known about the species that cause damage to forage fields in the state. This study presents the first report of the occurrence of the chinch bug Blissus pulchellus Montandon (Hemiptera: Blissidae) in Roraima, Brazil and a description of the population dynamics of this pest in pasture areas in this state. Pasture areas were sampled in nine municipalities of Roraima to detect the insect. The population dynamics study was conducted for two years in Alto Alegre municipality, two of which have Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and one of Megathrysus maximus cv. Mombaça (Poaceae) crops. Blissus pulchellus was found in all sampled areas, except in Rorainópolis and São João da Baliza. High densities of this bug were found in in Alto Alegre. This is the first report of B. pulchellus in Brazil. The factors that affect the population dynamics and the damage caused by this insect pest to pastures as well as the risk of dispersal of this pest in Brazil are discussed.