Abstract Riparian zones are important areas for biodiversity and preservation, where springtails and fungi contribute to nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. This study aimed to report a mycophagy interaction involving a colony of Anurida granaria with Peziza arvernensis. In the riparian zone, the use of apothecia as a nutritional source for springtail colonies was investigated. The collected data were analyzed, considering the fungal structures and the number of springtails. A colony of 515 springtails found in the apothecium was observed over a period of 5 weeks. Feeding events, courtship behavior, molting, and oviposition were recorded. The survival and mortality rates of the colony fluctuated during the observation period but remained stable between weeks 4 and 5. This study presents the first report involving P. arvernensis and A. granaria in a mycophagic association, highlighting the significance of this dynamic in benefiting the life cycle and fungal dispersion in riparian zones.

Abstract Croton cajucara Benth. and C. sacaquinha Croizat are known as “sacaca” and “sacaquinha”, respectively in the Amazon region. Both species are used in Amazon folk medicine for their pharmacological potential, associated mainly with rich phytochemical properties of leaves and essential oil. Aiming to identify and determine the number of secretory structures related to essential oil yield, leaves were harvested in the medicinal plant garden of Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, Belem, Pará, Brazil, and were submitted to microscopy techniques and essential oil extraction. The species presented differences in trichome types and frequency, as well as essential oil yield. Furthermore, a positive relationship between frequency of secretory trichomes and essential oil yield was observed. The results obtained highlight the potential of Croton species to provide oils and could represent a viable alternative for sustainable exploration and a source of income for Amazonian communities.

Abstract Pinus occidentalis and Pinus caribaea are important conifers in La Sierra, Dominican Republic, used to recover degraded ecosystems. A study on their wood density obtained from stem discs at three relative heights (RH) as a composite sample showed that wood density increased with age class for both species and decreased with RH in the stem. A mixed repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by a regression approach to the effects model, indicates a statistically significant interaction between species, age class (AC), RH, [ , P ≤0.000, partial =0.814]. Simple bidirectional interactions between factors and all simple main effects are statistically significant. Basic density (BD) increased with age class for both species and decreased with RH in the stem. Pinus occidentalis had a 14.6% higher average wood density and is endemic. Therefore, efforts must be made to provide better silvicultural practices so that its population continues to be a viable asset.

Abstract The study proposes a sampling method, termed the probability proportional to the average geometric area of occupation, method in which a set of trees along a row is selected as the sampling unit with a probability proportional to the geometrical average area per tree - PPGA. An experiment was conducted inPinus taedastands under three management regimes to compare estimates of density, basal area, and wood volume per hectare obtained from the proposed method and those from a conventional forest inventory. Additionally, the results were evaluated through sampling simulations using census data fromEucalyptus sp.stands. Sample estimators were developed based on PPGA within the sampling unit. Since the mean geometrical average area per tree varies among randomly distributed sampling units, the method is classified as probability proportional to size sampling and referred to as probability proportional to the average geometric area of occupation. The probability proportional to the average geometric area of occupation method proved effective across various ages and management conditions in both pine and eucalyptus stands.

Abstract An assessment on tree stand structure and mangrove plant diversity was conducted in Pulau Semut, Pulau Busung, and Pulau Tok Haji of Setiu Lagoon, Terengganu. Three 100 m×20 m plots were randomly set up at study sites. The trees were enumerated, identified and measured for their stem diameter in each plot. 18 species representing 11 families, including 13 exclusive and 5 non-exclusive mangrove species were recorded. Rhizophora apiculata from Rhizophoraceae dominated with the highest Important Value (IVI) of 89.49 (1491 individuals). This forest comprise mainly young trees with 80% of trees consist ≤10 cm DBH. Pulau Semut exhibited the highest species diversity and richness, compare to Pulau Busung and Pulau Tok Haji. Seven species had IVI values more than 10, indicating mixed mangrove forest characteristic. This study provides an important data for future sustainability management, protection and conservation of mangrove forest in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Abstract Understanding the trajectory of microbial biotechnology research is essential for identifying novel processes, techniques, and applications to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of bioeconomic activities. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of global research on microbial applications in forestry-related industries to elucidate key research themes and trends within this domain. Through topic modeling of publications on microbial applications in wood and wood-based products, we identified 14 distinct topics from a dataset of 805 abstracts containing 152,265 terms. A continuing surge of research was found, particularly on microbial enzymes employed primarily in pulp and paper production. There was also a rising publication trend related to microbe applications in bioenergy and agarwood, reflecting an increasing interest in diversifying forest-based bioeconomy. Most scientific publications originated from major producers and traders of forest-based products. To advance bioeconomic objectives, it is critical to foster increased collaborative research on microbe-based technologies within the forestry industry.

Abstract The aimed of this study was to assess the biological resistance of Combretum leprosum and Erythroxylum pungens wood to termites and xylophagous fungi. Five trees per species were collected. For bioassays, the sampling was carried out in two positions in pith-bark direction. In the termite choice feeding bioassay, E. pungens wood showed the lowest mass losses (1.03%). The positions on the trunk did not influence deterioration by soft rot fungi. In the soil bed test, the E. pungens species was the most resistant in both positions evaluated. In general, E. pungens wood was the most resistant in all the tests carried out, with wood from the transition region being the most susceptible.

Abstract Human activities in the tropics, particularly large-scale deforestation, significantly contribute to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon storage capacity of the Atlantic Forest, specifically in seasonal forests, needs to be better understood. Therefore, we analyzed the aboveground carbon stock (AGC) in a semideciduous seasonal forest (SSF) remnant in southeastern Minas Gerais through comprehensive vegetation inventory and wood density sampling. The 20 species that counted for half of the total basal area corresponded to a surprising AGC of 58.05 Mg.ha-1. The AGC found is similar to other studies in second-growth SSF, especially the ones with no recent record of human disturbance. However, besides the natural process of increasing AGC in forests over the years, long-term decreasing trends in other forest ecosystems in Brazil have already been reported. Future long-term studies are crucial to understanding how the forest carbon stock will respond to the ongoing environmental and climate change scenario.

Abstract Threats must be eliminated from the tropical mountain forest habitat of Dolok Sipirok Natural Reserve, which is home to the Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). The threat arises from human-orangutan conflict resulting from the occupation of agricultural land and the opening of accessibility. The aim of this research is to identify areas and patterns of conflict between orangutans and humans in the vicinity of the Dolok Sipirok Nature Reserve. Data was gathered through community interviews and direct observation of the Tapanuli orangutan. The magnitude of community losses was determined by analyzing economic losses and crop destruction. The majority of conflicts were discovered in community fields that were about to be harvested. The main attraction for orangutans is fruit plants in those areas. These fruit trees are located in a roaming area and animal corridor. A buffer zone must be managed effectively to provide for the orangutan’s sustenance and nesting requirements.

Abstract This study investigated the electrical resistivity of 105 timber species from the Peruvian tropical forest; with a focus on promoting sustainable use by considering the wood’s equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Employing a non-destructive method, it correlated the wood’s physical properties with its electrical resistivity, uncovering an inverse exponential relationship between resistivity and EMC, with resistivity values ranging from 0.0244 x 109 Ωm to 26.0104 x 109 Ωm across different cutting directions (longitudinal, tangential, and radial). These findings allowed for the classification of the woods into five groups based on their moisture balance and electrical resistivity, from very high to very low. This classification aids in identifying the appropriate and sustainable use of these timber species in various applications, highlighting the study’s contribution to sustainable forest management.

Abstract This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of forest restoration consortium or not with eucalyptus in the recovery of edaphic attributes. Three of them were managed with the following forest restorations: natural regeneration after clear cutting of eucalyptus planting (RP), planting of native species after clear cutting of eucalyptus planting (RA) and planting of native species after cutting 50% of eucalyptus planting (RAE), and of a secondary forest (FR). Sixteen (16) soil samples were collected in each area for the analysis of the physical and chemical attributes. The restoration with RA promoted a less acidic pH, lower Al 3+ content, higher P content and higher V%, similar to FR. The RAE and RP restorations favor an increase in SB, CTC, N and in the organic carbon content.

Abstract This research aimed to evaluate the production of charcoal and wood vinegar in a mini-rectangular kiln equipped with a condenser and vertical smoke burner. The kiln had a chimney, a condenser and a vertical smoke burner. The logs were 0.90 m long and had characterized. Ten carbonization runs were conducted to evaluate the kiln’s performance, determining the gravimetric yields in charcoal, wood vinegar, and gases. The carbonization process took three days to conclude and four days to cool the charcoal. The results showed that the average yields for charcoal, wood vinegar, and gases were 34.0, 31.2, and 34.8%, respectively. The charcoal produced, despite the use of moderate-density wood, demonstrated favorable characteristics. The moisture content, ash content, volatile materials, and higher calorific values all fell within the ideal ranges. This, coupled with a good yield, confirms the technical viability of the system as an alternative for small producers.

Abstract LAI measurement using a direct method is time-consuming, while other instruments like Ceptometer, Hemispherical Photography, and LI-COR require high investment. This study aims to develop allometric equations for estimating the LAI of community forest tree species. Destructive sampling was conducted on 45 trees from three different species, i.e., Tectona grandis, Swietenia macrophylla, and Falcataria moluccana . The allometric equations were developed using regression analysis with two predictor variables, namely diameter at breast height ( D ) and tree height ( H ). LAI varied among species, wherein the highest average of LAI was recorded in S. macrophylla (1.03±0.03), followed by T. grandis (0.28±0.07) and F. moluccana (0.23±0.03). Our study found that the equation LAI = 0.01 D 1.15 was reliable as a generalized allometric equation to estimate the LAI of three species with an RMSE of 0.39. We concluded that the allometric equation could facilitate LAI estimation in community forests.

Abstract Accurate biomass models are important tools for estimating biomass and carbon sequestration in forest plantations. Thirty Acacia mangium trees, aged 13 years, were destructively sampled to determine the distribution of aboveground biomass (AGB) in the main tree components. Six allometric models using diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (H) and crown diameter (CD) as independent variables were fitted using weighted nonlinear regression and evaluated through Monte Carlo cross-validation. Acacia mangium trees primarily accumulate biomass in the stem (51.2 - 58.0 %) and branches (24.6 - 31.5 %), and these proportions tend to remain stable across tree sizes. All tree-level variables showed positive correlations with AGB; however, the strongest correlations were observed with DBH and CD. The developed models displayed slightly better predictive accuracy compared to existing ones. These models will contribute to improving the carbon quantification of Acacia mangium forest plantations in the eastern plains of Colombia.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the precision, accuracy, and compatibility of dendrometric estimates both individually and per hectare using the fixed area and Bitterlich methods. This study was performed in a Pinus taeda stand in Pinhão, Paraná, Brazil. A census was carried out in the area (8 ha) in addition to the fixed area and Bitterlich methods with basal area factors 1, 2 and 4 (B1, B2, and B4, respectively). The individual variables (diameter at breast height, total height, basal area and volume) did not differ significantly among the sampling methods. For the variables per hectare (number of trees and basal area), minor sampling errors were found for the fixed area method and B2 and B4 showed similar values to the parametric means. For total volume and by wood assortment, B2 and B4 were close to the real value (Census), however, they showed higher sampling errors comparatively to the others.