Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. (Apocynaceae) is a tree species with high ecological and economic potential. Therefore, the need to select trees for producing high-quality seeds is evident. In this sense, the objective of this study was to select A. pyrifolium matrices based on the morphometric descriptors of fruits and seeds and the physiological quality of seeds from a natural population. For this, 11 A. pyrifolium trees were selected, and their fruits and seeds were submitted to biometric analysis; in addition, the physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated. The morphometric characteristics of fruits and seeds and the physiological quality of the seeds evidenced differences and variations among the seeds of the different A. pyrifolium trees, making it possible to group them according to the similarity degree. Thus, seven trees were selected as seed matrices based on superior physiological quality and genetic dissimilarity.
This research valorized Pachira aquatica Aubl.’s fruit shells (PAS) through its energetic characterization and flash pyrolysis for biofuels or chemicals production. The characterization was performed through proximate and ultimate analysis, bulk density, higher heating value (HHV), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin content, thermogravimetric analysis and absorption spectra in the infrared region obtained by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR). The analytical flash pyrolysis was performed at 500°C in a Py-5200 HP-R coupled to a gas chromatograph (Py-GC/MS). The PAS biomass presents potential for thermochemical energy conversion processes due to its low moisture and ash content, 76.90% of volatile matter, bulk density of 252.6 kg/m3 and HHV of 16.24 MJ/kg. Flash pyrolysis products are mostly phenols or light organic acids derived from the decomposition of polysaccharides. Results confirmed the potential of PAS to produce bio-phenolics, such as 4-methoxyphenol which is an important active ingredient for skin depigmentation used in drugs and cosmetics, and as phenolic extract that can be used as a precursor to resins, applications that convert this forest waste into bio products for industry into a green circular economy.
Allelopathy is an ecological mechanism that influences the development of neighboring plants. The objective was to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Cenostigma bracteosum and Sarcomphalus joazeiro on seed germination and initial growth of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia seedlings. Seeds of this species were placed to germinate on paper towel substrate, and then moistened with extracts from dry leaf of S. joazeiro and C. bracteosum at 1.0; 2.5; 5.0 and 10.0% (w.v-1), and control (0.0% - distilled water) at 25 °C. The variables evaluated: germination, germination speed index, primary root length and root system dry weight of the seedlings. Positive allelopathic effects of S. joazeiro leaf extracts were observed on the vigor of M. caesalpiniifolia; when used in low concentrations (up to 2.6%), C. bracteosum leaf extracts stimulated germination of M. caesalpiniifolia seeds and showed more severe toxic effects when exposed to high concentrations (5.0%). S. joazeiro leaf extracts favor the germination and vigor of M. caesalpiniifolia seedlings, while C. bracteosum leaf extracts cause phytotoxic effects on seed germination and initial growth of M. caesalpiniifolia seedlings from the concentration of 5%. Therefore, there are indications of benefits for regeneration or associated forest composition between M. caesalpiniifolia and S. joazeiro.
Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., é uma arbórea de pequeno porte nativa da região Nordeste. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de M. caesalpiniifolia submetidas a diferentes períodos de armazenamento.
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