Interspecific differences in the oleoresin production of Copaifera L. (Fabaceae) in the Amazon rainforest

Abstract

& Context Copaifera species produce an oleoresin of commercial importance that is widely extracted in Amazon communities. & Aims This paper addresses two questions. (1) What are the morphological characteristics of Copaifera species that influence oleoresin production? (2) How do different Copaifera species respond to repeated harvests?

Determining the optimal harvest cycle for copaíba (Copaifera spp.) oleoresin production

“…This collection technique can be repeated periodically in defined harvesting cycles although it should be noted that not all drilled trees produce oleoresin in the first few harvests. Ultimately, the factors exerting a major influence on oleoresin production are not yet known with any certainty (Plowden, 2003;Rigamonte-Azevedo et al, 2006;Medeiros and Vieira, 2008;Newton et al, 2011;Martins et al, 2012). The definition of a standard production cycle would be a crucial element in copaíba management because the cycle must meet two basic criteria: avoiding harm to the plant and providing the highest gain in terms of oil productivity.…”

“…Studies have analyzed aspects of population distribution, density and structure, the differences between species and their environmental requirements (Alencar, 1982;Ramirez and Arroyo, 1990;Plowden, 2004;Rigamonte-Azevedo et al, 2006;Medeiros and Vieira, 2008;Herrero-Jáuregui et al, 2012;Martins et al, 2012;Newton et al, 2012aNewton et al, , 2012b, and the diameter of the trees where production is higher (Plowden, 2003). From an economic perspective, Newton et al (2012a) estimated the number of productive trees and their oleoresin extraction value in two reserves, providing data on the prices of this product in different links of the supply chain and recommending a gradual increase of its price level.…”

“…Regarding the production of this NTFP, some authors estimate an average production ranging between 2.5 and 20 l of oleoresin per tree (Newton et al, 2011;Martins et al, 2012). The interval between two consecutive harvests varies depending on the study, but it is usually between 6 months and 5 years (Leite et al, 2001;Plowden, 2003;Martins et al, 2012).…”

“…The interval between two consecutive harvests varies depending on the study, but it is usually between 6 months and 5 years (Leite et al, 2001;Plowden, 2003;Martins et al, 2012). A key, early study was undertaken by Alencar (1982) who performed five extractions within an interval of less than two years.…”

“…A key, early study was undertaken by Alencar (1982) who performed five extractions within an interval of less than two years. However, there has yet to be a conclusive study to determine the proper waiting period between two consecutive harvests (Martins et al, 2012). Also unknown is how much oleoresin can be removed without causing damage to the wider ecological and physiological processes surrounding this species, which management factors influence production, (Plowden, 2003(Plowden, , 2004Medeiros and Vieira, 2008) and the level that can be extracted sustainably.…”