Cerne Journal: Top 10 Most Accessed Articles in January 2026

1- WOOD PROPERTIES OF GORDONIA FRUTICOSA AND VOCHYSIA FERRUGINEA: ANATOMICAL, PHYSICAL, AND COLORIMETRIC ANALYSIS

Rocio Del Carmen Arellanos-Occ, Jhosymar Bacalla-Tenorio, Ingrid Aracelli Cassana-Huamán, Leif Armando Portal-Cahuana

Abstract

Background:   This study evaluates the anatomical, physical, and colorimetric properties of Gordonia fruticosa (huamanchilca) and Vochysia ferruginea (bella María), two tropical timber species from the montane rainforest of Amazonas, Peru. Samples were analyzed according to radial and tangential anatomical planes to examine their influence on wood properties under dry and saturated conditions.

Results:   Anatomical analysis revealed diffuse porosity in G. fruticosa and visible porosity with aliform parenchyma in V. ferruginea. Physical tests showed medium basic density values (0.55 and 0.41 g/cm³, respectively) and similar volumetric shrinkage (~10.8%) in both species. Colorimetric results indicated that drying increases lightness and modifies chromatic coordinates. G. fruticosa showed increased red and yellow saturation after drying, whereas V. ferruginea exhibited a decrease. No significant differences were found between radial and tangential planes in color parameters.

Conclusion:   These findings contribute to understanding the interaction between anatomical features and moisture content on wood properties, providing valuable information for optimizing industrial drying processes and supporting sustainable management of these tropical species.

Keywords:
Tropical timber species; Wood anatomy; Wood physical properties; Wood colorimetry; Drying effects

2- MORPHOANATOMY OF GUADUA ACREANA, A GIANT BAMBOO FROM THE AMAZON

Maria Rosalia Nascimento Costa, Neila Cristina Lima Fernandes, Gabriela Soares Sola, Thiago Alves Silva, Marcos Silveira, Berenice Kussumoto Alcantara Silva

Abstract

Background: Guadua is a bamboo genus widely distributed in the state of Acre and holds significant potential for various applications; however, it remains largely underexplored. Bamboo morphology and anatomy are fundamental for accurate botanical identification, providing valuable insights for  bioprospecting  and influencing  its  functional  properties.  This  study  aimed  to  describe  the morphology and perform an anatomical characterization of mature culms of Guadua acreana.

Results: Mature  culms  were  collected  from  a  bamboo  grove  located  on  a  private  lot  adjacent  to  FUNTAC (Fundação de Tecnologia do Estado do Acre), at geographic coordinates Latitude 9°56’46.01” South and Longitude 67°52’8.86” West. A total of 10 culms were analyzed at FUNTAC. Anatomical sections  were  prepared  and  examined  using  optical  microscopy,  revealing  size  variations  in  the  vascular bundles, with increasing metaxylem and phloem dimensions toward the inner culm region, which may influence mechanical properties or water conduction efficiency. The vascularbundles of G.  acreana  were classified as type V, characterized by a central vascular strand surrounded by condensed sclerenchyma sheaths and fiber cords.

Conclusions: This  study  enhances  the  anatomical  understanding  of  G.  acreana and  highlights  its  potential  applications  in  reforestation,  construction,  furniture  making,  and  pulp  and  paper  production. Future research should focus on the mechanical properties and chemical composition of this species to improve its industrial utility.

Keywords: Bambuseae;  Botanical  identification;  Functional  morphology; Anatomical  features;  Vascular Bundles.

 

3- BIRD COMMUNITY IN A MOUNTAIN ECOTONAL LANDSCAPE: HOW IS THE DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT PHYTOPHYSIOGNOMIES?

Aloysio Souza de Moura, Ewerton de Carvalho, Felipe Santana Machado,Dalmo Arantes Barros, José Roberto Soares Scolforo, Marco Aurélio Leite Fontes

Abstract

Background: The mountainous ecotonal regions of Brazil have a high diversity of species due to the sharing of faunal and floristic elements with adjacent biomes. These areas are preserved on a mesoscale and  play  a  crucial  role  in  biodiversity  conservation.  This  study  aims  to  analyze  bird  community distribution within an ecotonal region based on phytophysiognomies, focusing on species richness, composition, and seasonality. Additionally, it seeks to estimate species diversity through richness estimators and identify bioindicator species for each environment using statistical models. Direct observations were carried out in 18 areas representing primary environments/phytophysiognomies during two distinct seasons.

Results: 324 bird species from 60 families were recorded, including six species listed as threatened. The species accumulation curves did not reach asymptote, with a greater number of species for the summer. The distribution of species in the landscape was considered unique for each physiognomy and species composition. The INDVAL analysis found Serpophaga  nigricans  as  an  anthropogenic  species, suggesting an adaptation of the species to areas with human activities, such as the tourist waterfall regions in this area.

Conclusion: The distribution of birds in the mountainous ecotonal landscape showed the importance of environments as they are unique in each phytophysiognomy, highlighting the importance for hosts of endemic, rare and endangered species.

Keywords: Distribution; Environments; Biogeography; Hotspot areas; Conservation.

4- High diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in two forestry ecosystems from central and northern Costa Rica

Dawa Méndez-Álvarez, María Rodríguez-Solís, Martin Hassan Polo-Marcial, Luis Alberto Lara-Pérez, William Watson-Guido, Sofía Jiménez-Poveda, Dagoberto Arias-Aguilar, William Rivera-Méndez

Abstract

Background:

Arbuscular  mycorrhizal  fungi  (AMF)  generate  a  symbiotic  relationship  with  most  terrestrial plants, influencing the dynamics and functioning of ecosystems. There are few studies on the diversity of these fungi associated with forest species and in different types of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity and structure of AMF communities associated with Cordia alliodora and Swietenia macrophylla in two forestry ecosystems with different types of management in Costa Rica. For this purpose, rhizosphere and soil samples were collected from 10 trees at random, spores and sporocarps were isolated and characterized, AMF abundance, richness and diversity were determined, and a physicochemical analysis of the soil was carried out.

Results:

Fifty-seven AMF morphospecies belonging to five orders, 10 families and 15 genera were identified, with a predominance of Diversisporales and Glomerales; we report 15 new geographic records of AMF increasing the richness to 76 species and by 24% the Glomeromycota’s richness in Costa Rica. There were no significant differences in total spore abundance between the two forest species, however, there were significant differences in the modes of formation and species composition.

Conclusions:

The alpha diversity analysis showed that rare species largely explain the differences between the sites, and the AMF community structure was influenced by edaphic factors such as pH and available phosphorus content. These types of studies highlight the importance of considering the identity and diversity of AMF associated with forest species of commercial interest and ecological importance in different types of ecosystems.

Keywords: Agroforestry system, Santa Rosa National Park, Glomeromycota, Laurel, Mahogany

5- FIREWOOD AND CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN NORTHEASTERN OF BRAZIL

Dráuzio Correia Gama,  Deise Amaral de Deus, Emerson Dechechi Chambó, Favízia Freitas de Oliveira

Abstract

Background: Brazil has the largest tropical forest cover in territorial extension, although it is subject to different forms of threat. We analyzed a time series of the firewood and charcoal production from the extractivism of native forests between the years 2010 and 2020 in Northeast Brazil, in order to support future reflections on the impacts of these uses on the sustainability of the production chain of exploration and on the conservation of native forests in the region. Considering the time frame from 2010 to 2020, data on the volume of firewood and charcoal produced from plant extraction in the Northeastern, were obtained via the official platform of Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.

Results: The total production of firewood was 157,771,059 m3 and charcoal 4,137,418 t., while the states of Bahia (29.3%), Ceará (21.4%) and Maranhão (14.1%) accounted for 74.8% of total firewood produced in the Northeastern. As for charcoal production, Maranhão (51.0%), Bahia (20.3%) and Piauí (23.8%) accounted for 95.1% of total produced. Production stationarity was found for all states, with the exception of Paraíba and Piauí in firewood, and Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte in charcoal. A downward trend was identified in most states, with the exception of Paraíba and Piauí in firewood and Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte in charcoal, both without any type of trend.

Conclusion:

Considering the economic sustainability of the production chain, efforts to encourage energy plantations should focus on regions with lower production, using species of fast-growing species that can meet demand and conserve native caatinga vegetation.

Key words: Plant extraction; sustainable forest; management plan, conservation of the caatinga.

6- DETERMINATION OF FOREST ROAD CUT SLOPE SURFACE MATERIAL TYPES USING MACHINE LEARNING METHODS IN UAV DATA

Tunahan Çınar, Yılmaz Türk, Abdurrahim Aydın, Remzi Eker

Abstract

Background: The  cost  of  forest  roads  is  practically  estimated  by  determining  the  Surface  Material  Types (SMT). Experts determine SMT by classifying soil, loose soil, and rocky surface material classes (%)  through  in-situ  measurements,  which  are  both  costly  and  time-intensive.  This  study  aims  to  reduce cost and time loss by evaluating the effectiveness of high-resolution remote sensing (RS) data in determining SMT. Conducted on a forest road in Konuralp region of Düzce district in Türkiye, the study involved experts classifying the road’s Soil, Loose Soil and Rocky surface material classes (%) and collecting high-resolution RS data using UAV. The RS data was processed through Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to classify the surface material types, and their accuracy was assessed using the Kappa Coefficient, Overall Accuracy (%) and Conditional Kappa. The images were clipped at 20-meter intervals for detailed analysis. The RS data classifications were then compared with in-situ measurements using statistical analyses Index-of-Agreement (IA).

Results:

The RF algorithm made the best identification, although the classification of the Loose Soil class was more difficult for both algorithms compared to the other classes. Both algorithms highest accuracy in identifying the Rocky class.

Conclusions:

This study proposes methods to reduce time loss in cost calculations and enhance the use of RS images for estimating forest road costs.

Keywords: Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Remote Sensing, Classification Algorithms.

7- FOUR-DECADE ANALYSIS OF FIRE BEHAVIOR IN THE BRAZILIAN CAATINGA BIOME 1985-2023

Mauricio Alejandro Perea-Ardila

Abstract

Background: The Caatinga, unique in northeastern Brazil, has species adapted to the semi-arid climate.  Recurrent  fires  put  its  biodiversity  at  risk,  highlighting  the  need  for  urgent  measures  to protect  this  fragile  ecosystem.  This  study  analyzed  four  decades  of  fire  behavior  in  the  Caatinga biome (1985-2023) using data from the MapBiomas Fire project and spatial analysis, revealing an alarming increase in fire activity, which affected approximately 10.9 million hectares (≈12.74% of the biome).

Results:

Showed an increasing trend in the frequency and intensity of fires, with critical peaks between August and November, particularly in October where historical maximums were reached in the period 2015-2023 (48.1%). Spatial distribution showed significant concentrations in the western and southern regions of the biome, especially in the states of Bahia and Piauí, mainly linked to human activities. The temporal analysis revealed a progressive accumulation of burned areas, with a notable increase towards the end of the period studied. The recurrence of fires presented a heterogeneous distribution, with up to 39 events at the same point in critical areas, affecting mainly forest formations and herbaceous-bush vegetation.

Conclusion:

  The  research  underlines  the  vulnerability  of  the  Caatinga  ecosystem  to  these recurrent events, highlighting the urgent need to implement land management and fire management measures, including continuous monitoring programs and regional adaptive strategies that combine agricultural productivity with ecosystem conservation. This study contributes to the understanding of fire dynamics in tropical semiarid biomes, providing crucial information for decision-making in conservation and sustainable management policies.

Keywords: Burned area; Fires; Vegetation cover; Semiarid; MapBiomasRandom Forest, Support Vector Machine, Remote Sensing, Classification Algorithms.

 

8- RESCUE TECHNIQUES AND VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF EUCALYPTUS BENTHAMII MAIDEN & CAMBAGE

Hendrick da Costa de Souza, Ezequiel Gasparin, Adriana Maria Griebeler, Osmarino Pires dos Santos, Nathalia Pimentel, Henrique Araujo Barichello, Maristela Machado Araujo

Abstract

Background: The Eucalyptus genus is globally important for wood and non-wood product supply due  to  its  fast  growth,  high  productivity,  and  resistance  to  biotic  and  abiotic  stresses.  Eucalyptus benthamii is  notably  cultivated  in  subtropical  regions,  such  as  southern  Brazil,  due  to  its  frost  tolerance. However, the species exhibits low efficiency in adventitious rooting when propagated through clonal techniques. This study aimed to assess vegetative rescue techniques with different stump heights for E. benthamii and evaluate the effect of indolebutyric acid (IBA) 2024 on cutting rooting and seedlings development.

Results:

The first trial was conducted in the field using a 2x3 factorial design to compare two stump heights (15 cm and 90 cm) and three collection intervals. The number of shoots and total cuttings were analyzed across three shoot height classes. The stump 15 cm, especially in the second collection (111 days after rescue), produced the highest number of shoots (73.7 shoots stump^-1). The second trial, carried out in a nursery, assessed rooting responses to IBA concentrations (0, 1500, 3000, and 4500 mg L^-1) in cuttings from both rescue techniques (stump 15 cm and 90 cm).IBA significantly improved cutting survival, rooting rate, and root development.

Conclusion:

The stump at 15 cm was the most effective for shoot and cutting production in the field for vegetative rescue. Furthermore, an IBA concentration of 2800 mg L^-1 is recommended for improving adventitious rooting and seedling production of E. benthamii.

Keywords: Adventitious rooting. Seedling production. Indolebutyric acid. Cutting propagation. Clonal forestry

9- METHODS FOR SEPARATING THE LIGNOCELLULOSIC FIBERS FROM THE AÇAÍ PULPING WASTE: QUALITY FOR KRAFT PULPING

Dhimitrius Neves Paraguassú Smith de Oliveira, Lays Camila Matos,Tiago Marcolino de Souza, Elesandra da Silva Aráujo, Marcela Gomes da Silva,Carla Priscilla Tavora Cabral, Lourival Marin Mendes,Qüinny Soares Rocha, Lina Bufalino

Abstract

Background: Converting açaí waste fibers into kraft pulp and paper demands high amounts of preserved fibers. Manual removal preserves the fibers, but mechanical methods are faster. Therefore, this work aimed to compare three methods to extract açaí fibers from the seed’s surface concerning efficiency and fiber quality for cellulose pulping.

Results: Açaí waste fibers have ≈ 34 % of cellulose and ≈ 61% of non-cellulose structural components (based on extractive free mass) and ≈ 6% of non-structural extractives and ashes (based on total mass). They occur united into bundles that dissociate into short (388 μm) fiber cells. Their pulp-paper quality indexes were aspect ratio (31.8-41.2), wall fraction (52.8 %), flexibility coefficient (47.2 %), boiler index (0.6), Runkel index (1.2), and Mulsteph index (0.8). The manual removal preserved the fibers but had the lowest efficiency (0.1 g/min). The food processor provided intermediate preservation of the fibers and efficiency (0.5 g/min). Despite the highest efficiency (3.9 g/min) of the hammer mill method, the friction with the hammers damaged the fibers and increased the levels of extractives from 4 to 8% and hemicelluloses from 34 to 40%.

Conclusion: Açaí waste fiber bundles are dissociable into short fibers and have a favorable chemistry for kraft pulping and developing cellulose products. The fiber morphology is not ideal, but not limiting, demanding adjustments in the future kraft pulping parameters. The extraction of the fiber by the food processor is recommended, which is manageable to the local communities to support an integrated bioeconomy of the açaí waste.

Keywords: Non-wood  fibers,  short  fibers,  kraft  cellulose,  mechanical  fiber  separation,  pulp-paper indexes

10- PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF TANNIN WITH NANOLIGNIN IN ADHESIVE FORMULATIONS FOR BONDING PLYWOOD PRODUCED WITH ERYTHRINA POEPPIGIANA WOOD

Yanka Beatriz Costa Lourenço, Carolina Aparecida dos Santos, Ana Carolina Corrêa Furtini, Lorran de Sousa Arantes, Gabriele Melo de Andrade, Kamilla Crysllayne Alves da Silva, Thiago Silva Ramos, Ricardo Gabriel de Almeida Mesquita,Lourival Marin Mendes, José Benedito Guimarães Júnior

Abstract

Background: Fast-growing species are crucial for the wood panel market, and Erythrina poeppigiana (mulungu) emerges as a promising alternative. Although its wood is not suitable for high-performance applications, using its veneers for plywood supports the diversification of raw materials in forestry. Furthermore, replacing petrochemical-based adhesives is essential due to associated health and environmental risks. Tannins from forest species provide a sustainable alternative; however, their mechanical strength and moisture resistance must be improved. Nanolignin, a nanoscale additive, enhances these properties, making it a viable option for biodegradable adhesives. This study evaluates plywood production using E. poeppigiana veneers bonded with a tannin–nanolignin adhesive.

Results:

Adhesives were formulated with Acacia mearnsii* tannin partially replaced by nanolignin at different concentrations and tested for rheological properties. The wood, sourced from experimental plantations in Ilhéus, Bahia (Brazil), was processed into five-layer plywood panels bonded with 320 g/m² of natural adhesive and pressed at 150 °C and 1 MPa for 10 minutes. The resulting panels were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), acoustic insulation, and thermal conductivity. The results confirmed E.  poeppigiana as a viable raw material for plywood production. Partial replacement of tannin with 1–2% nanolignin reduced adhesive viscosity, improving application and veneer penetration. The 2% nanolignin formulation  increased  hydrophobicity,  reducing  water  absorption,  while  shear  strength  tests  revealed  higher  cohesion and adhesion, particularly in adhesives containing 2–3% nanolignin.

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate that E. poeppigiana veneers bonded with tannin–nanolignin adhesives can produce plywood  panels  with  suitable  physical  and  mechanical  performance.  The  incorporation  of  small  amounts  of  nanolignin  enhances the adhesive’s rheological and bonding characteristics, contributing to improved durability and water resistance. These results support the potential use of E. poeppigian and nanolignin-modified tannins as sustainable materials in eco-friendly plywood manufacturing.

Keywords: Alternative raw material; Environmentally friendly production; Natural adhesives