Cerne Journal: Top 10 Most Accessed Articles in June 2026

1- INFLUENCE OF CLONE-SITE INTERACTION ON BASIC WOOD DENSITY OF Eucalyptus CLONES IN BRAZILIAN TROPICAL ZONES

Maria Naruna Felix de Almeida, José Luiz Louzada, José Eduardo Macedo Pezzopane, Sofia Maria Rocha, Ana Paula Câmara, Vaniele Bento dos Santos, Thayanne Caroline Castor Neto, Otávio Campoe, Rafaela Carneiro, Clayton Alcarde Alvares, Graziela Baptista Vidaurre

Abstract

Background: Contrasting edaphoclimatic differences will influence the development of Eucalyptus forests, resulting in varying responses according to the clone. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of clone x site interaction on the wood density (WD) of Eucalyptus planted in tropical environments in Brazil. Eucalyptus clones (R9: E. urophylla, B2: E. urophylla x E. grandis, H8, and D4: E. grandis x E. urophylla) were analyzed 4 years after planting at 10 sites. A total of 120 trees were sampled, and the WD was determined. The relationship between WD, mean annual increment, and climate variables (temperature, precipitation, vapor pressure deficit and soil water deficit) was assessed for each clone.

Results: The site effect and clone x site interaction were significant. Clones H8 and R9 showed the most consistent WD across sites, with density differences of 18 % and 14 %, respectively, and H8 exhibited a similar mean in 80 % of the sites. B2 and D4 were the most influenced by local growth with density variations of 28 and 22 %, respectively, indicating that WD is affected by the interaction of genotype and growth environment. Only B2 showed significant correlations between density and all environmental variables, while density in R9 did not correlate with any variable. Conclusion: Clones are similarly affected by climate across the tropical gradient of Brazil. However, the magnitude of responses differs among clones at a single site. The effects of climate conditions on density are more evident when contrasting situations are compared.

Keywords:
Tropical forestry, climate conditions, phenotypic plasticity, wood quality.

 

2- PREDICTION OF Eucalyptus PRODUCTIVITY AND BASIC WOOD DENSITY USING A NOVEL WATER-AVAILABILITY-SENSITIVE PROXY

Aguinaldo José de Souza, Renata Guilherme Cândido da Silva, Leandro de Siqueira, Thayanne Caroline Castor Neto, Glaycianne Christine Vieira dos Santos Ataide, José Eduardo Macedo Pezzopane, Graziela Baptista Vidaurre

Abstract

Background: Water availability is a key driver of Eucalyptus productivity in tropical environments, yet traditional climatic indices often fail to adequately capture hydrological variability under humid conditions. This study evaluated how water availability, interacting with soil and management factors, influences productivity and basic wood density across contrasting tropical environments. Data from commercial Eucalyptus plantations across São Paulo, Bahia, and Maranhão were analyzed using multivariate regression models integrating climatic indices and a novel water-availability proxy (Log₁₀(AWAI)).

Results: The models showed high predictive performance (adjusted R² > 99%), with the proposed proxy exhibiting greater explanatory power in São Paulo and Maranhão. Basic wood density emerged as an integrative trait linking growth and environmental conditions: under humid climates, higher density was associated with increased biomass accumulation, whereas under drier conditions it reflected conservative strategies related to hydraulic safety. Additionally, clone HGU-1 demonstrated high ecophysiological plasticity and productive stability across contrasting environments.

Conclusion: The proposed proxy improves the representation of water availability in tropical conditions and supports more accurate water zoning, genetic material selection, and management strategies. These findings highlight the role of basic wood density as a functional indicator of the growth–safety trade-off in Eucalyptus plantations.

Keywords: Adaptive plasticity, forest ecophysiology, forest productivity, genotype-environment interaction, multivariate modeling

3- GENETIC PARAMETERS AND CORRELATION BETWEEN GROWTH TRAITS IN YOUNG PROGENIES OF Corymbia torelliana (F.MUELL.) KD HILL AND LAS JOHNSON

Gabriel de Resende Baroni, Adelson Lemes da Silva Júnior, Pedro Henrique Del Grossi, Adriene de Oliveira Bastos, Lavínia Barbosa Oliveira, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues de Figueiredo, Flávia Maria Avelar Gonçalves, Lucas Amaral de Melo

Abstract

Background: Corymbia torelliana is a promising alternative for the forestry sector due to its rapid growth, resistance, and high-quality wood for charcoal and biomass production. However, there is limited information regarding its genetic performance under Brazilian conditions. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters and evaluate correlations between growth traits in young half-sib progenies. The experiment was conducted in Lavras, MG, with 28 progenies evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with eight replications and five plants per plot. Height (H) and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured at 12, 18, and 24 months, and genetic estimates were obtained using the REML/BLUP method, including analyses of genotypic and phenotypic correlations.

Results: Narrow-sense heritabilities showed moderate magnitude (0.18 to 0.22), as well as progeny selection accuracy (0.64 to 0.68). Individual genetic variation coefficients ranged from 8.3% to 12.8%, indicating genetic variability among individuals. The environmental effect among plots was significant, with a determination coefficient above 0.10. Average DBH ranged from 2.4 to 5.3 cm with increasing age, and mean height reached 2.91 m at 12 months. High genetic and phenotypic correlations suggest potential for simultaneous selection, although indirect selection accuracy was lower than direct selection.

Conclusion: The results confirm the genetic potential of C. torelliana for selective gains, particularly in DBH at 24 months. The study highlights the importance of improving management practices and selection strategies to mitigate environmental effects and enhance the accuracy of genetic estimates.

Keywords: Forestry, forest breeding, heritability, indirect selection.

 

4- ANALYSIS OF THE DELIGNIFICATION PROCESS INFLUENCE ON THE DIMENSIONAL STABILITY OF DENSIFIED WOOD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Gustavo Rodolfo Perius; Juno Lucena Conte; Caroline Rodrigues Vaz; Luciana da Rosa Espíndola

Abstract

Background: One of the challenges in the development of densified wood products is maintaining their dimensional stability. Several treatment methods are employed to achieve this stability, including the delignification process. This paper analyzes the efficiency of the delignification process on the improving of the densified wood dimensional stability through a systematic literature review. This research was based on the recommendations of the PRISMA protocol and conducted using Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. After the eligibility criteria application and bias analysis, the systematic search sample resulted in 54 articles. The meta-analysis was conducted through a narrative synthesis, including the densification process, wood species, apparent density, delignification process, other wood treatments, and dimensional stability.

Results: Populus was the most used genus on the densification process and most of the species used had an average apparent density of 0.476 g/cm³. The delignification process was employed in approximately 26% of the 54 analyzed articles. Studies indicate sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the most common delignification reagent and confirm that delignified densified wood achieves improved dimensional stability. After extracting and analyzing the data from these articles, the results indicate that the delignification process has gained prominence as a research topic since 2019, accounting for 25.9% of the analyzed articles.

Conclusion: Although several authors report improvements in dimensional stability with partial lignin removal, the comparative analysis of the data revealed significant heterogeneity in the results. Other methods, such as thermal treatment, are still more commonly used to enhance the dimensional stability of densified wood.

Keywords: Wood densification; wood modification; set-recovery; thickness swelling

5- OPTIMIZING PALIAVANA SERICIFLORA BENTH. MICROPROPAGATION: SPECTRAL QUALITY AND BIODEGRADABLE MICROCONTAINERS AS CONSERVATION TOOLS

Douglas Machado Leite; Fabíola Magalhães Mendes; Mariana Virgínia de Freitas Dias; Alfredo Rodrigues de Sena Neto; Gilvano Ebling Brondanio

Abstract

Background: Paliavana sericiflora, a vulnerable species. Brazilian endemic from the rupestrian fields, lacks established seedling production methods. Micropropagation offers a promising alternative for its conservation. This study evaluated the influence of spectral quality on in vitro multiplication, elongation, rooting and acclimatization in biodegradable microcontainer of P. sericiflora. Established shoots were subcultured in MS medium with plant growth regulators for bud multiplication under four spectral qualities: white, red, blue, and purple (red and blue combination 1:1). The same spectra were used in the elongation and rooting stages.

Results: All light spectra influenced bud multiplication. Buds with the highest vigour were produced under white, blue, and violet light, with values close to 1. Red light induced more elongated buds, but with lower vigour compared to the others. The elongation and rooting stages were most successful under purple or white light, yielding the highest number of roots approximately 12 roots per plant. The use of biodegradable microcontainers resulted in 100% survival, producing more vigorous plants for nursery hardening-off.

Conclusion: Spectral quality had no significant effect on bud multiplication, but purple and white lights promoted better elongation, rooting, and plant vigour. These stages can be conducted simultaneously, optimizing time and development. Acclimatization was efficient, and seedlings were ready for hardening-off in approximately 110 days.

Keywords: In vitro culture, Spectral quality, Biodegradable container, ‘Campo rupestre’

6- NEW STRATEGIES TO INFLUENCE LAND USE DYNAMIC: SPATIAL ANALYSIS AND QUANTIFICATION

Jéssica de Araújo Campos; Maria Luiza de Azevedo; Huezer Vigano Sperandio; Danielle Piuzana Mucida; Israel Marinho Pereira; Reynaldo Campos Santana; Marcelino Santos de Morais; Cristiano Christófaro Matozinhos; Luciano Cavalcante de Jesus França; Eric Bastos Gorgens

Abstract

Background: Land use plays a critical role in shaping human societies and environmental sustainability. This study investigates strategies influencing land use dynamics and their potential implications for territorial management and public policy development. We propose a new approach to identify three different land use strategies, and to quantify and analyze their spatial relevance. The study area, located in a Brazilian Biosphere Reserve, covers two watersheds with distinct ecosystems and socioeconomic contexts. We implemented the following steps: mapping land use, computing the potential for agricultural use, mapping restricted zones, and computing the strategies. We accessed public databases and performed spatial analyses using Google Earth Engine, Google Colab and QGIS software.

Results: One of the watersheds exhibits less anthropization and better environmental preservation. Consequently, it presents greater potential for implementing Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programs. The other watershed, with higher anthropization and agricultural intensity, requires more extensive restoration, especially in restricted areas.

Conclusion: These differences underscore the importance of tailoring land management strategies to specific socioeconomic and environmental characteristics, ensuring effective conservation and territorial management. The primary scientific novelty of this work lies in the methodological integration that transitions from traditional land-use diagnostics to a prescriptive spatial planning framework. Our study contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Keywords:Anthropization; ecosystem services; natural cover; payment for environmental services; restoration

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; MapBiomas.

8- THE EFFECT OF CELLULOSE NANOCRYSTALS ON THE PROPERTIES OF Erythrina poeppigiana (WALP.) O.F. COOK PLYWOOD

Ricardo Gabriel de Almeida Mesquita, Mara Lúcia Agostini Valle, Daniel Piotto, José Benedito Guimarães Junior, Lourival Marin Mendes

Abstract

Background: Erythrina poeppigiana is a fast-growing, low density tropical wood species underutilized in southern Bahia, Brazil. Its plywood exhibits limited mechanical performance due to wide parenchyma bands, low lignin content, and high porosity. Cellulose nanocrystals (NCC) have been proposed as reinforcement to enhance panel stiffness and modify adhesive behavior. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating NCC into phenol-formaldehyde adhesive (PF) on the physical and mechanical properties of E. poeppigiana plywood.

Results: Plywood panels were produced with NCC loadings of 0, 1, 1.5, and 2% based on the total mass of the PF adhesive. NCC addition increased the parallel modulus of elasticity from 4651 MPa in the control to 6076 MPa at 2% NCC (≈31% increase), allowing the panels to reach the minimum requirement for concrete formwork plywood. No significant effect was observed on modulus of rupture. Water absorption and 24-hour thickness swelling increased with NCC, reflecting the hydrophilic nature of NCC and the wood’s anatomical structure. Shear strength decreased at higher NCC contents, particularly above 1%, likely due to increased adhesive viscosity and reduced spreading caused by NCC–polymer interactions. Other properties, including density and moisture content, remained unaffected.

Conclusion: NCC incorporation improved the stiffness of E. poeppigiana plywood; however, higher concentrations negatively affect bonding performance and moisture-related properties. The wood’s chemical and anatomical characteristics, notably broad parenchyma bands and low density, influence the overall performance. These findings suggest that controlled NCC incorporation offers a strategy to enhance value-added applications of underutilized species.

Keywords: Adhesive reinforcement, nanocellulose, tropical wood, wood anatomy, wood composites.

9- BALANCING ACCURACY AND EFFICIENCY: OPTIMAL PLOT DESIGN FOR REGENERATION SAMPLING IN AMAZONIAN SECONDARY FORESTS

Bruno Barbosa Boás, Vitor Mateus de Carvalho Morais, Divino Vicente Silvério, Fabiano Emmert, Rodrigo Geroni Mendes Nascimento

Abstract

Background: Optimal sampling designs are crucial for accurate ecological and forestry assessments, particularly for regeneration studies in Amazonian secondary forests, which play an important role in biodiversity  conservation and carbon sequestration. This study evaluated different sampling plot configurations for estimating regeneration diversity and structural attributes in a 30-year-old secondary forest in Belém, Brazil. Within a one-hectare permanent plot (100 × 100 m), all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≤ 10 cm were measured, identified, and geolocated, totaling 3,003 individuals. Trees were classified into two diameter classes: DBH < 5 cm and 5 cm ≤ DBH ≤ 10 cm. Resampling simulations using the bootstrap method subdivided the one-hectare plot into four sampling plot sizes (4 m², 25 m², 50 m², and 100 m²) with rectangular and square shapes. Simulations tested sample sizes ranging from four to (N − 1) units, with 1,000 iterations per configuration.

Results: Accuracy and precision for diversity metrics (species richness and Shannon–Weaver index) and structural attributes (tree density, stem density, and basal area) were evaluated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Relative Sampling Error (RSE). Results indicated that 4 m² sampling plots were the most suitable for estimating diversity metrics across both diameter classes, regardless of plot shape. For structural variables, square 4 m² plots performed best for trees with DBH < 5 cm, whereas rectangular 50 m² plots were optimal for trees with 5 cm ≤ DBH ≤ 10 cm. The influence of plot shape varied depending on the variable analyzed and the sampling plot size.

Conclusion: Overall, sampling plots of 4 m² and 50 m² are recommended for efficient regeneration sampling in Amazonian secondary forests, as they provide better accuracy and precision for diversity and structural estimates across different diameter classes.

Keywords: Forest inventory, sampling simulation, urban forest, forest degradation

10- SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF CARBON AND NUTRIENTS IN LITTER IN Khaya STANDS IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Marcos Vinicius Winckler Caldeira; Gabriel Soares Lopes Gomes; Dione Richer Momolli; Robert Gomes; Victor Braga Rodrigues Duarte; Júlio Cézar Tannure Faria; Tiago de Oliveira Godinho; Henrique Machado Dias; Marcos Gervasio Pereira; Matheus Severo de Souza Kulmann

Abstract

Background: Scarce information is available on soil-plant interactions to guide management practices for the Khaya genus. This study aims to evaluate the influence of seasonality on the accumulation of litter during two different rainfall periods, as well as to determine its nutrient and carbon content and stock in stands of Khaya at 10.6 years of age. The samples were collected using a template measuring 0.25 m × 0.25 m (0.0625 m²) in a zigzag pattern with a minimum distance of 4 m between points.

Results: Nutrient contents were quantified, including macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and B), as well as organic carbon in the plant tissue of three species of Khaya (K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis,and K. senegalensis). In terms of C content, no statistical differences were found between the species during the rainy season. However, for the same period, higher stocks of macronutrients were observed in the following order: Ca > N > Mg > K > S > P. Among micronutrients, Fe showed the highest and Cu showed the lowest stocks.

Conclusion: K. ivorensis species exhibited the highest biomass production and the best nutritional quality.

Keywords: Mahogany; nutrition; biogeochemical cycling; forest productivity; soils.