Inga marginata

Abstract: Dynamics and possible function of the lutein epoxide (Lx) cycle, that is, the reversible conversion of Lx to lutein (L) in the light-harvesting antennae, were investigated in leaves of tropical tree species. Photosynthetic pigments were quanti- fied in nine Inga species and species from three other genera. In Inga, Lx levels were high in shade leaves (mostly above 20 mmol mol -1 chlorophyll) and low in sun leaves. In Virola surinamensis, both sun and shade leaves exhibited very high Lx contents (about 60 mmol mol -1 chlorophyll). In Inga marginata grown under high irradiance, Lx slowly accumulated within several days upon transfer to deep shade. When shade leaves of I. marginata were briefly exposed to the sunlight, both violaxanthin and Lx were quickly de-epoxidized. Subsequently, overnight recovery occurred only for violaxanthin, not for Lx. In such leaves, containing reduced levels of Lx and increased levels of L, chlorophyll fluorescence induction showed significantly slower reduction of the photosystem II electron acceptor, QA, and faster formation as well as a higher level of non- photochemical quenching.The results indicate that slow Lx accumulation in Inga leaves may improve light harvesting under limiting light, while quick de-epoxidation of Lx to L in response to excess light may enhance photoprotection.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate some physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake - Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach L. - Chinaberry (Meliaceae), Lophantera lactescens Ducke - "Lanterneira" (Malpighiaceae), Pinus elliottii Engelm. - Slash Pine (Pinaceae), Inga marginata Wild - Inga (Mimosaceae), subjected to the degradation process caused by the exposition to atmospheric conditions over a period of 12 months, in two environments with different edafoclimatic characteristics, i.e., two decaying fields were set up, one within a secondary forest and the other in an open field, a pasture composed by low grass. For the evaluation, we adapted an average decay index, to express the degradation caused by biotic factors in specimens from wood exposed to both environments. The determination of apparent density, as well as the resistance to beding in the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR) and parallel compression to wood fiber, was carried out before and after the exposure to atmospheric conditions. The results showed the occurrence of different reductions in the evaluated properties. Significant reductions in density occurred only in the wood originated from inside the forest, as well as reductions in the Modulus of elasticity and rupture were more accentuated in wood originate from this environment. Resistance to compression has also shown major reductions in the same environment.

Abstract: This research had as objective to evaluate the natural degradation of a sample of a timber recently felled down, in two environments, as well as to register the occurrence of termites and beetles in the respective samples and environments. The searched species were, Eucalyptus urophylla S T Blake (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae), Lophantera lactescens Ducke, (Malpighiaceae), Pinus elliottii Engelm (Pinaceae), Inga marginata Willd (Mimosaceae). The experiment was accomplished in two rotten fields, one inside of a secondary forest and another one a gramineas pasture. We enrolled 56,6% of the sample with the presence of termites in the field within the forest, and the identified species were: Nasutitermes minor (HOMGREN, 1906), Nasutitermes jaraguae (SNYDER, 1924) and Heterotermes longiceps (SNYDER, 1924) . In the open field it was registered 20% of the sample the shaft with the presence of termites, with only occurrence of only one species, H. longiceps . Were that one less deteriorated as inside the forest as in the open field: M. azedarach and L. lactescens .

Abstract: Soil bioengineering has been applied more and more in different regions of Brazil in recent years. The study in hand presents the installation of “new” riparian forest based on soil bioengineering techniques. This riverbank restoration work was implemented in the year 2010 and two onsite vegetation surveys, one shortly after the construction, and one in 2013. Besides that, the structures of reinforcement work, and its effectiveness were evaluated. By means of the vegetation survey, the applied species were examined for their ability to establish the riverbank in an environmentally sustainable way. Most notably, the species Calliandra brevipes Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae), Phyllanthus sellowianus Muller Arg. (Euphorbiaceae), Salix humboldtiana Willd. (Salicaceae), Bauhinia forficate Link (Leguminosae), Inga marginata Willd. (Mimosoideae) and Ateleia glazioveana Baill. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) showed a good growth development. The proportion of spontaneous vegetation increased significantly, with Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. becoming a dominating species. Resulting from that, the intervention can be assessed as functional and safe, but the strong increase of spontaneous vegetation is undesirable due to less flood resistance. The vegetated riprap could be the best to meet the expectations of the construction elements. Partly, the anchored willows showed as well a good growth development whereas the species used for the hedge brush layer could not develop as expected in large parts of the construction.