Produção e predação de frutos em Aniba rosaeodora Ducke var. amazonica Ducke (Lauraceae) em sistema de plantio sob floresta de terra firme na Amazônia Central

Abstract

The rosewood tree (Aniba rosaeodora) has been exploited for linalol, a product used as a fixative by the perfume industry. As a result, its population has decreased to the point that it is at risk of extinction in some Amazonian areas. In addition, the species has an irregular phenological pattern and its fruits are a food source for animals. This study focused on the use an ex situ population planted under partial forest shade. The fruit set varied from 40-1600 fruits (n = 21 trees). Overall, 42.5% of fruits (6,770, n = 10 trees) were removed by frugivores. Of the remaining fruits, 0.5% were predated by vertebrates, 81.5% were attacked by insect larvae. Of fruit attacked by insects, 38% were still capable of germination. One Coleoptera (Curculionidae) attacks the fruits during this intermediate phase of development, and another one (Heilipus sp.) and one Lepidoptera attack during the final phase of maturation. This results in a loss of 59.5% (54.5% by insects) of the fruit set not removed. Therefore, it is necessary to increase fruit/seed availability as part of species management. To achieve this, three considerations need to be taken into account: 1) premature fruits should be collected for laboratory maturation; 2) insect control on adult trees (in plantations) and larva control on attacked fruits are recommended; and 3) genetic studies should be an alternative to identify plants with greater natural resistance to predators and diseases.