Eucalyptus-based glued laminated timber (glulam) was produced to determine the feasibility of a non-destructive method (drilling resistance) to predict the properties of structural elements and add value to lower-quality hardwood species. Glulam was manufactured with formaldehyde (Resorcinol), reference condition, and bio-based (Castor oil-based) adhesives in two assembly schemes, the core composed either of two continuous lamellae each 105 cm long, or of two formed by the juxtaposition of shorter boards (35 and 55 cm). The shear strength of the glue line (f_v0), modulus of elasticity (E_c90), and strength (f_c90) in compression perpendicular to the grain; delamination (DL); and main and extended glue line thicknesses were evaluated. The Resistograph equipment was used to perform the perforation perpendicular to the glue line (samples extracted from the glulam elements) to correlate the properties. The results of this research demonstrate that the scheme of the boards had little effect on the physical and mechanical properties evaluated (except the main glue line and delamination), and the drilling resistance (DR) presents a significant correlation with practically all properties evaluated (variations in density values and other properties are explained by variations in DR values), making it possible to estimate E_c90 and f_c90 with desired precision (R²_adj ≈ 80%). This highlights the feasibility of using this methodology in the quality control of glulam elements. It is concluded that regardless of the adhesive, elements comprising a 105 cm-length core and external lamellae (T1 and control) are indicated for external use, presenting low delamination. Short-length central lamellae adhesively glued with PUR (T2) are not recommended for external applications due to their susceptibility to delamination. However, T2 is indicated for internal environments due to its low production cost. This study also proved the efficiency of using models based on drilling resistance to estimate wood density and its resistance to compression perpendicular to the fiber.

The Atlantic Forest is a biome that has suffered anthropic actions, such as the extraction of hardwood, which can lead to the extinction of endemic species of great economic and ecological value, such as Dalbergia nigra. In this perspective, large-scale multiplication studies are necessary to contribute to the conservation of this species. The objective of this work was to establish a protocol for the in vitro production of axenic seedlings of D. nigra. Four experiments were performed: I. Immersion times in NaOCl. II. Disinfecting agents in seed germination of D. nigra. III. NaOCl toxicity in seeds of the model species Lactuca sativa L. IV. Culture media and glutamine in the germination and initial growth of D. nigra. All experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design. For a better disinfestation and less harmful effects to the seedlings, it is recommended that the seeds be treated with 70% alcohol (1 min) and NaOCl (14 min). NaOCl has a high phytotoxic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effect, and its mechanism of action in the L. sativa cell cycle is clastogenic and aneugenic, suggesting the formation of abnormal seedlings in D. nigra. The WPM medium and its supplementation with glutamine (0.75 mg.L-1) are recommended.

The Amazon rainforest and the biodiversity hotspot of the Atlantic Forest are home to fruit trees that produce functional foods, which are still underutilized. The present study aimed to select potential functional nut donor trees from two Brazilian chestnuts, by evaluating the nutritional and antioxidant composition of the nuts and the fatty acid profile of the oil. The nutritional characteristics, antioxidants, oil fatty acid profile, and X-ray densitometry of the nuts were evaluated, as well as the characterization of leaf and soil nutrients for each parent tree. The nut oil was evaluated through Brix (%), mass (g), yield (%), and the fatty acid profile. For L. pisonis, the most nutritious nuts were produced by L. pisonis tree 4 (N > P > K > Mg > Ca > Zn > Fe) and L. pisonis tree 6 (P > Ca > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cu > Fe), and for the species L. lanceolata, L. lanceolata tree 6 (N > P > Ca > Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu) and L. lanceolata tree 2 (P > K > Mg > Zn > Cu). In L. pisonis, the highest production of anthocyanins, DPPH, total phenolics, and flavonoids was obtained from the nuts of L. pisonis tree 4 as well as for L. lanceolata, from L. lanceolata tree 1, except for flavonoids. The Brix of the oil from the nuts of both species showed no difference between the trees and the fatty acid profile with a similar amount between saturated (48–65%) and unsaturated (34–57%) fatty acids. Both species have nuts rich in nutrients and antioxidant compounds and can be considered unconventional functional foods. The data collected in the present study confirm that the nuts of these species can replace other foods as a source of selenium.