Structure and regeneration of Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. in Brazil nut groves in the Amazon

Abstract

This work was developed with the objective of comparing the diameter structure and natural regeneration indicators of Brazil nut groves and correlates them to the forest successional stage, seed collection intensity and logging. Data were collected from 54 hectares in Caracaraí (Roraima state) and Itaúba (Mato Grosso state). Frequency distributions were compared by measures of central tendency, variability, form and adherence by Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test. Natural regeneration was correlated with environmental variables, seed collection intensity and fauna activity by Spearman correlation coefficient and Kruskal-Wallis. The Brazil nut groves presented different diametric structures, which can be attributed to differences in young individuals in the smaller diametric classes. The higher density of juveniles in canopy gaps and the lack of a significant correlation between seed collection intensity and natural regeneration indicate that canopy openings from logging could have been the major impact factor in the natural regeneration establishment and in Brazil nut grove rejuvenation.

Keywords:
Brazil nut; Mato Grosso; Roraima; Seed collection intensity