Effects of bamboo stands on seed rain and seed limitation in a rainforest

Bamboos often negatively affect tree recruitment, survival, and growth, leading to arrested tree regeneration in forested habitats. Studies so far have focused on the effects of bamboos on the performance of seedlings and saplings, but the influence of bamboos on forest dynamics may start very early in the forest regeneration process by altering seed rain patterns. We tested the prediction that the density and composition of the seed rain are altered and seed limitation is higher in stands of Guadua tagoara (B or bamboo stands), a large-sized woody bamboo native from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, compared to forest patches without bamboos (NB or non-bamboo stands). Forty 1 m(2) seed traps were set in B and NB stands, and the seed rain was monitored monthly for 1 year. The seed rain was not greatly altered by the presence of bamboos: rarefied seed species richness was higher for B stands, patterns of dominance and density of seeds were similar between stands, and differences in overall composition were slight. Seed limitation, however, was greater at B stands, likely as a resulted of reduced tree density. Despite Such reduced density, the presence of trees growing amidst and over the bamboos seems to play a key role in keeping the seeds falling in B stands because they serve as food sources for frugivores or simply as perches for them. The loss of such trees may lead to enhanced seed limitation, contributing ultimately to the self-perpetuating bamboo disturbance cycle. (C) 2008 Elsevier B,V. All rights reserved.

Bamboo overabundance alters forest structure and dynamics in the Atlantic Forest hotspot

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Mites (Acari) associated with bamboo (Bambusa sp., Poaceae) in a woody area from northwestern São Paulo State, Brazil

This paper reports twelve acarine species belonging to eleven genera in five families, associated with Bambusa sp. (Poaceae), in a woody area from São Paulo State, Brazil. Four species of Tetranychidae (Monoceronychus bambusicola, sp.n.. Oligonychus santoantoniensis, sp.n.. Schizotetranychus longirostris, sp.n. and S. paraelymus, sp.n.) are regarded as new. The genus Cheletomimus Oudemans, 1904 (Cheyletidae) is recorded for the first time to South America.

Avian assemblages in bamboo and non-bamboo habitats in a tropical rainforest

Some species of bird are closely associated with bamboos (bamboo specialists) but community-wide studies comparing the avian assemblages in bamboo and non-bamboo habitats are lacking. Using point counts, we compared the species richness, abundance and composition of the avian assemblages in bamboo and non-bamboo habitats in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Apart from considering bamboo specialists and non-specialist species, we contrasted birds from different categories of forest dependence, forest strata and diet. We recorded a total of 81 species of birds (74 in bamboo, 55 in non-bamboo habitats), including 15 bamboo specialists. Species richness was greater in bamboo habitats in all categories of diet and forest dependence. Bamboo and non-bamboo habitats had a similar number of canopy species, but bamboo habitats had a greater number of non-canopy species. The abundance of the whole avian community or of each of the dietary categories did not differ between habitats. The overall species composition differed between habitats, with a more homogeneous composition in non-bamboo habitats. A great number of species use bamboo habitats, even if they are not bamboo specialists. The initial expansion of bamboos, forming discrete patches of bamboo within mature forest, represents an intermediate-level disturbance that enhances forest heterogeneity and promotes the diversity of avian communities. © BirdLife Australia 2013.

Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Medium-Density Fiberboard Made from Giant Bamboo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the density, density profile, water swelling and absorption, modulus of elasticity and rupture from static bending, and tensile strength of experimental medium-density fiberboards manufactured using Dendrocalamus giganteus (Munro bamboo). The fiber production was carried out through the chemo-thermo-mechanical pulping process with four different conditions. The panels were made with 10% urea formaldehyde resin based on dry weight of the fibers, 2.5% of a catalyzer (ammonium sulfate) and 2% paraffin. The results indicate that treatments with the highest alkali (NaOH) percentage, time and splinter heating temperature improved the physical properties of the panels. The root-fiber interface was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy in fracture zones, which revealed fibers with thick, inflexible walls. The panels' mechanical properties were affected due to the fiber wall characteristics and interaction with resin. Giant bamboo fiber has potential for MDF production, but other studies should be carried out.

Potential of bamboo organosolv pulp as a reinforcing element in fiber-cement materials

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Physical and mechanical properties of particleboard bamboo waste bonded with urea formaldehyde and castor oil based adhesive

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Production of particleboards with bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) reinforcement

The focus of this research was to study the utilization of residues from bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) lamination in the manufacturing of panels for structural purposes. Bamboo particleboards were produced under three conditions: pure boards, reinforced with bamboo laminas, and with treated particles. Castor oil-based polyurethane was the resin binder, in view of using lower toxicity materials. The mechanical tests were performed according to Brazilian Standard (NBR) 14810-3 (2006) and European Standard (EN) 310 (2000). The results were superior to those recommended by these and other standards for internal adhesion resistance, modulus of rupture, and elasticity in static bending, as well as to the results of other studies. Starch treatment was an unnecessary stage. According to the conditions of this process, the studied panels showed a good potential for construction use. Moreover, the bamboo particleboards are an economically viable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative for the use of waste generated during the processing of Dendrocalamus giganteus bamboo species, allied with castor oil-based polyurethane resin. The reinforced particleboard and its production process are being licensed as an Innovation Patent in Brazil, (BR 1020130133919-1-2013).

Medium density particleboard reinforced with bamboo laminas

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of bamboo laminas of the species Dendrocalamus giganteus to three-layer medium density particleboard (MDP). These laminas were glued onto both the top and the bottom of each panel. With the manufactured panels laminated with bamboo, mechanical tests based on the Brazilian Standard ABNT NBR 14810 were carried out to determine the modulus of rupture (MOR) in static bending and the tensile strength parallel-to-surface. These mechanical tests were realized in particleboards of eucalyptus and in reinforced particleboard, both produced in the laboratory. The modulus of rupture and tensile strength parallel-to-surface of the laminated MDP had values close to those that have been reported. The reinforcements increased the values of these studied properties. Nevertheless, this fact indicated the possibility to produce a stronger MDP using bamboo lamina as surface layers. These results show the possibility of using coatedbamboo MDP for utilization in large spans, for example, in flooring for mezzanines with finish on both sides, and for robust furniture as bookshelves, beds, tables, etc.

Developmental Morphology of a Dimorphic Grass Inflorescence: The Brazilian Bamboo Eremitis (Poaceae)

Premise of research.The highly specialized grass inflorescence varies with respect to phyllotaxis, with the reproductive meristem forming primary lateral branches that are either spirally arranged or distichous. The Brazilian bamboo Eremitis is highly unusual in that it has a dimorphic inflorescence, typically composed of an apical gynecandrous whorl of both male and female spikelets and basal whorls of male spikelets. Although not closely related to them, Eremitis shares some structural similarities with some early-divergent grasses.Methodology.We use SEM and LM to describe the development of the reproductive structures of Eremitis to clarify our understanding of the highly specialized grass inflorescence and flower.Pivotal results.Developmental studies show that the inflorescence of Eremitis is actually partially whorled and partially distichous. The apical whorl is abortive. The female spikelet is not terminal on the axis, in contrast with the majority of grasses. All the male spikelets are distichously attached to the inflorescence axis and separated into groups. There is a hollow style with two vascular bundles.Conclusions.The strong morphological similarities between Eremitis and some early-divergent grasses are here supplemented by several anatomical similarities, perhaps due to a shared pollination syndrome.

Evaluation of bamboo particleboards produced with urea-formaldheyde resin

The bamboo waste can be an alternative material to sustain the crescent demand for particleboards, also bringing ecological benefits as reduction of the pressure for raw materials and landfill space demands. In this context, this research aimed to manufacture and determine some physical and mechanical properties of particleboards with bamboo waste particles (Dendrocalamus giganteus), obtained from different sources, bonded with four different percentages of urea–formaldehyde (UF) based resin (6%, 8%, 10% and 12% related to dry material of particles). Response variables investigated were: density; moisture content; thickness swelling in 2 and 24 hours; water absorption in 2 and 24 hours; internal adhesion (STpe); strength in tension parallel to faces (STpa); modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR). Results permitted to conclude that particleboards as mentioned showed good performance only in the physical properties requirements imposed by Brazilian Standard NBR 14810, but this was not observed to mechanical properties considered. New researches are needed in order to optimize the producing process parameters.

Verification of applicability of the polyurethane adhesive based on castor oil in the manufacture of glued laminated bamboo

The current concern with the environment promotes the development of new technologies for production with use of alternative materials, from renewable resources, and changes in production processes, having as main objective the reduction of environmental impact. One of the alternatives for cleaner production is the use of castor oil derivatives instead of non-renewable sources, such as adhesives based on PVA (polyvinyl acetate), applied in the manufacturing process of glued laminated bamboo. Based on the versatility of the bamboo laminate and the castor oil, and from the perspective of sustainability, this study aims to contribute to the application of new materials and processes, used in the manufacturing industry, by proposing the use of the polyurethane adhesive based on castor oil for glued laminated bamboo manufacturing, which can later be used in the manufacture of several products. To verify the applicability of the polyurethane adhesive based on castor oil in the glued laminated bamboo manufacture, mechanical tests of traction and shearing of the glue sheet were performed in specimens of the said material, and the results were compared with the Cascorez 2590 and Waterbond adhesives. The results showed that the polyurethane adhesive based on castor oil, in the traction test, has superior performance than the Waterbond adhesive and slightly below than the Cascorez 2590 adhesive, but in the shear test, the polyurethane adhesive based on castor oil presented a slightly inferior performance than the other two adhesives used in the comparison.

Bamboo as sustainable material used in design and civil construction: species, management, characterization and applications

The use of bamboo as construction and raw material for producing products can be considered a feasible alternative to the abusive use of steel, concrete and oil byproducts. Its use can also reduce the pressure on the use of wood from native and planted forests. Although there are thousands of bamboo species spread about the world and Brazil itself has hundreds of native species, the use and basic knowledge of its characteristics and applications are still little known and little disseminated. This paper's main objective is to introduce the species, the management phases, the physical and mechanical characteristics and the experiences in using bamboo in design and civil construction as per the Bamboo Project implemented at UNESP, Bauru campus since 1994. The results are divided into: a) Field activities - description of the technological species of interest, production chain flows, types of preservative treatments and clump management practices for the development, adaptation and production of different species of culms; b) Lab experiments - physical and mechanical characterization of culms processed as laminated strips and as composite material (glue laminated bamboo – glubam); c) Uses in projects - experiences with natural bamboo and glubam in design, architecture and civil construction projects. In the final remarks, the study aims to demonstrate, through practical and laboratory results, the material's multi-functionality and the feasibility in using bamboo as a sustainable material.

Physical and mechanical characteristic of particleboards produced with residues of sugarcane and stem leaves of bamboo bonded with castor oil adhesive

In this research the aim was produce a particleboard with alternative materials and evaluated its physical and mechanical characteristics. The raw materials used are residues from sucarcane bagasse (SC) (Saccharum officinarum) and stem leaves of bamboo (B) (Dendrocalamus giganteus), bonded with a bi component adhesive based on castor oil. It was produced particleboards with five different traces: 100% SC, 75% SC+25% B, 50% SC+50% B, 25% SC +75%B and 100 % B. Their physical and mechanical characteristics were evaluated accordingly to Brazilian standard NBR 14810-3. Regarding the results obtained, it can be detached that for physical and mechanical evaluation it is evident a negative relation among the amount the sugarcane bagasse and their physical and mechanical characteristics, that is particleboards with low concentrations of sugarcane bagasse had better results. However all particleboards could be recommended for use as sealing particleboards in the segment of civil construction.

Produção de tomate em função da vibração das plantas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)