Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:37:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tatiane_Martinazzo_Portz.pdf: 1324965 bytes, checksum: 6d1d137717d451f4bdd339fcc445a5bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-06-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The biochemical composition of fungi can vary with climatic conditions and cultivation substrate. Several species have shown biochemical activities, such as Pycnoporus sanguineus, which is highlighted by orange to red color of their basidiocarps. Although the antimicrobial activity verified in various fields such as pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural, there is no method for growing basidiocarps described in the literature. This work aimed to develop a substrate with Eucalyptus sp. for the cultivation of P. sanguineus and production of basidiocarps. There were two assays, and in vitro and in formulated substrate, developed in the Unioeste, Campus of Marechal Cândido Rondon. We used sawdust of Eucalyptus sp. Separate in two particle sizes: less than 500 microns (G1) and between 500 and 841 microns (G2). In the in vitro assay were used four isolates of P. sanguineus (Ps04, Ps08, PS13 and PS14), grown in Petri dishes containing culture medium CBA plus sawdust in the proportions of zero, 1, 5, 10 and 15% for both sizes. In each dish was peaked a 0.5 cm disc containing mycelium and kept in dark at 25±2ºC, until the first treatment to reach the edge of the Petri dish. Was evaluated the diameter of colony, growth rate of mycelium, the fresh weight of mycelium and production of the pigment cinnabarin. The experiment was DIC in 4x2x5 factorial design, four isolates of P. sanguineus, two particle size of sawdust of Eucalyptus sp. and five concentrations of sawdust added to the culture medium, both with six repetitions. In the assay with formulated substrate, we used two isolates of P. sanguineus (Ps08 and Ps14), grown in polypropylene bags of 28x16 cm, containing sawdust of Eucalyptus sp. and rice bran. At zero, 5 and 20%, particle size in G1 and G2, with humidity of 75% and compacted to 0.5 g mL-1. The substrates remained 30 days in BOD at 25±2ºC, then taken to the greenhouse. Two havest of basidiocarps were made, at 90 and 180 days. Where were evaluated diameter, fresh and dry weight, the average number of basidiocarps and production cinnabarin. Was used experimental DIC in 2x2x3 factorial design, with two isolates of P. sanguineus, two particle size of sawdust of Eucalyptus sp. and three concentrations of rice bran added to sawdust, both with six repetitions. Was observed that the sawdust of Eucalyptus sp. is suitable for substrate for the production of basidiocarps of P. sanguineus, which is G1 showed better results only in vitro assays, while on substrate, the two particle sizes showed good results for the production isolates of P. sanguineus. The Ps08, produced more mass of basidiocarps, while the Ps14 showed higher content of cinnabarin in the basidiocarps. It can be concluded that the genetic characteristics of the biological potential of the isolates of P. sanguineus are more related to productive results that the characteristics of substrates used in this research / A composição bioquímica dos fungos pode variar com condições climáticas de cultivo e substrato. Diversas espécies têm mostrado atividades bioquímicas, como o Pycnoporus sanguineus, que se destaca pela coloração vermelho-alaranjada de seus basidiocarpos. Embora este fungo possua atividade antimicrobiana estudada em diversas áreas, como farmacêutica, industrial e agrícola, não há nenhum método para cultivo de basidiocarpos descrito na literatura. Este trabalho objetivou desenvolver substrato com resíduos madeireiros de Eucalyptus sp. para o cultivo de P. sanguineus e produção de basidiocarpos. Realizaram-se dois ensaios, in vitro e em substrato formulado, desenvolvidos na UNIOESTE, Campus de Marechal Cândido Rondon. Utilizou-se serragem de madeira de Eucalyptus sp., separada em duas granulometrias: inferior a 500 micra (G1) e entre 500 e 841 micra (G2). No ensaio in vitro utilizaram-se quatro isolados de P. sanguineus (Ps04, Ps08, Ps13 e Ps14), cultivados em placas de Petri contendo meio de cultura CBA acrescidos de serragem nas proporções de zero, 1, 5, 10 e 15%, para as duas granulometrias. Em cada placa foi repicado um disco de 0,5 cm contendo micélio e mantidos em ambiente escuro a 25±2ºC, até que o primeiro tratamento atingisse a borda da placa de Petri. Avaliou-se diâmetro de colônia, velocidade de crescimento do micélio, a massa fresca do micélio e a produção do pigmento cinabarina. O delineamento experimental foi DIC, em esquema fatorial 4x2x5, sendo quatro isolados de P. sanguineus, duas granulometrias de serragem de Eucalyptus sp. e cinco concentrações de serragem acrescidos ao meio de cultivo, ambos com seis repetições. No ensaio em substrato formulado, utilizou-se dois isolados de P. sanguineus (Ps08 e Ps14), cultivados em sacos de polipropileno de 28x16 cm, contendo serragem de Eucalyptus sp. e farelo de arroz, nas proporções de zero, 5 e 20%, nas granulometrias G1 e G2, com umidade de 75% e compactados a 0,5 g mL-1. Os substratos permaneceram 30 dias em BOD a 25±2ºC e então foram levados a casa de vegetação. Realizaram-se duas coletas de basidiocarpos, a primeira após 90 dias e a segunda após 180 dias do ensaio em casa de vegetação. A cada coleta avaliou-se o diâmetro, as massas fresca e seca, o número médio de basidiocarpos e a produção do pigmento cinabarina. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental DIC, em esquema fatorial 2x2x3, sendo dois isolados de P. sanguineus, duas granulometrias de serragem de Eucaliptus sp. e três concentrações de farelo de arroz adicionadas a serragem, ambos com seis repetições. Foi observado que a serragem de Eucalyptus sp. é apropriada para formulação de substrato para produção de basidiocarpos de P. sanguineus, sendo a que G1 mostrou melhores resultados apenas nos ensaios in vitro. Nos ensaios em substrato formulado, as duas granulometrias mostraram bons resultados produtivos para os isolados de P. sanguineus. O Ps08, nos ensaios em substrato formulado, teve produção de massa de basidiocarpos, enquanto o Ps14 mostrou maior teor de cinabarina nos basidiocarpos. Pode-se concluir que as características genéticas de potencial biológico dos isolados de P. sanguineus estão mais relacionados aos resultados produtivos que as características dos substratos utilizados nesta pesquisa

Doctor of Philosophy / Steam reconditioning to recover collapse, in mid to low density eucalypt species, has been known for over ninety years. The current industrial practices for steam reconditioning have largely been based on a few older studies, which were often poorly documented and based on very small sample sizes. On top of this, many local practices and ‘rules of thumb’ have developed over time, many of which have a questionable scientific basis. This thesis was undertaken to more rigorously investigate and fundamentally understand collapse recovery, and try to optimise its application. The most obvious variable that kiln operators have control over is the moisture content of the timber prior to steam reconditioning. Experiments were undertaken to generate a range of moisture gradients (ranging from minimal to more industrially realistic) to evaluate the effect of moisture content on collapse recovery. An optimal moisture content for the core of the boards was found to be between about 18–20%, although there was no statistical difference in recoveries between about 17–25% moisture content. Below 15% moisture content recovery dropped off severely and intra-ring internal checking closure was incomplete, while at 25% moisture content an increased level of normal shrinkage, due to the early removal of drying stresses, was the main drawback. Above a core moisture content of about 35% incomplete closure of intra-ring internal checks was again observed. There was little evidence of re-collapse occurring in these high moisture content samples. Previously established relationships between density and collapse and drying rate were again generally observed in these experiments. However, for the first time an effect of collapse in reducing the fitted drying diffusion coefficients was also observed. It was also observed that, provided the moisture content of the board was in the critical range, most of the collapse recovery was achieved in the time it took to get the core of the board up to the steaming temperature of close to 100°C. This suggests that for most thicknesses a conservative reconditioning period of two hours at temperature is all that is required. This recommended shortening of the reconditioning cycle could dramatically increase the throughput of timber through the steam reconditioning chambers. Alternatively, it could mean that where modern final drying kilns are being used, the reconditioning treatment could be carried out within the final drying kiln. A finite element model was developed to demonstrate the mechanism by which collapse recovery occurs. The theory tested was that the elastic component that stores the energy to restore the shape of the deformed cell is primarily found in the S1 and S3 layers. In contrast, the inelastic component is primarily found in the S2 layer. The model generated here provided limited support for this theory.

A study was undertaken to compare growth potential of three Eucalyptus species of natural origin in South Eastern Australia, with commercially grown species on mid and high altitude temperate sites in the summer rainfall growing zones in South Africa. The three species were Eucalyptus globulus subsp. bicostata (E. bicostata), Eucalyptus cypellocarpa and Eucalyptus nobilis. Nine sites were selected to represent the growing areas of South Africa experiencing cold winter drought with occasional snow falls. Improved, commercially grown pure Eucalyptus species and interspecific hybrid clones were included as controls in the trials to give comparative growth performances on specific sites. Both balanced and unbalanced lattice designs were used to evaluate the growth potential of the unimproved Australian species and the improved commercial controls incorporated into the trials. Volume production and basal area growth were assessed for the three species at all sites. However, only three sub species E.globulus (E. bicostata, E. maidenii and E. globulus) showed varying levels of disease (Mychosphaerella nobilosa) infestation and this was therefore assessed in trials at 12 and 30 months respectively, and correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between the impact of disease infestation and growth performance. It was found that negative phenotypic correlations existed between the levels of infection and tree growth. ie greater infection slower growth. Evaluation of genotype x environment interaction (GXE) revealed that this did not exist in the E. bicostata nor E. nobilis populations, and therefore one population of each species can be developed for all the sites tested. E. cypellocarpa was the only species that showed some GXE interaction implying that separate populations to be developed for different sites. Contrary to what was expected, unimproved Eucalyptus species being investigated performed equally as well as the improved commercial species included as controls, thus providing potential for commercial deployment with selection and breeding. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

It is believed that the process-based model 3-PG (Physiological Principles Predicting Growth; Landsberg and Waring, 1997) can potentially play a useful role within South African forestry, both as an operational and a strategic tool. Strategic applications may include the prediction of potential productivity on a site-by-site basis; broadscale productivity estimates based on remote sensing and the spatial application of 3-PG; identification of production constraints; and estimation of carbon fluxes to help address sustainability issues. Operationally, 3-PG could complement empiricallybased models or be used in conjunction with them as a hybridised product. The challenges of this study were therefore to see whether it is possible to adapt 3-PG to predict the growth and yield of E. grandis under South African conditions, test that model predictions are consistent with observed growth data and are biologically reasonable, and to assess the practicality of using 3-PG as either a strategic or operational tool. The main emphasis of this study was to understand the internal logic of 3-PG and how physiological processes are represented, and to develop methods to objectively parameterise and initialise the model. Thereafter a detailed model validation study was performed, ending off with selected potential applications of 3-PG within the South African context. The sensitivity of predicted stand volume (SV) and leaf area index (LAI) to the values of the species-specific parameters in 3-PG was examined. These analyses enabled the development of three distinct parameter sensitivity classes: insensitive parameters (i.e. those that can be varied widely without affecting the outputs studied), sensitive parameters (i.e. those whose value strongly affects the outputs, and non-linear parameters (i.e. those for which the outputs depend in a non-linear manner on the parameter value). Minimum data requirements for the parameterisation and initialisation of 3-PG are considered in detail. Conventional methods used for the parameterisation of models, specifically 3-PG, are reflected upon. An automated parameter estimation technique was examined and used for the estimation of selected parameters. Species-specific parameters were categorised according to data source estimation and sensitivity classes. Parameters describing allometric and age-dependent relationships were assigned values using observed data from biomass harvests. Critical parameters that could not be directly assigned using observed data were the ratio of foliage to stem allocation (i.e. P2 and p2o), allocation of net primary production (NPP) to roots (TJRX and T]Rn), optimum temperature for growth (7^,) and maximum canopy quantum efficiency (acx)- These were estimated using Parameter ESTimation, by fitting model output to corresponding observed growth data. As well as species-specific parameter values, mandatory inputs required by 3-PG include weather data, site-specific factors such as site fertility (FR) and physical properties of the soils, and stand initialisation data. Objective techniques to determine these site-specific factors and the initial values for the biomass pools were proposed. Most of these data are readily available for sites where experimental trials exist, or where monitoring networks are in place. However, this is the exception rather than the rule, so alternative data and information sources are required. These, together with the need for accurate weather inputs (especially monthly rainfall) and physical properties (especially soil texture, maximum available soil water and FR) of the sites being modelled were explored. 3-PG was validated using four simple tests by comparing predicted versus observed SV. Results showed that 3-PG predictions are relatively consistent with observed stand data. Analyses performed using time-series data showed model predictions accurately tracked observed growth in response to erratic and fluctuating weather conditions. Results from the initial model validation showed production on high and low productivity sites was under- and over-predicted, respectively. Further results presented here show a similar, but less marked trend (i.e. over- and under-predictions are not as extreme), and individual biases are less than those from predictions made using another locally developed parameter set. The application of 3-PG showed that the model is able to make estimates of tree growth that are consistent with those used within the forestry site classification. This showed the considerable potential 3-PG has for strategic planning by the forest industry (i.e. projected wood supplies etc) and in research planning (refining existing site classifications). The model could be useful in predicting growth in various areas where E. grandis is not grown, assisting in future decision making. 3-PG was able to identify growth constraints on a site-by-site basis and distinguish among them, and was able to identify environmental and site limitations to plantation growth, and how they vary in space and time. These results together with predictions of site productivity demonstrate the potential for 3-PG to be used to improve existing forest site classifications. The model comparison study between empirically-based models and 3-PG showed that although the empirical models made accurate predictions of volume under static climatic conditions, under fluctuating weather conditions empirical estimates of volume were less accurate than those made with 3-PG. 3-PG can therefore be used operationally with minimum input data to predict growth using enumeration data. This is useful in saving time and cutting costs. The use of process-based models (PBMs) in general, and 3-PG in particular, needs to be "championed'' to the South African forest industry. This is necessary for two reasons. Firstly, the model and the manner with which it describes physiological processes of growth need to be explained in layman's terms. This will demonstrate how and why a process-based model can work better in a fluctuating environment than empirically based models. Secondly the comparison between 3-PG and the local empirical models needs to be presented as an example of how 3-PG can be applied on an operational basis. It is accepted that much convincing is still required. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

Eucalypts are a major forest resource globally and the area of eucalypt plantations for pulp and paper production is expanding rapidly in Australia. Consequently, there is an increasing need to breed eucalypts with improved wood properties. Since many high value wood traits are under strong genetic control, identification of DNA markers linked to these traits will have application in breeding programs. In recent years there has been a shift in marker strategy away from QTL mapping in pedigrees to association studies in unrelated populations. In the latter approach, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes are screened to identify SNPs that significantly associate with wood traits. Significant SNPs could be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs. The objectives of this study were to identify candidate genes that may influence pulp yield in eucalypts and to identify SNP variants in those genes that associate with superior wood and pulp traits. / Approximately 300 trees from a full-sib Eucalyptus nitens progeny derived from a wide intra specific cross were used for gene discovery. DNA microarrays containing ~5800 young xylem of cDNAs Eucalyptus grandis were screened with probes synthesised from RNA isolated from trees with either high or low pulp yield. Forty-six transcripts were differentially regulated, of which 27 were more abundant in high pulp trees and 19 were more abundant in low pulp trees. All differentially expressed cDNAs were partially sequenced and searched against existing gene databases. Six genes were selected as putative pulp yield candidate genes based on their significant similarity to genes with known function and were named EgrCesA3 (cellulose synthase), EgrNAM1 (NAM family protein), EgrXET (xyloglucan endotransglycosylase), EgrGalk (galactokinase), EgrHB1 (class III homeodomain leucine zipper protein) and EgrZnf1 (C3HC4 type zinc finger protein). / Real-Time PCR was carried out on selected genes to confirm the accuracy of the microarray results. Full length cDNAs were obtained for EgrCesA3, EgrHB1 and EgrZnf1 and the candidate genes were partially characterised. An additional candidate gene, the novel gene EgrPAAPA, was selected based on previous research due to its high expression in the cambium and its expression in eucalypt branches. EgrPAAPA was cloned by screening an E. grandis cDNA library and fully sequenced. The full length EgrPAAPA encodes a short 172 amino acid protein rich in alanine, glutamic acid and proline residues. The EgrPAAPA protein appears to be a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) and the repetitive ‘PAAPA’ motif suggests that it might play a structural role in cell wall development. Southern blot analysis revealed that E. grandis has a single copy of the EgrPAAPA gene and northern blot analysis revealed that EgrPAAPA is most strongly expressed in xylem tissues. / Allelic variation in EnCesA3, EnNAM1, EnPAAPA and EnHB1 was examined by sequencing each gene in 16 to 24 unrelated E. nitens individuals. SNPs were identified by sequence analysis and patterns of nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium and the selection of suitable polymorphisms were estimated. A moderate level of nucleotide diversity (θw = 0.0056 and π = 0.0039) was observed and linkage disequilibrium was generally low, extending only a few hundred base pairs in each gene. Negative selection has been operating in EnHB1. Selected TagSNPs from EnNAM1, EnHB1 and EnPAAPA were genotyped across 300 unrelated E. nitens trees which had been phenotyped for six wood quality traits including pulp yield, cellulose, lignin, Klason lignin, microfibril angle (MFA) and density. Five highly significant genetic associations (p<0.01) were detected between several SNPs in EnHB1 and all wood quality traits except density. A significant association was also found between EnPAAPA and MFA (p<0.05). No significant associations were found with any of the EnNAM1 SNPs. The strong genetic associations between SNPs in EnHB1 and a range of wood traits is consistent with this gene’s known role as a transcription factor controlling vascular development. Validation of these associations in different populations will be necessary in order to confirm these results. Alternatively, QTL mapping can be performed in order to confirm whether QTL for wood property traits can be detected at the EnHB1 and EnPAAPA loci.

Doctor of Philosophy / Steam reconditioning to recover collapse, in mid to low density eucalypt species, has been known for over ninety years. The current industrial practices for steam reconditioning have largely been based on a few older studies, which were often poorly documented and based on very small sample sizes. On top of this, many local practices and ‘rules of thumb’ have developed over time, many of which have a questionable scientific basis. This thesis was undertaken to more rigorously investigate and fundamentally understand collapse recovery, and try to optimise its application. The most obvious variable that kiln operators have control over is the moisture content of the timber prior to steam reconditioning. Experiments were undertaken to generate a range of moisture gradients (ranging from minimal to more industrially realistic) to evaluate the effect of moisture content on collapse recovery. An optimal moisture content for the core of the boards was found to be between about 18–20%, although there was no statistical difference in recoveries between about 17–25% moisture content. Below 15% moisture content recovery dropped off severely and intra-ring internal checking closure was incomplete, while at 25% moisture content an increased level of normal shrinkage, due to the early removal of drying stresses, was the main drawback. Above a core moisture content of about 35% incomplete closure of intra-ring internal checks was again observed. There was little evidence of re-collapse occurring in these high moisture content samples. Previously established relationships between density and collapse and drying rate were again generally observed in these experiments. However, for the first time an effect of collapse in reducing the fitted drying diffusion coefficients was also observed. It was also observed that, provided the moisture content of the board was in the critical range, most of the collapse recovery was achieved in the time it took to get the core of the board up to the steaming temperature of close to 100°C. This suggests that for most thicknesses a conservative reconditioning period of two hours at temperature is all that is required. This recommended shortening of the reconditioning cycle could dramatically increase the throughput of timber through the steam reconditioning chambers. Alternatively, it could mean that where modern final drying kilns are being used, the reconditioning treatment could be carried out within the final drying kiln. A finite element model was developed to demonstrate the mechanism by which collapse recovery occurs. The theory tested was that the elastic component that stores the energy to restore the shape of the deformed cell is primarily found in the S1 and S3 layers. In contrast, the inelastic component is primarily found in the S2 layer. The model generated here provided limited support for this theory.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tasmania, 1994. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tasmania, 1994. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 434-474). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 434-474).

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Discipline of Environmental Biology, 2005? / "September 2004" Bibliography: p. 145-159.

Thesis (Ph.D.)(Microbiology))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Summary in English. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.