As populations of the European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) move into the southeast, laboratory studies indicate that the potential exists for defoliation and possible tree mortality in mixed pine-hardwood stands. This dissertation describes a field study that was initiated to determine the susceptibility and vulnerability of pure and mixed stands of loblolly pine, oaks and sweetgum in pine-oak and pine-sweetgum cover types in the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province. Sixteen stands were defoliated between 1992 and 1996. Stand susceptibility was significantly related to stand composition; stands with a greater proportion of susceptible species experienced greater defoliation. Oaks and sweetgum were heavily defoliated. Pines did not suffer extensive defoliation, and results of the study indicate that the probability of widespread gypsy moth defoliation in pine plantations appears to be low. A multiple linear regression model for the prediction of mean stand defoliation is also presented. Trends in tree mortality were similar to those previously described in northeastern forests. Susceptible tree species were heavily impacted, however, oaks displayed greater vulnerability than sweetgum. Suppressed and intermediate trees in the understory, and trees that were in poor or fair condition, had a greater probability of dying subsequent to defoliation. However, under- and overstory basal area mortality rates were not significantly different in the pine-oak type, and stem mortality rates were not significantly different in either type. Loblolly pine mortality was observed, but it was difficult to isolate the source, and thereby determine whether gypsy moth defoliation was a primary causal factor. In general, the potential for extensive pine mortality in mixed pine-hardwood stands does not appear to exist. Logistic regression was found to be a useful tool in the prediction of individual tree mortality and two logistic regression equations were derived and validated for use in pine-oak and pine-sweetgum cover types. / Ph. D.

Les écosystèmes méditerranéens littoraux sont soumis à divers stress environnementaux naturels (stress hydrique et halin) et anthropiques susceptibles de s'intensifier dans les prochaines décennies. Dans ce contexte, le fonctionnement des communautés microbiennes - encore très peu étudiés dans de tels milieux - était important à préciser. L'effet du stress halin sur la transformation de la matière organique dans la litière de pin d'Alep issues des calanques de Marseille a été estimé ainsi que le potentiel de biodégradation d'un polluant chronique, l'anthracène, un Hydrocarbures Aromatiques Polycycliques. Différents approches in situ, ex situ et in vitro ont été utilisées en associant différentes méthodes afin de mesurer l'état fonctionnel du milieu (activités enzymatiques, respirométrie basale), la diversité fonctionnelle microbienne (Catabolic Level Physiological Profile), la biomasse microbienne et l'évolution chimique de la matière organique (RMN du solide du 13C). En mésocosmes, les laccases, induites par la présence d'anthracène, ont contribué à son oxydation et ont été séquencées par LC/MS/MS afin de déterminer les espèces fongiques à l'origine de leur synthèse. Les résultats montrent que certaines activités enzymatiques du cycle du carbone sont peu affectées par la salinité et l'apport d'anthracène. Toutefois la diversité fonctionnelle des communautés autochtones de litière de pin d'Alep issues de ces environnements est modifiée à une échelle micro-locale par l'effet marin. Par ailleurs les réponses fonctionnelles face à l'apport d'anthracène des communautés microbiennes de litières de pin d'Alep en zone continentale sont différentes de celles des zones littorales / Mediterranean coastal ecosystems are subjected to various natural and anthropogenic environmental pressures which are supposed to be enhanced because of climatic changes. Little is known about microbial community functioning in such ecosystems. Our site of study is located in the Calanques of Marseille, a hot spot of biodiversity. The effect of salinity (via sea spray exposure) on microbial communities and their ability to transform organic matter in an Aleppo pine litter have been studied as well as the potential of autochthonous microorganisms to transform anthracene used as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon model. To do so, different approaches (in situ, ex situ and in vitro experimental design) were used and we combined various methods such as enzyme activities (laccase, cellulase, phosphatase, lipase), CLPP (Biolog ECO and FF plates), respirometry (basal and induced) and litter chemical characterization (solid-state 13C NMR). Laccases were induced by anthracene in mesocosms and oxidized this compound (with anthraquinone as an intermediate). These enzymes were sequenced by LC/MS/MS to determine the fungal strains responsible for their production. We also found that enzyme activities were not strongly influenced by salinity or anthracene inputs. On the other hand, functional diversity was structured at a small-spatial scale. Moreover, functional responses of microbial communities from inland areas strongly differ from those of coastal areas regarding anthracene inputs since no laccase induction was observed in inland litter.

Ring-width chronologies from Pinus resinosa Ait., Pinus strobus L., and Thuja occidentalis L. were developed in two areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to assess their growth climate response and their potential for developing reconstructions of climate. New red pine chronologies were combined with existing chronologies to extend the ring-width record both into the past and into the present. Ring-width response to climate, assessed using correlation analysis and response functions, was broadly similar among all three species with relatively significant positive relationships with June–July precipitation and significant negative (but less consistent) associations with June–July temperatures (p < 0.05). White-cedar appeared to have a broader phenological window of response with a stronger spring influence when compared to other species included in this study. Comparisons with other nearby proxies showed relatively strong coherence overall but with some important regional differences. Overall, these species may be useful for placing current climatic patterns in the Boundary Waters within a longer term perspective but care should be taken with respect to identifying appropriate climatic records for calibration.

Plus de la moitié des pertes de bois dans les forêts européennes sont dues aux tempêtes. Une connaissance des mécanismes impliqués dans la stabilité mécanique des arbres est alors capitale. L’ancrage de l’arbre dans le sol constitue l’une des composantes principales du maintien mécanique de l’arbre. Il est principalement déterminé par l’architecture du système racinaire et son interaction mécanique avec le sol. Au cours de son développement, l’arbre modifie ses dimensions et se complexifie. Plus particulièrement, le système racinaire semble s’acclimater (ex : croissance en diamètre plus importante) aux déformations engendrées par le vent. L’ensemble de ces modifications conduit à une évolution des mécanismes à l’origine de l’ancrage au cours du développement de l’arbre. L’étude expérimentale de cette fonction est compliquée car les racines sont difficilement mesurables en continu dans le sol. Nous avons alors mis au point une approche numérique pour décrire la croissance du système racinaire et la distribution des déformations dues au vent. Une grande base de données structurée en chronoséquence de systèmes racinaires numérisés (Pinus pinaster) a été mobilisée. Comme l’étude de la structure et des fonctions des racines est plus efficiente quand la différentiation entre racines est prise en compte, nous avons d’abord formalisé les types racinaires du système racinaire du pin maritime à partir d’une technique de classification (« k-means clustering ») réalisée avec quatre variables. La classification des racines latérales du pin maritime nous a permis d’identifier 5 types racinaires au cours du développement du pin maritime. Ce regroupement explique 70% de la variabilité de notre base de données. Chaque système racinaire est caractérisé par trois grosses racines horizontales émises par la souche. Les racines montrent une forte différentiation pour leur tropisme, avec une direction de croissance soit horizontale soit verticale. La structure de la partie centrale du système racinaire est pratiquement complète dès l'âge de 4 ans. Sur la base des types racinaires identifiés, nous avons calibré un modèle architectural (RootTyp ; Pagès et al. 2004) pour le pin maritime. Treize paramètres pour chaque type racinaire ont été estimés par l’intermédiaire de la base de données, d’informations issues de la littérature et d’une procédure d'optimisation. Une modélisation réaliste du système racinaire jusqu'à 50 ans n’a pu être obtenue qu'en implémentant au modèle RootTyp de nouveaux processus biologiques : la diminution de la ramification avec la croissance de la racine et la diminution de la vigueur des racines avec l'ordre de ramification. Malgré ces améliorations, les systèmes racinaires de la base de données présentent des diamètres plus importants à proximité de la souche par rapport aux systèmes racinaires simulés. Ce biais systématique est principalement attribué à l’acclimatation des racines au vent dominant. Les altérations de croissance dues aux contraintes pédologiques ont également été implémentées grâce à l’amélioration du module de sol du modèle architectural.Enfin, pour comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine de l’acclimatation des racines nous avons combiné plusieurs modèles pour prédire la distribution spatiale des déformations dans des maquettes simplifiées de systèmes racinaires à 4, 6 et 13 ans, pour trois régimes de vent spécifiques à la région étudiée. D’après les simulations, les déformations des racines sous l'effet du vent diminuent avec l’âge, en raison de l’augmentation de la rigidité des racines. Cela suggère une plus forte réponse thigmomorphogénétique aux stades jeunes. Les modifications structurelles et anatomiques du système racinaire par acclimatation au vent s’expliquent principalement par les distributions des déformations et des contraintes dans les racines. / Storms cause more than 50% of the timber loss in European forests. However, forest tree anchorage mechanisms throughout their lifespan are not fully understood, especially the strong acclimation of root systems to common winds. This lack of knowledge is mainly due to technical difficulties: neither the root structure nor the mechanical contribution of the roots could be characterized continually. Thus we set up a numerical approach to model the development of the root system and to describe the strains resulting from common winds. This generic approach has been developed using Pinus pinaster grown in sandy soils as model species.Seven datasets of excavated root systems from 0 to 50 years were employed. The assessment of root structure and functions is more powerful if the differentiation of root system in several root types is considered. We first proposed an automatic classification of roots with the k-means clustering algorithm. Four root traits were chosen as classifiers, including three geometric architectural traits, which can be precisely assessed whatever the tree/root age. Clustering yielded similar five groups of laterals roots at all ages, explaining 70% of the variability. The three largest lateral roots per tree were all horizontal roots branching from stump and the other lateral roots show a large differentiation for tropism: nearly all the roots were horizontal or vertical roots. The framework of the central part of the root system can be almost completed in 4-year-old trees (3.5 cm collar diameter). We then calibrated the existing RootTyp (Pagès et al. 2004) architectural model for P. pinaster for each of the root types defined by the cluster analysis. We used the database combined with a literature review and an optimization method to get accurate values for 13 parameters by root types. We devoted effort to validate our model calibration. In order to model architecture of the root system, damping properties had to be implemented to yield realistic outputs up to the mature stage. Branching varied as a function of distance from the root base, and growth capacity decreased with branching order. Nevertheless, the root diameters of simulated root systems were generally underestimated. This was certainly due to root growth plasticity to the prevailing wind, an acclimation facet not taken into account at this calibration step. Growth alterations due to a cemented horizon were reproduced using the new calibrated soil module. Then, the wind acclimation of roots was numerically investigated by examining the root mechanical stimuli due to wind. A chain of biomechanical models was used to predict the spatial distribution of stress and strain in simplified root systems at 4, 6 and 13-year-old as a result of three levels of usual winds. According to simulations, the strain amplitude decreased with tree growth due to the increasing root system stiffness. This suggests larger thigmomorphogenetic responses at young stages. The modifications of the structural and wood root properties related to wind acclimation were largely explained by the stress and strain distribution in the root system.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade técnica e econômica da utilização da madeira serrada de pinus, de terceira classe de qualidade, na produção de componentes para vedação vertical destinados à habitação social, empregando a técnica da laminação vertical cavilhada. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa, foi realizado um estudo de caso, que teve como unidade de análise o assentamento rural Fazenda Pirituba, localizado na região Sudoeste do estado de São Paulo. A viabilidade técnica da proposta foi avaliada a partir da produção e experimentação por meios de ensaios exploratórios, de modelos em escala 1:1 e a viabilidade econômica, por sua vez, foi estudada através da simulação de diferentes cenários de produção dos componentes, considerando todas as etapas da cadeia produtiva da habitação em madeira. Os resultados obtidos com os ensaios exploratórios, indicaram a possibilidade de que a proposta seja tecnicamente viável. Contudo, a simulação de cenários de produção indicou que, para que a mesma seja viável economicamente, torna-se necessária a introdução de políticas públicas que interfiram especialmente na dinâmica da produção de madeira serrada, desde a etapa de plantios, através do estímulo à reposição florestal em pequenas propriedades rurais e uso sustentável dos recursos florestais, passando pela produção, através da introdução de relações de trabalho mais justas, até a comercialização, a partir da expansão do mercado consumidor de produtos de madeira de plantios florestais / This work has as objective to evaluate the technique and economic feasibility of the utilization of the third class sawed wood of pinus in the production of components for vertical seal for social housing, using the vertical wooden dowel lamination technique. To the development of the research, was realized a study of case that had as unit of analysis the Fazenda Pirituba rural settlement, located in the southwestern portion of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The technique feasibility of the proposal was evaluated through the production and experimentation by exploratories assays in models made in 1:1 scale and the economic feasibility, was studied through the different scenes of production of the components simulation, having considered all the stages of the productive chain of the habitation made by wood. The gotten results had indicated the possibility that the proposal is technically feasible. However, the scenes of production simulation had indicated that: to the economic fesibility of the proposal, becomes necessary the introduction of public politics that intervene especially in the dinamic of the sawed wooden production, since the stage of plantantion, by the stimulation to the forest replacement in small properties and sustainable use of the forest resources, passing through the production, by the introduction of the works relationship more justs, until the commercialization, from the expansion of the consuming market of the products made by wood from the planted forests

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avaliar o potencial de acúmulo de carbono (C) em solos de cerrado sob diferentes usos florestais (Eucalyptus, Pinus versus vegetação natural) e as possíveis alterações ocorridas na ciclagem de nutrientes sob esse tipo de coberturas. Para isso, foram coletadas 30 amostras de solo (0-5, 10-25 e 35-50 cm) e de serrapilheira acumulada em plantios de Eucalyptus, Pinus e remanescentes de cerradão em quatro municípios do estado de SP, nas quais se determinou: pH, matéria orgânica (MO), C, macronutrientes e densidade, além da granulometria no solo. Os estoques de C do solo foram calculados através do ajuste e integração de equações exponenciais, obtendo-se valores entre 3,4 e 8,6 kgC.m-2.(na camada de 0 a 30 cm) e entre 5,7 e 11,3 kgC.m-2.(até 1m). Os resultados mostraram que a silvicultura de Eucalyptus e Pinus afeta o acúmulo de C e a ciclagem de nutrientes em áreas de cerrado. As alterações nos estoques de C ocorreram principalmente nos horizontes orgânicos e na camada superficial do solo em decorrência da substituição da MO original por outra de pior qualidade química. A influência do tipo de vegetação sobre o C da camada superficial do solo variou em função de características do sítio, verificando ganhos em alguns dos locais estudados, perdas em outros e ainda diferenças não significativas. Em profundidades maiores, o conteúdo de C mostrou-se fortemente relacionado com o teor de argila e diminuiu sob cultura de Eucalyptus e Pinus, sendo mais fortes as depleções sob Pinus. Nos plantios houve formação de horizontes orgânicos espessos, com concentrações de C elevadas. A concentração de nitrogênio (N), cálcio, magnésio e potássio do material aí acumulado foi menor do que nas áreas naturais, enquanto que a acidez e a relação C/N foram maiores. Isso pode inibir a decomposição, o que explicaria o maior armazenamento de C na serapilheira. A incorporação desse material ao solo implica em alterações da MO, que é um dos principais fatores de estruturação e fertilidade dos solos tropicais e foi afetada em quantidade e qualidade. As relações C/N quantificadas na camada superficial do solo foram significativamente maiores do que em áreas de vegetação natural, indicando substituição da MO nessa camada no tempo de vida dos plantios (~40 anos). Os resultados demonstram a ocorrência de alterações na qualidade química da MO na serapilheira e no solo superficial sob uso silvicultural, as quais podem originar maiores estoques e tempos de residência do C, mas também diminuições de recursos tróficos para a comunidade decompositora, com implicações no resto do ecossistema. Os resultados sugerem que a dinâmica do carbono do solo varia ao longo do perfil, sendo necessário esclarecer melhor os fatores que definem o carbono da camada superficial, maior em quantidade e mais sensível aos efeitos do manejo. / Effects on soil organic carbon storage potential and possible biogeochemical changes of established forest plantations were assessed in southeast Brazil, in Eucalyptus and Pinus plantations compared with natural areas of native dry forest (cerradão). 30 plots were randomly distributed for soil (0-5, 10-25 and 35-50 cm) and forest floor litter collection in mature plantations (~40 years old) and adjacent native forest. The design was replicated in 4 localities in Sao Paulo, southeast Brazil. Organic matter, organic carbon, macro nutrients, pH, density, and soil texture were determined. Soil organic carbon stocks were calculated through exponential equations adjustment and integration, values ranged from 3,4 to 8,6 kgC.m-2.(on the 0 and 30 cm layer) and from 5,7 to 11,3 kgC.m-2.(up to 1m). Soil organic carbon and biogeochemical features were affected under Eucalyptus and Pinus plantations. Changes in carbon stocks were stronger in organic layers and topsoil, due to the replacement of the original organic matter, causing chemical quality decrease. Effects of vegetation on topsoil organic carbon were site dependent, as plantations results in gains, losses and no remarkable differences between natural and forested areas. Eucalyptus and Pinus establishment led to organic carbon losses, which possibly conducted by soil disturbances at implementation of plantations. Carbon content was strongly related to clay at deeper layers, but not at shallower ones. Thicker organic layers with higher carbon content were found under plantations. Lower calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations and higher acidity and C/N (carbon to nitrogen) ratios were measured at implanted forest floor litter layers. These changes could inhibit decomposition, explaining larger litter carbon storage. Soil organic matter is an important factor in maintaining tropical soil structure and fertility. It was affected by Eucalyptus and Pinus forestation. While litter organic mater is incorporated into the soil, it leads to soil organic matter chemical quality decreases. The topsoil C/N ratio measured in plantations was significantly higher than in natural vegetation areas, indicating organic matter replacement on this layer in plantations lifetime (~40 years). We concluded that litter and topsoil organic matter chemical properties were affected by forestation with Eucalyptus and Pinus, which could result in larger C stocks and residence times, but could also decrease trophic resources for decomposers, with implications on the whole ecosystem. The results suggest that soil carbon dynamics changes along the soil profile. Factors controlling surface soil carbon dynamics must be clarified further, as they contained high carbon amounts, the most sensible to management practices.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar atributos físicos e químicos de uma área ripária em relação à disseminação e presença de Pinus elliottii na Floresta Nacional de Capão Bonito, visando subsidiar o manejo desta espécie para a restauração dos ambientes ribeirinhos. Durante o período de outubro de 2014 a maio de 2015, a partir da plantação de Pinus elliottii (Pinus), foram realizados transectos a cada 50 m e, demarcadas e estabelecidas parcelas (10x10 m) até a distância de 100 m; para levantamento dos dados dentro dos níveis de distância: 0 a 20 m, +20 a 40 m, +40 a 60 m, +60 a 80 m e +80 a 100 m; num total de 122 parcelas. As variáveis ambientais analisadas foram: densidade, área basal, umidade; cobertura de copa; cobertura de vegetação do solo até 2 m, além da altura da vegetação de solo até 2 m. Para avaliar o pH do solo, independentes da distância do talhão, delimitou-se 20 parcelas (10x10 m), 10 somente em vegetação nativa e 10 em Pinus. Os resultados demonstram que existe presença de Pinus (com cone e sem cone) em todos os níveis de distância (média = 335 ind.ha-1). A densidade de Pinus com cone dificulta o estabelecimento de vegetação nativa e favorece o estabelecimento de plântulas e juvenis (Pinus sem cone). O incremento de plantas nativas diminui a abundância de Pinus, porém não impede seu estabelecimento, inclusive com o recrutamento de plântulas e juvenis. A área basal de Pinus (média = 17,79 m2.ha-1) é compatível com plantações florestais e, negativamente relacionada com a de vegetação nativa, com impacto por forte competição e influência sobre o crescimento e desenvolvimento das espécies nativas. A maior ocorrência de Pinus com cone foi em áreas com solo seco, com impacto sobre vegetação nativa de natural ocorrência neste atributo. Cobertura de copa de Pinus mostrou-se negativamente relacionada com a de vegetação nativa, indicando que os espaços dos estratos superiores ocupados por Pinus inibiram a ocupação deste nível estrutural por espécies nativas. Cobertura de copa de Pinus também se mostrou negativamente relacionada com cobertura de solo, indicando que espaços abertos não ocupados pela vegetação de solo facilitam a colonização por Pinus. Oposto ao esperado, o pH de solo sob Pinus foi maior que sob vegetação nativa e demonstrou diferença significativa. Porém, como propriedade isolada, não configura um bom indicador para caracterização da qualidade do solo sob Pinus. A partir dos resultados desta pesquisa conclui-se que os impactos ambientais causados pela invasão de P. elliottii nas áreas ripárias recomendam sua imediata erradicação para restauração e manejo contínuo posterior contra re-infestação. / The objective of this research was to assess the physical and chemical properties of a riparian area regarding the dissemination and presence of Pinus elliottii in Capão Bonito National Forest in order to support the management of this species for the restoration of riparian environments. During the period from October 2014 to May 2015, transects were carried out every 50 m, from the Pinus elliottii (Pinus) plantation, demarcated plots set up (10x10 m) to a distance of 100 m; for data collection within several levels of distance: 0 to 20 m, 20 to 40 m, 40 to 60 m, 60 to 80 m and 80 to 100 m; in a total of 122 plots. The environmental variables analysed were: density, basal area, humidity, canopy cover, floor cover, and floor vegetation height. To evaluate soil pH, independent of plantation distance, were delimited 20 plots (10x10 m), 10 only in native vegetation and 10 in Pinus. The main results show that Pinus (with-cone and without-cone) is present in all distance levels (average = 335 ind.ha-1). The with-cone Pinus density makes difficult the establishment of native vegetation and favours seedlings and juveniles (without-cone Pinus settlement). The increase of native plants decreases the abundance of Pinus, but does not avoid its establishment, including the recruitment of seedlings and juveniles. Pinus basal area (mean = 17,79 m2.ha-1) is compatible with forest plantations and negatively related to the native vegetation, impacting by strong competition and influence on the growth and development of native vegetation. The greater occurrence of with-cone Pinus was in areas with dry soil, with impact on native species naturally occurring in this attribute. Pinus canopy cover was negatively related to native vegetation canopy cover, indicating that the canopy spaces occupied by Pinus inhibited the occupation of this structural level for native species. Pinus canopy cover was also negatively related to floor covering, indicating that open spaces not occupied by floor vegetation facilitate colonization by Pinus. Opposite to expectation, the soil pH under Pinus was higher than native vegetation and demonstrated significant difference. However, as isolated property, it does not constitute a good indicator to characterize the quality of the soil under Pinus. From the results of this research it is concluded that the environmental impacts caused by the invasion of P. elliottii in riparian areas recommend its immediate eradication for restoration and subsequent ongoing management against re-infestation.

Orientador: Alan Rodrigo Panosso / Resumo: The increase in CO2 concentration in the Earth's atmosphere was the main cause of global warming, accounting for about 60% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this work was to characterize the temporal patterns of CO2 emission, temperature, humidity and soil O2 capture, as well as their relationships in areas of Eucalyptus, Pinus and Ciliary forest reforested in a dystrophic Red Latosol in the Biome Cerrado, in the region of the municipality of Selvíria - MS. The study was conducted in three reforested areas located in the municipality of Selvíria-MS. Experimental areas consisted of forests planted with eucalyptus (EU), riparian forest (MA), pinus (PI). The CO2 emission from the soil was recorded using the LI-COR system (LI-8100) and the determination of soil O2 a uptake by means of the UV Flux 25% system. The results of CO2 emission, temperature, humidity and O2 capture were evaluated by means of repeated measures in time, by means of mixed models and descriptive statistics. Tukey's test was performed at a 5% probability level. The ratio of emitted CO2 to O2 consumed (RQ) was calculated. The mean CO2 emission of the soil in the studied areas EU, MA, PI, was 5.61; 5.53 and 4.06. μmol m-2 s-1 respectively. EO2 did not differ statistically in the three areas studied. MA had the highest soil moisture value. Most of the RQ values were <1. The total CO2 emissions recorded in 193 days of evaluation were 11.26 Mg ha-1 for EU 10.99 Mg ha-1, MA and 7,97 Mg ha-1 PI, wh... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Mestre

Orientador: Júlio Cesar Refosco. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Engenharia Florestal) - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Florestal, Centro de Ciências Tecnológicas, Universidade Regional de Blumenau, Blumenau.

A possibilidade de utilização da técnica de colorimetria para obter informações relevantes das peças de Pinus é uma excelente alternativa, uma vez que o colorímetro é um equipamento de fácil manuseio e rápida aquisição de dados, e o uso de madeira de florestas plantadas é crescente no Brasil. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi gerar modelos de regressão para estimativa da densidade aparente e das propriedades mecânicas (resistência e módulo de elasticidade) em função de parâmetros colorimétricos. Nesta pesquisa, 403 amostras de Pinus sp. foram caracterizadas de acordo com o sistema CIE L*a*b*, utilizando um colorímetro Konica Minolta. A densidade aparente, a resistência à compressão paralela às fibras e o módulo de elasticidade na compressão paralela às fibras das 403 amostras também foram determinados, de acordo com as premissas do Anexo B da norma brasileira ABNT NBR 7190 (1997). Foi proposto um modelo de regressão multivariável e testado utilizando análise de variância (ANOVA), ao nível de significância de 5%, para estimar as três propriedades citadas, em função dos parâmetros colorimétricos e do número anéis de crescimento (quantidades de lenho inicial e lenho tardio). Os resultados indicaram que a madeira apresenta coloração branco-amarelada, pois possui valor de luminosidade (L*) superior a 54. A pigmentação amarela (b*) é a principal responsável pela formação das cores no gênero Pinus. A análise de correlação entre cor, número de lenhos (Nle) e densidade revelou que apenas a luminosidade, o número de lenhos e a interação desses fatores afetaram significativamente os valores de densidade. A diminuição da luminosidade e o aumento na quantidade de lenhos implicam um aumento significativo nos valores de densidade da madeira. A análise de correlação entre cor, número de lenhos e módulo de elasticidade revelou que apenas o número de lenhos afetou significativamente os valores do módulo de elasticidade. O aumento no número lenhos implica aumento significativo no módulo de elasticidade na compressão paralela às fibras. A análise de correlação entre cor, número de lenhos e resistência à compressão paralela às fibras mostrou que apenas os fatores L*, a*, b* e as interações L*·b*, a*·b*, afetaram significativamente os valores da resistência. A interação entre os fatores L* e b* implicou na redução dos valores da resistência à compressão paralela às fibras. A técnica de colorimetria mostrou-se adequada para a estimativa de propriedades físico-mecânicas da madeira. / The possibility of using the colorimetric technique to obtain relevant information of Pinus pieces is an excellent alternative, since the colorimeter is an equipment of easy handling and quick data acquisition, and the use of wood from planted forests is growing in Brazil. This research aims to generate regression models to estimate the wood density and mechanical properties (strength and modulus of elasticity) as a function of colorimetric parameters. Here, 403 pieces of Pinus sp. have been characterized according to the CIE L*a*b* system using a Konica Minolta colorimeter. The apparent density, the compression parallel to the grain strength and the modulus of elasticity in the compression parallel to the grain of the 403 samples were also determined, according to the assumptions of Brazilian standard code ABNT NBR 7190 (1997). It was proposed a multivariate regression model and tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA), at 5% significance level, to estimate the density, the compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity as a function of the colorimetric parameters and the number of tree growth rings (earlywood and latewood). Results indicated that the wood has a yellowish-white coloration, with a value of brightness (L*) higher than 54. The yellow pigmentation (b*) is the main responsible for the color formation of the genus Pinus. Correlation analysis among color, number of tree growth rings (Nle) and density showed that only the brightness, the number of tree growth rings and the interaction of these factors affected significantly the values of density. Decreasing in brightness and increasing in the number tree growth rings implies a significant increasing in wood density values. Correlation analysis among color, number of tree growth rings and modulus of elasticity showed that only the number of tree growth rings affected significantly the values of modulus of elasticity. Increasing in the number tree growth rings implies a significant increasing in the modulus of elasticity. Correlation analysis among color, number of tree growth rings and compression parallel to the grain strength showed that only the factors L*, a*, b* and the interactions L* ·b*, a*· b*, affected significantly the values of strength. The interaction between the factors L* and b* implied the reduction of the values of the compression parallel to the grain strength. The colorimetric technique was appropriated for estimative of physico-mechanical properties of wood.