Population structure of Euterpe oleraceae Mart. e Euterpe edulis Mart. around commercial crops in Ribeira Valley, SP

• Grant number: 09/07120-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2009
• End date: January 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Dalva Maria da Silva Matos
• Grantee: Fernanda Cristina dos Santos Tibério
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Throughout the years, the human activities have significantly been modifying ecosystems causing impact in the distribution of species and biological communities. One of these activities is the introduction of exotic species, that can lead to the local extinguishing of species, mainly when associated to the fragmentation and destruction of habitats. The introduction of the açaizeiro (Euterpe oleraceae) in commercial crops around Atlantic Rainforest fragments of São Paulo State is another example of this reality, because despite success in 'palmito' and pulp of 'açaí' production, this species started to invade the fragments nearby. Considering such fact, this study has as aim to understand the invasion of Euterpe oleraceae population in Carlos Botelho State Park - SP after its introduction in crops of the region, and its relation with the population structure of the native palm Euterpe edulis ('juçara') and of the hybrids established between these species. The 'açaí' crops nearby the Park will be mapped and, inside of it, 10 quadrats (30x30m) will be marked where all the adult individuals will have leaf number, height and base diameter written down. The same procedure will be applied for young individuals, that will be sampled in sub-quadrats (2x2m). Also, structured questionnaires will be applied with owners and managers who may be found in the crops. The analysis will be carried through determining the populations structure and the space pattern and comparing to each other, so that can be possible to determine if population it is expansion or not. And also aimming to establish necessary proccedures to the control the species in the forest fragments and in the crops.