Fenologia da espécie Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaizeiro) em floresta de várzea no Vale do Araguari, Amapá

Abstract

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has become increasingly popular for its many uses, including as a staple food for riverside communities, an energy drink, and a food staple in large cities, as well as its medicinal and cosmetic potential. However, little is known about the phenological aspects of this species, which can vary in terms of ripe fruit production times, even in regions within the state of Amapá. This is a unique initiative in the region and will greatly contribute to forestry research on floodplain açaí palms in the lower Araguari region, due to the lack of studies addressing the topic in native areas. This study sought to determine the flowering and fruiting periods of the species Euterpe oleracea Mart., indicating the harvest and off-season periods in areas of native açaí palm groves in the Araguari River Valley, Amapá. The observation period for the species E. oleracea lasted 24 months. Phenological monitoring was carried out along four plots measuring 50 x 50 m (2,500 m²), where 10 matrices (well-formed, pathogen-free clumps) were selected, spaced 20 m apart along the plots. The intensity and synchrony of the events were calculated using the phenological activity index. Circular statistics were used to analyze the data, in addition to Spearman's correlation and principal components to evaluate the açaí palm phenophases and climate variables. The spadix emission and flowering of E. oleracea were more expressive in the months with lower rainfall, with emphasis on the positive correlation of spadices with the maximum temperature variable (°C). The fruiting phenophase was more intense in the rainy season, showing a strong correlation with rainfall. The ideal period for fruit collection in the Araguari valley coincides with the winter period (January to July).