BIOENERGETIC POTENTIAL OF NATURAL POPULATIONS OF MACAÚBA IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF THE STATE OF TOCANTINS

Abstract

Macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), due to its high levels of oil in the fruits, has great bioenergetic potential and offers a promising alternative to produce biofuel and other bioproducts. The objective of this study was to carry out an environmental and morphological characterization of the native populations of macaúba in the central region of the State of Tocantins, as well as to analyze their bioenergetic potential. To carry out the present study, two experimental sites were selected from the identification of 28 potential areas with natural occurrence of macaúba. Experimental Site A, located in the municipality of Lajeado, is characterized by a region of dense Cerrado-type natural vegetation, with an altitude of 230 m. Experimental Site B is in Aparecida do Rio Negro, in an area of extensive pasture and an altitude of 390 m.  of the soil, morphological and biometric of the macaúba populations, as well as the analyzes to obtain the oil content of the fruits. In each site, 07 palm trees were selected after measuring height, counting the number of bunches and inflorescences and botanical identification of the species. 2 kg of fruits were collected from each of these palm trees, which were measured, pulped and then the oil content of the mesocarp and endosperm was analyzed (Bligh Method; Dyer) expressed % dry basis, and extraction time (30 and 60 min.), for each area. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two areas regarding the average oil content, indicating that the average of Site A (30.85%) was higher than the average of Site B (20.73%). There was no significant difference between the oil content of the mesocarp (26.08%) and the endosperm (25.50%), nor in relation to the extraction time.