Studies on cambial activity: advances and challenges in the knowledge of growth dynamics of Brazilian woody species

The lack of specific research on the sequence of events that determine plant growth from meristem until wood formation represents a gap in the knowledge of growth dynamics in woody species. In this work, we surveyed published studies concerning cambial activity of Brazilian native species aiming at allowing the comparison of applied methods and obtained results. The annual cambial seasonality was observed in all the investigated species. Nevertheless, we found high heterogeneity in the used methodologies. As a result from this analysis, our opinion points to the need for standardizing sampling protocols and for discussing the suitability of experimental designs. This will help to define with greater precision the factors that determine the radial growth in the different tropical ecosystems.Fil: Callado, Catia H.. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Laboratório de Anatomia Vegetal. Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes; Brasil. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal; BrasilFil: Vasconcellos, Thaís J.. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal; BrasilFil: Costa, Monique S.. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal; BrasilFil: Barros, Claudia F..Fil: Roig Junent, Fidel Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Científico Tecnológico Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Tomazello-Filho, Mário. Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luis de Queiroz. Departamento de Ciências Florestais ; Brasi