Descripción anatómica y organoléptica de la madera de cinco especies forestales de interés comercial procedentes del cantón Loreto, provincia de Orellana.

Abstract

This research aimed to carry out the anatomical and organoleptic description of the wood of five forest species of commercial interest from the Loreto city, Orellana province. Samples of their leaves, flowers and fruits were collected to describe the five species dendrologically. Samples of wood with dimensions of 6 x 12 x 2 cm were taken to determine the macroscopic characteristics by identifying the smell, taste, brightness, grain, texture, and grain. Cubes of 2 x 2 cm were taken and weighed in a balance, to determine the density. Sawdust of each of the species was mixed with water, left to stand for one hour and then measured with a pH meter to determine the pH-scale. In addition, 2 x 2 cm wooden cubes were made, these were subjected to a softening process in an autoclave; histological sections of the transverse, longitudinal and radial part were made with the help of a microtome, after that, they were dyed with safranin, Astra blue and a combination of equal parts of both. They were dried to observe the number of pores under a microscope. Finally, it was determined the type and number of pores by using a statistical analysis. The five forest species under study were correctly identified and described. All of them presented absent flavor and different densities. There was no significant differences between the pores of the species. Safranin in a period of 30 seconds allowed to count the largest number of pores and to identify anatomical characteristics, the combination between safranin/Astra blue allowed a better analysis in the five species. The organoleptic characteristics and the anatomy of the studied species varied among themselves. It was recommended to carry out studies of the species comparing different harvesting times, such as dry and rainy seasons.