BRAZILIAN SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION (2007-2016) ON Acacia mangium Willd.: STATE OF THE ART AND REFLECTIONS

Abstract

In Brazil, Acacia mangium Willd. is grown in several regions and used for different ends. Due to the potential for multiple-purpose uses of the species, this work gathers information on the Brazilian scientific production (2007-2016), identifying the main studied subjects, the institutions involved, and the academic interactions with other countries in these studies. This work ends with a reflection on the potential and directions for a better use of the species in the country. The Scopus database was used for its robustness and method of indexation. Scientometric indicators and the authors´ experience were used to discuss the results. Out of the 375 records recovered in Scopus for articles on the genus Acacia with Brazilian authors contribution in that period, 30% concentrated on the species A. mangium. Among the institutions that published most on this species are Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, the Universidade deSão Paulo, the Universitade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, and the Universidade Estadual de São Paulo. Regarding the collaborations, Brazilian researchers preferentially published with peers from France, Germany, USA, and Australia; however, there were few representatives of Asian countries, which are the largest producers of raw materials of the genus. The selection of suitable genetic material, the development of silvicultural techniques and managements, and the technologies for the wood industrialization of the species are essential for the aggregation of value to A. mangium plantations and products in Brazil. Studies on the risk to local biodiversity are also essential for the country.