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Several leaf-level models have been developed to model stomatal conductance (gs) in response to environmental factors such as CO2, light, temperature, vapor pressure deficit. We studied the applicability of three common stomatal conductance models including Ball–Woodrow–Berry (BB), Ball–Berry–Leuning (BBL) and unified stomatal optimization (USO) models to identify the best model using data obtained from planted forests in Brazil, in addition to analyzing how stomatal conductance and water use efficiency vary between the genera, species and sites. We analyzed the effects of the genus (Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Pinus), age, air temperature (minimum temperature and maximum temperatura) and total annual precipitation on parameter g1 using mixed generalized linear models (GLMM). The BBL and USO models performed better comparing to BB model. Both the USO model and the BBL model showed good fits (R2 ranging from 0.41 to 0.95) with the evaluated metrics. From 22 genotypes tested, three did not fit the BBL model. The USO model had good fits with measured stomatal conductance for all datasets. The USO model had the highest slope parameter for species Pinus Taeda (g1 = 4.96 ± 0.09) and the lowest slope parameter for genotype E. grandis × E. urophylla (1.42 ± 0.04). The parameter g1 of the eucalypt group ranged from 1.42 to 4.87. The genus of pine ranged from 4.30 to 4.96. The pine species had a relatively high slope parameter of gs model (g1) and, consequently, the lowest efficiency in water use when compared to eucalyptus species. When evaluating the influence of the climatic variables age and genus on parameter g1, the results showed a significant effect only for the variable "Genus", indicating a difference between the groups evaluated for the g1 parameter. The g1 was higher for the genus Pinus, and lower for Eucalyptus and Corymbia, which do not differ significantly. Our results made available a database of g1 obtained by the three most used models in ESMS and PBMs models, in addition to suggesting the next steps for the study of stomatal conductance modeling in planted forests in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus taeda plantations depend directly on the supply of resources (light, water, and nutrients) available to the stand. However, studies quantifying edaphic and climatic factors in P. taeda stands are scarce. This study aimed to identify the main edaphic, climatic and stand factors that influence the productivity and growth pattern of P. taeda plantations in southern Brazil. A total of 24 stands, ranging between 8 and 10 years old were evaluated. Biometric variables such as height, diameter at breast height (DBH), stem analysis, growth rings, specific gravity, and soil chemical and physical variables were evaluated. Site index (SI), stem biomass, mean annual increment without bark (MAI) and correlations between variables were calculated. We observed that by nine years after planting, none of the plots had reached their maximum growth; and MAI, standing stem biomass and SI ranged from 15 to 35 m³ ha−1 year−1, 56–131 Mg ha−1, and 12–19 m, respectively, with higher values in Três Barras site. Stem biomass were positively related with SI (r = 0.89), and stem production was related with higher available water content (r = 0.41), warm temperatures (r = 0.61), and higher relative air humidity (r = 0.58). The study corroborates the role of nutrients, well-drained soils, mild climatic conditions, and low water deficit to explain the high yields of P. taeda in Brazil compared to other locations around the world. Based on these results, studies on fertilization, genetic material, and more frequent use of stem analysis, associated with X-ray densitometry, are recommended for P. taeda. • MAI and stem biomass of P. taeda were positively related with SI. • Stem production was highly related to available water content in P. taeda plantation. • Potential to increase P. taeda productivity in southern Brazil by fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The international Haemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) study assessed the psychosocial aspects of life for people with haemophilia (PWH) and their caregivers in several countries. Brazil was not included in this initiative. Aim and methods: An observational, multicentre, cross‐sectional study was performed involving PWH (moderate‐to‐severe haemophilia) and their caregivers, from November 2014 to July 2015. The primary objective was to quantify the extent of the primary psychosocial factors affecting PWH in their everyday life. Descriptive statistics and comparisons between Brazilian and global respondents are presented. Results: A total of 100 adult male PWH and 100 caregivers (responding on behalf of their oldest affected child aged <18 years) completed the survey. Sixty‐eight per cent of the PWH had haemophilia A without inhibitors. Chronic pain and hepatitis C were the most common conditions related to haemophilia. On the EQ‐5D assessment, 64% of PWH reported extreme/moderate pain. Treatment for depression or anxiety was reported by 18% of PWH and by 29% of caregivers. There was a lower employment rate for PWH in Brazil, compared to the countries included in the original HERO survey (51% vs 60%); 71% of PWH stated that haemophilia has a negative impact on their work. Over the previous 5 years, 58% of PWH and 68% of caregivers did not have difficulties in obtaining the concentrated factor for treatment. Conclusions: Our study presents an overview of the psychosocial aspects of life with haemophilia in Brazil, providing a basis for health policy decisions and may further improve comprehensive care for PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To date, none of the available assessment instruments to evaluate functional abilities for individuals with haemophilia has been translated and validated in Brazil. Aim: To translate, and test the construct validity, internal consistency and the reliability of the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) for the Brazilian population with severe and moderate haemophilia (type A or B) and to investigate differences in the self‐perception of functional abilities in patients adults with haemophilia classified according to the presence of joint bleeding and the performance of orthopaedic surgeries. Methods: The translation and transcultural adaptation following the steps: (a) translation; (b) synthesis (consensual version); (c) back‐translation; (d) review by the committee of experts; (e) pretest in the target population; and (f) final version of the instrument. Correlations between HAL scores and the scores of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were determined for construct validation. Reliability was tested using the test and retest method, and internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach's α. Results: The HAL‐BR was applied to 52 individuals with haemophilia (34.51 ± 12.87 years). The process of translation and cross‐cultural adaptation produced similar versions between the translations A moderate correlation was observed between HAL and the HAQ (r = −0.55) and WOMAC scores (r = −0.58). The reliability was ICC = 0.972, CI (0.917‐0.997) ICC = 0.876, CI (0.631‐0.978) for inter‐ and intra‐examiners. No difference was found in the total HAL score between the groups with and without bleeding. The group subjected to surgery compared to the group of not subjected to surgery presented in the HAL domains worse function in 'lying down/sitting/kneeling/standing', 'self‐care' and 'complex lower extremities activities' as well as in total HAL score. Conclusion: The Brazilian version of the HAL was proven to be a valid and reliable evaluation tool for adults with haemophilia in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• The drought resistant clone used as much or more water than the high productivity clone across dry, mesic and wet sites. • Water use efficiency for the drought resistant clone was lower than the high productivity clone at the dry and mesic sites. • The drought resistant clone may allocate more resources to roots leading to increased water use. • Decisions to plant drought resistant clones on arid or marginal lands may have unexpected impacts on water resources. Eucalyptus plantation productivity has increased 4-fold across Brazil as a result of improved genetic selection and intensive silviculture. However, the rate of productivity improvements is slowing and suggests increased production will require planting in areas that have never been previously planted with Eucalyptus with uncertain impacts on local water supplies. This study compares water use and water use efficiency between a drought resistant (E. grandis × E. camaldulensis) and high productivity Eucalyptus clone (E. urophylla) across three sites (dry, mesic and wet) spanning a two-fold precipitation gradient (~600–1350 mm y−1) in Brazil. Each site included a 30% reduced rainfall treatment for each clone to investigate within site response to reduced precipitation. We found that the drought resistant clone used as much or more water than the high productivity clone at all three sites. The drought resistant clone transpired almost 20% percent more water than the high productivity clone at the dry site (3.7 vs. 3.0 m3 y−1) while water use between clones did not differ at the mesic (4.6 vs 4.0 m3 y−1) and wet site (4.0 vs 4.5 m3 y−1). The high productivity clone transpired 54, 46 and 37% of annual precipitation at the dry, mesic and wet sites respectively while the drought resistant clone consumed 67, 47 and 31% of annual precipitation from the dry to the wet site. Although the rain reduction treatments did not impact annual water use for either clone at the dry and mesic sites, there were some differences at a subannual timescale. Rain reduction treatments at the dry site lowered transpiration in the driest, hottest three months for the high productivity clone by 25–32%. Rainfall reduction led to lower water use by the drought resistant clone for only one month during the dry season (18%). The high productivity clone transpired less water (24–26%) in the rainfall reduction treatment at the mesic site during three months and the drought resistant clone transpired 18 and 20% less water in the rainfall reduction treatment during two months. Rainfall reduction reduced annual transpiration by 59% for the high productivity clone at the wet site. Average water use efficiency of the drought resistant clone was almost 70% lower than the high productivity clone at the dry and mesic sites (~5.2 vs. 1.5 kg m−3 y−1) and was due to the combination of low growth and high water use. Higher than expected growth by the drought resistant clone at the wet site resulted in similar water use efficiency between clones (6.3 vs. 5.8 kg m−3 y−1). We discuss potential implications of our findings and highlight several lines of evidence that suggest the drought resistant clone in this study allocates a greater proportion of gross primary productivity below ground allowing it to access deeper reserves of soil water during dry periods. Our results suggest that decisions to plant drought resistant clones in drought prone areas should be carefully considered and also highlight the need for more research on water use and drought tolerance strategies for Eucalyptus clones bred for more arid areas in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The variations in WV, BWD and SB of the stem in relation to the climatic gradient are specific to each clone and follow a behavior trend inherent to the type of climate that clone is adapted. • WV changes biomass production more than wood density and it is not possible to determine a standard behavior of basic wood density in drier locations. • Although representative of the environment, the climatic variables have a high estimation power for the basic density of the wood. The wood production potential that a site presents is largely represented by its climatic condition and by the affinity of its genetic material. An issue which concerns all wood producers is climate change and how it will influence wood production and wood characteristics, as they can be decisive in industrial applications. Therefore, this study aimed to: (i) verify the wood volume (WV), stem biomass (SB) and the basic wood density (BWD) behavior against different climatic scenarios; and (ii) verify the potential of estimating the BWD through meteorological variables. The WV, BWD and SB of four different Eucalyptus spp. clones as to their climate of origin and species were analyzed. The cultivation was from 2012 to 2015 (four years) with planting in 11 locations in Brazil, representing a wide range of climatic characteristics with average precipitation from 649 mm y−1 to 1618 mm y−1. Precipitation, maximum vapor-pressure deficit, water deficit in the soil, temperature and precipitation seasonality were used to characterize the regions during the growth period. Hierarchical grouping was carried out for the sites, and the WV, BWD and SB behavior within the groups were analyzed. Thus, a linear regression equation between the most influential meteorological variables in the BWD were adjusted in order to identify the potential of the estimative BWD. Four groups were formed between the sites, and the variation in WV, BWD and SB for each clone between the wet and dry groups were respectively: C3: −68.3%, +8.7% and −65.0%; K2: −77.5%, +8.3% and −74.3%, A1: −40.3%, −9.21% and −39.9%; and Q8 – −31.6%, +8.4% and −34.1%. The drier locations generally showed lower WV and SB, and higher BWD associated to a decrease in the growth rate. This behavior is intrinsic to each clone and does not establish a defined proportion. Humid locations did not show clear patterns in changing density. The maximum vapor-pressure deficit and the water deficit in the soil were the most significant variables and had the best potential to estimate the basic wood density of the wood. Basic wood density is a resource which can be strongly influenced by genetics, and above all there is a significant influence of climate on the sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mean annual increment (MAI) changes in greater proportion than basic density (BD). • Precipitation and temperature have more influence over the wood BD and MAI variations. • The SWS had no significant influence on changes in the BD and MAI. • Clones E5 and G7 are more sensitive to climatic variations than clone P7. • Groups were formed based on a 80% score, representing the original BD and MAI variables. Eucalyptus plantations are some of the most productive, and adaptable to different environmental conditions. However, harsh environmental conditions can limit the quality of the wood, and its potential use. The TECHS project investigates the sensitivity of 18 eucalyptus clones to environmental stresses, and their productivity responses in different edaphoclimatic scenarios. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of edaphoclimatic variables on the basic density (BD), and mean annual increment (MAI) of eucalyptus wood. Three different clones, planted at 10 growth sites in Brazil, 4 years of age, were analyzed. During the years 2012 to 2015. Variables such as precipitation, temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and the water storage capacity of the soil were considered. Canonical correlation techniques, principal components, and cluster analyses were performed in order to verify if there were influences of any of the edaphoclimatic variables on the set of production variables (BD and MAI). The variables were also used to organize the sites into groups based on their similarities. There was a significant influence of the edaphoclimatic variables at the different sites regarding the BD and MAI variables (r U1V1 = 0.77). Precipitation was positively correlated with the production variable (0.64), while the temperature (−0.59) and the vapor pressure deficit (−0.52) correlated negatively. The water storage capacity of the soil did not contribute to the set of edaphoclimatic variables that affected the production variable (0.16). Among the clones studied, E5 and G7 were more sensitive to climatic variations in different sites than the clone P7. The responses of the wood to the BD and MAI are clone-specific, and the mean annual increment of the wood changes in a greater proportion than the basic density faced with environmental variations. Understanding the responses of eucalyptus clones to environmental variations, mainly temperature and precipitation, facilitates forest planning, regarding the supply, and the quality of the wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Despite the growth, the climate also influences heartwood formation. • Moist sites produced more heartwood in E. urophylla clones. • The climate influences more heartwood percentage than density. • Response variability for wood properties is also influenced by genetic. • Huber value was not related to climatic conditions. One of the forms used to differentiate wood is heartwood and sapwood classifications, as variations in the proportions influence wood use. The aim of this study was to compare the heartwood percentage (H%) and wood density (WD) of eucalyptus in plantations along a climatic gradient, and to estimate these characteristics using meteorological variables and tree growth rate. E. urophyla clones at 6 years old were analyzed in 12 sites distributed across a wide geographic variation in Brazil. Seven trees from each site were sampled, and a disc was taken from the DBH position. H% was determined by image analysis, while heartwood density (HD), sapwood density (SD) and wood density (WD) by X-ray densitometry. H%, HD, SD and WD data were submitted to analysis of individual variance and the sites means were compared. WD and H% were correlated with the following variables: temperature (T), precipitation (P), soil water deficit (SWD), water use index (W), water use efficiency (WUE) and mean annual increment (MAI); these variables were also used in the multiple regression analysis in the adjustment of equations. The differentiation between heartwood and sapwood by color was possible in all sites. The sites located in higher and more humid latitudes presented the highest H% values (between 61 and 67%). In general, HD was lower than SD, with the sites with the lowest MAI values showing the lowest SD values, and wet sites with higher MAI and the highest densities. H% showed strong and significant correlations with T, P, SWD, W and MAI, whereas HD only showed moderate and significant correlations with T, MAI and WUE. The best equation for estimating H% used the P and MAI variables, which managed to explain 79% of the variation. In the WD estimation, the best equation only used the WUE variable and obtained an explanation power of 53%. In addition to the strong relationship between heartwood percentage and growth, it was found that the climate also influences heartwood formation. Use the equation obtained for clone A1 in other clones confirmed that the response variability for wood properties is also influenced by genetic. No relationship was observed between the Huber value and climatic conditions, however, the factors influencing SA:LA ratio behavior are complex and requires considering other components. H% was shown to be more correlated with climate than density, and the observed variability between sites suggests the inclusion of heartwood content assessments in this species in management and breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is significant genotype × environment interaction. • There are different performances of eucalypt clones over time. • Temperature strongly influences the clustering of sites. • There are three mega-environments according to the latitude gradient formed over time. The genetic gains from eucalypt breeding programs have decreased compared to previous decades while productivity reduced in recent years. This decrease is mainly attributed to climate change that, according to studies, has been limiting productivity and changing the adaptation of forest species. But other aspects can be listed, as pests and diseases and decreasing gains with the advance of breeding programs. The objective of this work is to investigate the genotype × site × age interaction in a multi-environment trial with eucalypt clones to verify the adaptability and stability of the genotypes and, finally, to identify mega-environments over time, as well as the influence of climate variables on the genotype performances. The trait diameter at breast height (DBH) of 11 Eucalyptus commercial clones at 11 sites (range from −0.84 to −24.23 latitude and from −39.60 to −52.59 longitude) and three evaluated ages (Age 1 – ranging from 13 to 17 months after planting; Age 2 – from 31 to 34 months; Age 3 – from 48 to 53 months old) was measured and analyzed by factor analytic multiplicative mixed (FAMM) model associated with the GGE biplot and multivariate regression tree using climate variables. A significant G × E interaction and genotypes with different performance across environments and ages were observed. There are clones with high adaptability to specific sites while others show good stability. The results clustered the sites into three mega-environments according to a latitude gradient, over time. The performance of Eucalyptus clones over time indicate precisely either roughly similar or extremely contrasting environments. Temperature affected the most the clustering of the studied sites followed by the latitudinal gradient, impacting productivity negatively, regardless of age. These results may help future studies on the development of selection strategies in tropical regions to address climate change and assist forest breeding programs to deal with the effect of climate change on eucalypt productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An ensemble of FAO, APSIM and 3PG models was used to simulate Eucalyptus growth gaps. • The total Eucalyptus growth gap in Brazil was, on average, 53 m3 ha−1 yr−1. • The water deficit was the main cause of Eucalyptus growth gaps in Central Northern Brazil. • The sub-optimal forest management was the main cause of growth gaps in Southern Brazil. • Mitigation strategies were proposed to reduce growth gaps and improve forest management. Eucalyptus growth (stemwood volume, m3 ha−1 yr−1) is conditioned by biotic and abiotic factors, which are related to the climate, genotype, chemical and physical soil conditions, silvicultural practices and forest management. These factors impose a huge temporal and spatial variability of Eucalyptus growth, leading to growth gaps. Therefore, identifying Eucalyptus growth gaps (GG), their magnitudes and causes may be a powerful tool for establishing strategies to increase forest resiliency and productivity. In this context, the aims of this study were to determinate the Eucalyptus growth gaps by a multimodel approach for different production locations in Brazil and to identify their main causes, possible solutions and mitigation strategies. Three Eucalyptus simulation models (FAO, APSIM and 3PG), properly calibrated and validated, were used for simulating the potential and attainable growth. Actual growth data were obtained from 30 producing locations in Brazil from experimental plantations of the TECHS Project. The growth gaps at all locations in Midwest and Northeast regions of the country were predominantly caused by water deficit. In Southeast and North regions, the water deficit was the main cause of GG in 87% and 67% of the locations, respectively. On the other hand, in Southern Brazil, the sub-optimal forest management was the main cause of growth gap at all locations, since water deficit is very low in this region. In general, the water deficit represented the main cause of Eucalyptus growth gap in Brazil; therefore, the use of drought-tolerant genotypes, wider spacing, deeper subsoiling for heavy and cohesive soils, and soil conservation practices (such as maintaining harvest residue on site) for improving water infiltration and root growth are the main strategies to reduce this kind of gap. On the other hand, for reducing the growth gap caused by sub-optimal forest management, the main strategies are better nutrition management, use of high-quality seedlings (improved genetic materials and high nursery quality), and weed control, pests and diseases. In addition to these practices, better monitoring of forest fires, windstorms and waterlogging events by integrating climate, management and genetic strategies also could help to improve Eucalyptus productivity in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FAO, APSIM and 3PG models were evaluated under contrasting climates, soil types and genotypes. • An intercomparison of the main structural features of forest models was performed. • Simulation models were able to estimate Eucalyptus yield when properly calibrated. • Multimodel approach (ensemble) reduced the errors of Eucalyptus yield estimations. Eucalyptus process-based models are the most promising tools available for assisting foresters and companies in the pursuit of appropriate planning, long-term management and for assessing the impact of climate variability and change on the forest sector. Reducing errors of Eucalyptus yield simulations is of high importance since it increases the accuracy and credibility of decision making in forest systems. Furthermore, information on ensemble approach for Eucalyptus yield estimations is still scarce. The aims of this study were: to calibrate and evaluate the performance (goodness-of-fit) of the FAO, APSIM and 3PG models for different major Brazilian Eucalyptus clones; to perform an intercomparison of the structural features of Eucalyptus simulation models; and to assess the performance of an ensemble approach of these models. To these ends, experimental yield data from 2012 to 2017 from eight Eucalyptus clones distributed over 23 locations with several and contrasting environmental conditions in Brazil were used. During the evaluation phase, the R2 ranged from 0.81 to 0.88, the modelling efficiency index (E) ranged from 0.75 to 0.81 and the root mean square error (RMSE) ranged from 37.1 to 42.3 m3 ha−1, when the models were individually assessed. The multimodel ensemble approach improved the performance of Eucalyptus yield estimations, with higher R2 (0.89), E (0.85) and lower RMSE (33.1 m3 ha−1), compared to the individual performance of the models. Forest simulation models were able to estimate Eucalyptus yield across a wide range of climates and soil types when properly calibrated. The use of a multimodel ensemble reduced the errors of Eucalyptus yield estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modelling was used to study climate variability impacts on Eucalyptus production. • Attainable Eucalyptus growth and yield were examined across a 30° latitude gradient. • Simulated mean annual increment (MAI) ranged, on average, from 38 to 69 m3 ha−1 yr−1. • Simulated MAI increased 0.91 m3 ha−1 yr−1 for each increase of one degree in latitude. • MAI was mostly driven by rainfall combined with high temperatures at tropical sites. Managing climatic variability is essential for dealing with current genotype x environment interactions and for adapting Eucalyptus plantations to future climate change. This study uses a process-based modelling approach to assess long-term effects of spatial and temporal climate variability on Eucalyptus productivity for 36 sites across Brazil. The attainable stem wood mean annual increment (MAI, m3 ha−1 yr−1) was simulated by the APSIM Next Generation Eucalyptus model, considering three soil types (clay, sandy-clay and sandy-loam) and twenty-seven rotations of seven years, using weather data from 1980 to 2013. Spatial and temporal (inter-annual and inter-seasonal) climate variability strongly affected Eucalyptus MAI across Brazilian regions. Average Eucalyptus MAI ranged from 38 m3 ha−1 yr−1 (Imperatriz, MA, Northeast region) to 69 m3 ha−1 yr−1 (Borebi, SP, Southeast region), while its coefficient of variation ranged from 3.2% (Antônio Olinto, PR, South region) to 17.2% (Bocaiúva, MG, Southeast region). Our results suggest an average increment of about 0.91 m3 ha−1 yr−1 for each increase of one degree in latitude. Eucalyptus growth was mostly driven by water deficit combined with high temperatures at tropical sites, while the tree growth was more affected by low winter temperatures at subtropical sites. The results of the present study have value for understanding how Eucalyptus plantations change their growth in response to changing climate. Gauging the effects of climate variability on Eucalyptus growth may assist in forest planning by estimating the area to be cultivated, machinery sizing, climate risk, and guiding the tree breeders in choosing appropriate genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• APSIM Eucalyptus model was evaluated under contrasting environmental conditions. • New functions were added into the model using the Plant Modelling Framework (PMF). • APSIM model performed well in estimating the value of various complex Eucalyptus traits. • This model may be a valuable decision support tool to foresters. Process-based simulation models are promising tools to integrate biophysical process with soil and climate conditions and then simulate genetic and management impacts on forest productivity. The aim of this study was to adapt, calibrate, evaluate and improve the performance of the APSIM Next Generation Eucalyptus model for different major Brazilian Eucalyptus clones. To these ends, experimental stemwood production data from 2012 to 2017 from eight Eucalyptus clones distributed over 23 locations with contrasting environmental conditions in Brazil were used. The APSIM Next Generation Eucalyptus model, when properly adapted and calibrated, performed well in simulating stemwood biomass and volume, basal area and leaf area index in subtropical and tropical regions and for different genetic entries. For stemwood biomass, the R2 ranged from 0.76 to 0.93 and the Willmott Agreement Index ranged from 0.93 to 0.98, indicating satisfactory precision and accuracy, respectively. As the model performed well, it may be a valuable decision support tool to help foresters in matching suitable genotypes to their sites, to simulate the best management strategies and to assist in long-term forest planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]