Avaliação do potencial de produção de látex de duas espécies exóticas no Semiárido Paraibano: Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer ex Decne e Plumeria alba L.

Abstract

The search for biodegradable materials to replace products that are harmful to the environment is very promising. Bioadhesives gained ascension due to their potential use to the detriment of commercial synthetic adhesives. The species Cryptostegia madagascariensis and Plumeria alba are both dairy plants belonging to the Apocynaceae family. In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the latex production potential of two exotic species C. madagascariensis and P. alba. The treatments consisted of two plant populations and three latex extraction sites (leaf, branch and stem), in a factorial design with five replications. The extracted material was packed in 50 ml containers, properly stored and taken to the Laboratory of Transport Phenomena, Hydraulics, Irrigation and Drainage of the Center for Sustainable Development of the Semi-Arid Region of the Federal University of Campina Grande for subsequent weighing. The variables analyzed were Total latex production (PROD), Latex production time (TPL), Plant part diameter (DPP), Production rate per time (TPT) and Production rate per diameter (TPD). Regarding the total production, it appears that, despite the statistical insignificance, the part of the plant that promotes greater latex exudation are the branches, mainly P. alba, the values reached were 3.53 g/organ and 1.04 g/organ. Regarding the time of latex production, it is observed that P. alba presents longer production time, mainly considering the extraction by the leaves and branches. The diameter of the plant part showed a statistically significant difference. This parameter may explain the lower values extracted from C. madagascariensis in leaves, branches and stems. The production rate per time confirms that the branches are the biggest latex producers. It can be seen that C. madagascariensis can produce 1,305.2 g/day through its branches, while P. alba reaches 156.2 g in the same period. Therefore, the species C. madagascariensis and P. alba have latex production potential, being more advantageous to extract it from the branches of both plants. However, further research that enhances and improves the extraction of this material, as well as techniques for purifying the final product, must be developed to better direct its use in the production of bioadhesives.