Desfolha artificial como estratégia de manejo para produção de extratos de Tectona grandis l.f.

Abstract

The exploitation of bioextractives from Tectona grandis L.f. still relies largely on destructive methods, limiting the development of sustainable non-timber management strategies. Although the species presents recognized phytochemical potential and applications in plant-based products, gaps remain regarding harvesting systems capable of balancing productivity, plant physiological recovery, and extract quality. This study aimed to establish an integrated framework for sustainable bioextract production in T. grandis by combining cyclic artificial defoliation of seedlings with phytochemical prospecting of coppice shoots from commercial plantations. The experiment was structured into two complementary components. In the first, 120-day-old seedlings were subjected to total artificial defoliation at 30-day intervals under nursery conditions, evaluating morphometric growth, extractive yield, quinone compound presence, and the potential of extracts as pH indicators. In the second, coppice shoots approximately 15 mm in diameter were separated into leaves, branches, and stems, followed by hydroalcoholic extraction and qualitative phytochemical screening to identify metabolite classes. Quantitative data were analyzed under a completely randomized design. Results demonstrated that cyclic defoliation is a feasible non-destructive harvesting strategy, maintaining quinone detection and pH indicator capacity despite a reduction in extractive yield. In coppice shoots, leaves showed higher extractive content and distinct metabolite distribution compared to other plant parts. The integration of nursery-based leaf harvesting with field utilization of coppice biomass represents a promising pathway for non-timber management of teak, supporting bioeconomy-oriented production systems and value addition within the species’ productive chain.