Communities in Acre innovate in the production of Amazonian chestnut seedlings

Agroextractivist communities in Acre are adopting an innovative technique to produce Amazon nut tree seedlings (also known as Brazil nut or Pará nut). Developed by researchers from Embrapa in partnership with the extractivists themselves, the method is based on mini-greenhouses — a simple, practical and low-cost system — that has proven efficient for the germination and growth of plants. The species is essential for the economy and environment of the Amazon region.

More than 360 extractivists in Acre have already been trained in this technique, and some have started producing seedlings for planting on their properties, as well as for forest regeneration initiatives or for sale. According to researcher Lúcia Wadt, from Embrapa Rondônia, the method was created with the reality of communities in mind, as they face logistical challenges in transporting seedlings produced in conventional nurseries.

“The mini greenhouses are made from reused plastic buckets, creating a controlled environment that favors the development of seedlings,” explains the researcher. “Our goal was to make production more accessible and viable, especially on a small scale, where there is a greater need for practical and economical solutions.”

Recognized for its production of high-value nuts in the national and international markets, the chestnut tree is an essential species for small producers and agro-extractivists. However, cultivation faces challenges such as dormancy of the seeds, which have hard shells, lack of uniformity in germination and attacks by rodents, attracted by the nuts attached to the seedlings.

The main way to propagate chestnut trees is through seeds. There are several documented recommendations for the production of seedlings in forest nurseries, which requires specialized structure and labor. Suspended seedbeds and beds with shade and protection from animals are used, in addition to the use of agricultural inputs, such as plastic bags or tubes for germination.

However, this technology is not very accessible to small producers and agroextractivists who wish to produce seedlings on a small scale, mainly for their own use. Many report difficulties in producing chestnut seedlings.

The mini-greenhouse technique seeks to solve these problems, simplifying production and making it more accessible to communities that depend on extractivism. “In the traditional method, you need to have irrigation or someone to water three to four times a day. In the mini-greenhouse method, this frequency is eliminated, you still need to water, of course, but the seedling will be more stable,” says Wadt.

The researcher believes that the development of this methodology represents a significant advance for the production of chestnuts in agro-extractive areas. It allows producers to better take advantage of the potential of their planting areas, establishing new chestnut trees or enriching degraded forests “In addition to having the potential to promote more sustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon region,” she concludes.

Local initiatives and successful examples

Forestry engineer Eneide Taumaturgo, from the Acre Department of Agriculture, is working on transferring this technology to local producers. Despite some initial challenges, the engineer says that the methodology was adapted to facilitate the process and encourage adoption. “By using readily available materials, such as plastic buckets and easily obtainable substrates, it is possible to produce high-quality seedlings at low cost and without the need for complex infrastructure,” she notes.

At the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in Acre, agricultural engineer and environmental manager Joziane Evangelista stands out in seedling production. After training at Embrapa, Evangelista implemented the technique in a small nursery, contributing to forest restoration and generating income for the community. She emphasizes that success depends on specific care, such as rapid seed handling to ensure a good germination rate.

“I have been improving the method with some techniques. Now, I am starting my own nursery and have already registered with the National Seed and Seedling Registry, the Renasem System, so that I can sell my seedlings. In addition to being important for forest restoration, the production of seedlings will also add economic value to the community, which will be able to sell seedlings produced in the Reserve. Since I am the daughter of an extractivist, I left only to study, I think it is important to bring knowledge to the community,” says Joziane.

Step by step methodology

The production of seedlings in mini-greenhouses begins with the selection of high-quality seeds - one of the key points in applying the method - collected from at least 20 mother trees with good productivity.

Lúcia Wadt notes that the Amazonian chestnut tree is a species that requires cross-pollination between different trees to produce fruit (allogamous). Therefore, to increase the chances of successful germination, it is recommended to collect seeds from different, selected trees that have shown good productivity and regularity over the years.

After collection, it is ideal to submerge the seeds in water to check their viability. Those that sink are the most suitable because they are newer.

The seeds should be mixed with a moist substrate – soil or sawdust – and arranged in layers inside the mini greenhouse, so that they are completely covered. Sanitized 20-liter plastic buckets, prepared with ventilation holes, are used to maintain adequate humidity and temperature during the process, which helps break dormancy.

After stratification, the germinated seeds must be shelled and transplanted into tubes or larger containers. At this stage, the mini-greenhouses must be adapted with a wire structure covered in transparent plastic, creating a dome that helps maintain humidity and internal temperature. In about three months, the seedlings are ready to be planted in areas of forest enrichment or regeneration of degraded chestnut groves.

Content on the seedling production process in mini-greenhouses can be accessed in the free online course, available on the e-Campo platform, Embrapa's Virtual Learning Environment (AVA).

Environmental and economic impacts

Planting chestnut trees in association with other species helps restore degraded ecosystems, reinforcing the resilience of communities in the face of climate change. In addition, seedling production promotes sustainable agricultural practices, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as the eradication of hunger and environmental protection.

The mini-greenhouse technique represents a practical and scalable solution, with the potential to transform chestnut production in the region, combining science, sustainability and the strengthening of local communities.

legal aspects

Brazilian legislation, regulated by Law No. 10.711/2003, requires producers to register with the National Seed and Seedling Registry (Renasem). However, small producers who sell up to 10 seedlings per year are exempt from some requirements, facilitating the development of local businesses in the Amazon.