Summary
The authors compare the growth in diameter and height and the survival of 21 amazonian forest species, of economic value, planted under two hight conditions: one under the shade of undisturbed high forest and the other in full light. They verify that the growth in height and diameter and the percentage survival, in full light, was superior to that under shade for almost all the species tested, showing that light is an important, fundamental factor as much as a limiting factor to growth as a regulator of survival of forest species. The species which presented the better appearance with the greater heights and diameters in full light were Goupia glabra, Cedrelinga catenaeformis, Bagassa guianensis, Carapa guianensis, Jacaranda paraensis, Dipteryx odorata, Calophyllum angulare, Pithecolobium racemosum and Scleronema micranthum. Under the shade of undisturbed high forest the better species were Goupia glabra, Jacaranda paraensis, Cedrelinga cateaneformis, Calophyllum angulare, Ocotea rubra e Tabebuia serratifolia. The authors recommend these species for plantations in the Amazon, calling attention to the fact that the knowledge of intrinsic ecological characteristics of each species is essential for silvicultural success in this region.