Efecto del ciclo lunar en las propiedades físicas de Guadua angustifolia en Tingo María, Perú¹

Introduction: Bamboo reduces the use of non-renewable resources; Guadua angustifolia stands out for its sustainability, although the lunar cycle may affect its physical properties and durability. Objective: To analyze the effect of the lunar cycle and culm sections on the physical properties of G. angustifolia in the city of Tingo María. Materials and Methods: Bamboo culms were collected at the beginning of each lunar phase (new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter) from established plantations in Tingo María, located in central Peru. Each sample was evaluated for moisture content, basic density, and radial, tangential, and longitudinal shrinkage, considering the lower, middle, and upper sections of the culm. Results: The first quarter moon phase showed the highest moisture contents (108.91 ± 22.90 % in the lower section and 77.99 ± 18.30 % in the middle section). The new moon recorded the highest basic density (0.75 ± 0.05 g/ cm³ and 0.71 ± 0.05 g/cm^3). During the full moon, the greatest radial shrinkage was observed (21.58 ± 3.76 % and 16.91 ± 3.02 %), while the first quarter showed the highest tangential shrinkage (17.20 ± 4.19% and 13.46 ± 4.31 %). The last quarter exhibited the greatest longitudinal shrinkage (0.35 ± 0.17 % and 0.22 ± 0.15 %). Conclusions: The physical properties of G. angustifolia vary significantly according to the lunar cycle: the first quarter is associated with higher moisture content and tangential shrinkage; the new moon with higher density; the full moon with greater radial shrinkage; and the last quarter with greater longitudinal shrinkage.