The effects of gap disturbance on the seedling emergence, survival and growth of two different native species in Inner Mongolia

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiming Kan ◽  
Juying Wu ◽  
Yingjun Zhang ◽  
Guixia Liu
Keyword(s):  
Inner Mongolia ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Gap Disturbance

Litter burning does not equally affect seedling emergence of native and alien species of the Mediterranean-type Chilean matorral

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Gómez-González ◽  
Lohengrin A. Cavieres
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Central Chile ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Chilean Matorral ◽  
Anthropogenic Fires

Central Chile differs from other areas with Mediterranean-type climate by the scarcity of natural wildfires. The Chilean matorral is highly invaded by alien plant species from other Mediterranean zones of the world, where natural, recurrent wildfires have been one of their ecological features at least since the Pliocene. This suggests that anthropogenic fires in Chile might favour alien plant recruitment, increasing the invasive process. We assessed the effect of litter burning on the emergence of alien and native species from the soil seedbank of a matorral of central Chile. Soil samples were taken from three types of microhabitats: (i) closed matorral; (ii) beneath the canopy of shrubs and trees from an open matorral; (iii) grassland. Each sample was split in two subsamples. One subsample was exposed to fire by burning the litter taken from its corresponding microhabitat, and the other subsample was left unburned and used as a control. Fire intensity, determined by the fuel type, affected more markedly the native seedbank survival than the alien one. The low-intensity fire produced by grassland litter did not significantly affect the emergence of native herbs but increased alien species richness. The high-intensity and the very high-intensity fires produced by litter burning from beneath the canopy of the closed and the open matorral, respectively, negatively affected the seedling emergence of both native and alien species, but did so in a more pronounced manner to native species. Therefore, anthropogenic fires in central Chile may promote the invasion of alien plants with favourable traits (i.e. heat-shock resistance of seeds) that are not present in the native flora.

scholarly journals Seed encrusting with salicylic acid: A novel approach to improve establishment of grass species in ecological restoration

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0242035
Author(s):  
Simone Pedrini ◽  
Jason C. Stevens ◽  
Kingsley W. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Salicylic Acid ◽  
Seed Germination ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Seed Coating ◽  
Seedling Density ◽  
Survival And Growth

To achieve global ambitions in large scale ecological restoration, there is a need for approaches that improve the efficiency of seed-based interventions, particularly in overcoming the bottleneck in the transition from germination to seedling establishment. In this study, we tested a novel seed-based application of the plant stress modulator compound salicylic acid as a means to reduce seedling losses in the seed-to-seedling phase. Seed coating technology (encrusting) was developed as a precursor for optimising field sowing for three grass species commonly used in restoration programs, Austrostipa scabra, Microlaena stipoides, and Rytidosperma geniculatum. Salicylic acid (SA, 0.1mM) was delivered to seeds via imbibition and seed encrusting. The effects of SA on seed germination were examined under controlled water-limited conditions (drought resilience) in laboratory setting and on seed germination, seedling emergence, seedling growth and plant survival in field conditions. Salicylic acid did not impact germination under water stress in controlled laboratory conditions and did not affect seedling emergence in the field. However, seedling survival and growth were improved in plants grown from SA treated seeds (imbibed and encrusted) under field conditions. When SA delivery methods of imbibing and coating were compared, there was no significant difference in survival and growth, showing that seed coating has potential to deliver SA. Effect of intraspecific competition as a result of seedling density was also considered. Seedling survival over the dry summer season was more than double at low seedling density (40 plants/m2) compared to high seedling density (380 plants/m2). Overall, adjustment of seeding rate according to expected emergence combined with the use of salicylic acid via coating could improve seed use efficiency in seed-based restoration.

Ecological Studies of the Endangered Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides. II. Patterns of Seedling Emergence and Survival in a Native Grassland

1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
JW Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Seedling Mortality ◽  
Themeda Triandra ◽  
Established Plant ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Growth Of Seedlings

The emergence, survival and growth of seedlings of the endangered Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides F.Muell. were followed in a Themeda triandra grassland during 1991 and 1992. The effect of summer irrigation on seedling survival was also investigated. Seedling emergence occurred in both years within 2 weeks of the 'autumn break' when soil moisture rose above 20%. Ninety percent of emergence was observed within 4 weeks of the onset of germination and 87% of seedlings were within 20 cm of an established plant. No emergence was observed after 8 weeks. Thirteen percent of the 1991 cohort survived for 14 months. Mortality of most seedlings (63%) was attributed to soil moisture stress in summer. Small seedlings (Ͱ4 3 leaves) were no more susceptible to drought than larger seedlings. Seventy two percent of the 1991 cohort produced four leaves before subsequently dying. In 1992, however, most early seedling mortality was amongst cotyledonary seedlings. No seedlings flowered in their first year. Above-ground growth was slow and by 14 months, 60% of surviving seedlings had seven or fewer live leaves. Irrigation in a year of below-average rainfall had no significant effect on the survival and growth of seedlings. This suggests that seedling recruitment is not restricted to climatically favourable years (i.e. is not episodic) but rather, is potentially on-going provided suitable microsites are available for seedling survival.

scholarly journals Ecological restoration of Wairio Wetland, Lake Wairarapa: The response of native wetland vegetation to eutrophication and revegetation management strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Aprille Kate Gillon
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Wetland Restoration ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Native Tree ◽  
Survival And Growth

<p>Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support abundant native fauna and flora and provide many essential functions and services, for example water purification, erosion stabilisation, floodwater storage, groundwater recharge, peat accumulation and biogeochemical cycling. Despite the vast benefits they provide, worldwide loss and degradation of wetlands still continues, mainly due to agriculture, urban development, population growth and exploitation. Wetland disturbance can cause altered hydrological regimes, invasive species introduction, soil and water eutrophication, habitat fragmentation, and reductions in native fauna and flora leading to an overall reduced functionality. Ecological restoration is an active practice commonly undertaken in degraded wetlands to re-establish ecosystem functioning, and most commonly includes revegetation, reconstruction of hydrology, weed control, pest management, and native species reintroductions. Wairio Wetland located on the eastern shores of Lake Wairarapa forms a part of Wairarapa-Moana, the largest wetland complex in the lower North Island of New Zealand. Wairio Wetland was historically an abundant kahikatea swamp forest, with a diverse range of waterfowl, waders and freshwater fish. However, the wetland was adversely affected by draining from the Lower Wairarapa Valley Development Scheme (LWVDS) during the 1960’s and 1970’s, the construction of Parera Road, and invasion of willow tree seeds planted in the Wairarapa Valley for erosion control. Draining of the wetland, division from nearby lagoons and ponds, nitrogen and phosphorus build-up in waterways and exotic weed invasion all contributed to the poor state of the wetland. In 2005, Ducks Unlimited (DU) in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and various members of the local community formed the Wairio Wetland Restoration Committee, with aims to manage and restore the wetland to its natural pre-settlement state. Restoration activities undertaken at the site that have included native tree planting, earthworks, weed control, pest management and fencing sections of the site to exclude cattle, have been met with mixed success over the years. This thesis reports on two studies undertaken at Wairio Wetland with aims to inform future restoration efforts at the site. The committee have proposed to divert nutrient rich water through Wairio Wetland to increase filtration and improve the water quality of Lake Wairarapa. However, the effects of nutrient loading on established plant communities at the site are unknown. Therefore the first study, conducted between December 2012 and May 2013 in Stage 2 of the wetland, examined the effects of fertiliser addition on biomass, structure and diversity of a wetland plant community. Different levels of phosphate and nitrate fertiliser were applied to 50 plots (4m2) of vegetation at the site with percent cover, and average height of respective species recorded every four to five weeks. Results showed that the addition of phosphorous and/or nitrogen had neither a positive nor negative effect on the plant community at Wairio with no significant changes in the 15 species recorded at the site. These results contrast other studies that have reported increases in biomass, reductions in biodiversity and common/introduced species outcompeting rare/native species. The short duration of the experiment and summer drought conditions may have obscured the above-ground visual responses of the plant community to nutrient addition; therefore further continuation of this experiment is advised. Previous low success rates of native tree plantings at Wairio Wetland have significantly hindered revegetation efforts at the site. Therefore the second study, conducted between July 2011 and January 2014 in Stage 3 of the wetland, further investigates the effects of various management treatments on establishment of native woody vegetation. The study involved monitoring 2,368 planted trees of eight native wetland tree/shrub species, including; Cordyline australis, Dacrycarpus dacridioides, Olearia virgata, Podocarpus totara, Coprosma robusta, Coprosma propinqua, Leptospermum scoparium, and Pittosporum tenuifolium. The trees were subjected to various planting treatments including the excavation or retention of topsoil, presence or absence of weedmats and presence or absence of nurse trees with spacing of 0.75m or 1.5m. Survival and growth of each tree was measured every six months over the 30 month experimental period. Results showed that interspecific competition and hydrology appeared to be the main processes influencing the establishment of native plantings at Wairio Wetland, with plant mortality greatest in the first year after planting. Waterlogging, in particular, was detrimental to establishment of all species at the site except D. dacridioides. Topsoil excavation and the planting of nurse trees at 1.5 m spacing was the most effective management treatment combination promoting survival of plantings at Wairio. However, the success of management treatments varied greatly between species at the site and had different impacts on plant growth. Topsoil excavation was beneficial to survival of D. dacridioides and C. robusta but detrimental to growth of C. australis, O. virgata, C. propinqua, P. tenuifolium and L. scoparium. The concurrent planting of nurse trees with focal trees was beneficial to the survival of D. dacridioides, growth of P. totara, and survival and growth of C. australis. The planting of nurse trees further apart at 1.5 m compared to 0.75 m had a positive effect on the survival of C. propinqua and P. tenuifolium, and survival and growth of L. scoparium. Weedmats were beneficial to survival of O. virgata and growth of L. scoparium but detrimental to growth of D. dacridioides. These management treatments can be used in future revegetation efforts at Wairio Wetland, and potentially in other wetland restoration projects throughout New Zealand.</p>

Grassland gap effects on Elymus dahuricus Turcz. seedling emergence, survival and growth

2012 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.Y. Zhang ◽  
D. Huang ◽  
K. Wang ◽  
Y.J. Zhang ◽  
C.J. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Gap Effects

scholarly journals CLONAL FORESTRY OF Piptocarpha angustifolia: SURVIVAL AND GROWTH VIGOR IN FIELD CONDITIONS

CERNE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-74
Author(s):  
Carlos André Stuepp ◽  
Ivar Wendling ◽  
Henrique Soares Koehler ◽  
Katia Christina Zuffellato-Ribas
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Forest Plantations ◽  
Clonal Forestry ◽  
Base Diameter ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Clonal Plantation ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Growth Vigor ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

ABSTRACT Piptocarpha angustifolia is a potential native species for Brazilian forestry. However, a lot of challenges and technical constraints persist, hindering its expansion as a species for forest plantations, among them, the lack of evaluation of their survival and growth in field conditions. Thus, we evaluated the survival and growth vigor of Piptocarpha angustifolia according to two initial heights of mini-cuttings at planting. Plants from mini-cuttings with 20 ± 5 cm and 40 ± 5 cm were planted in field using 3 × 2 m spacing. In these, we evaluated the survival, base diameter and total height during 24 months. The experiment was implemented in a completely randomized design in a split plot model. Plants of 20 ± 5 cm are superior in survival to 40 ± 5 cm ones. The growth in height and diameter remained constant up to 24 months, reaching 64.1 cm and 13.5 mm, independently of the plants expedition time. In general, the establishment of clonal plantation of Piptocarpha angustifolia was limited by the attack of pests, mainly cutting ants. For this reason, plantation of this species must take into account the possibility of greater pest control.

scholarly journals Emergence and establishment of native and non-native species in soils of remnant and converted highland grasslands – southern Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena de Lima Müller ◽  
Rodrigo Ramos Lopes ◽  
Julia-Maria Hermann
Keyword(s):  
Soil Type ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Holcus Lanatus ◽  
Native Grasslands ◽  
Exotic Tree ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Tussock Grass ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Native grasslands in the Campos de Cima da Serra, Brazil, are being converted at speed for exotic tree plantations and cropland. The impact of modified and novel soil conditions on the establishment of native grassland species is unknown; establishment of non-native species, deliberately or accidentally introduced, could be favoured. In a common garden composed of fully randomized replicate samples of soils collected from remnant grassland, former cropland and pine plantations, we tested emergence and establishment of five cold-season species: Native low-tussock grass Piptochaetium montevidense (Spreng.) Parodi; native legume Trifolium riograndense Burkart; naturalized low-tussock grass Vulpia bromoides (L.) Gray; low-tussock grass Holcus lanatus L., cultivated and naturalized in Brazil; and a cultivar of non-native Trifolium repens. Other than expected, soil type and species*soil type interactions had no significant effect on seedling emergence after 132 days in the field. Species effect on seedling emergence, however, was highly significant. Vulpia bromoides emergence was significantly highest in all soil types. Holcus lanatus and Trifolium riograndense both achieved second highest emergence rates and did not differ significantly from each other. Lowest overall emergence rates were found in the non-native clover cultivar. Lab germination tests failed for Piptochaetium, although it showed reasonable emergence in the field. Good performance of the native clover is encouraging for future grassland restoration, but the value of highly germinable Vulpia as a forage remains to be tested. Holcus tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and its life history traits may promote naturalization, or even invasiveness. Native grasslands of the region should be monitored for this species. Studies like these, but set up on a larger geographical scale and with a wider array of native species, will be essential in developing ecological restoration methods for southern Brazilian grasslands.

Challenging growth–survival trade-off: a key for Acer negundo invasion in European floodplains?

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1879-1886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Saccone ◽  
Jean-Jacques Brun ◽  
Richard Michalet
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Adaptive Plasticity ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Acer Negundo ◽  
Successional Species ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Succession Theory ◽  
Better Than

We compared the performances of juvenile Acer negundo with those of native species to assess how this species has invaded intermediate habitats along European riparian successional gradients. In the middle Rhône floodplain (France), we measured survival and growth of transplants of the invasive and of three native tree species from contrasted successional status within forests and in experimental gaps and at three positions along a riparian gradient: (i) a highly disturbed Salix – Populus stand, (ii) a moderately disturbed stand dominated by the invasive Acer , and (iii) a mature Fraxinus community. Acer’s growth in the gaps was as high as that of the two native early-successional species, Salix and Populus, and higher than that of the native late-successional Fraxinus. In contrast, Acer survived as well in the shadiest understory conditions of the Fraxinus community as did Fraxinus and better than the two early-successional species. Inconsistent with the resource trade-off of succession theory, Acer showed both a high survival in the shade and a high growth in full light. This particular suite of traits shared with other invasive and native Acer species could be an example of adaptive plasticity that certainly represents an advantage to give it a competitive advantage over native species.

scholarly journals Functional responses of recently emerged seedlings of an endemic Mexican oak (Quercus eduardii) under climate change conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 582
Author(s):  
Ernesto I. Badano ◽  
Francisco A. Guerra-Coss ◽  
Sandra M. Gelviz-Gelvez ◽  
Joel Flores ◽  
Pablo Delgado-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Climate Change Simulation ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Growth Of Seedlings

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Climate change will increase temperature and reduce rainfall across temperate forests of Mexico. This can alter tree establishment dynamics within forest and in neighbouring man-made clearings.</p><p><strong>Hypotheses:</strong> Climate change will reduce emergence and survival of tree seedlings, and surviving plants will display functional responses matching with these changes. These effects should be more noticeable in clearings due to the lack of canopy cover.</p><p><strong>Studied species</strong>: <em>Quercus eduardii</em> (Fagaceae, section <em>Lobatae</em>) an oak species endemic to Mexico.</p><p><strong>Study site and years of study</strong>: Tree growing season 2015-2016 (rainy season) in a mature oak forest and a neighbouring clearing in Sierra de Álvarez, state of San Luis Potosí.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In both habitats, we established control plots (under current climatic conditions) and climate change simulation plots (increased temperature and reduced rainfall). At the beginning of the growing season, we sowed acorns of <em>Q. eduardii</em> in these plots and monitored the emergence, survival and growth of seedlings. At the end of the growing season, we assessed functional responses on surviving seedlings.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Seedling emergence and survival were lower in climate change plots from both habitats. However, differences in survival between climate treatments were larger within the forest. Seedlings from climate change plots displayed functional responses indicating higher levels of thermal and water stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study indicates that climate change will constrain tree recruitment in Mexican oak forests. However, contrary to our expectations, it seems that these effects will be higher within forests than in man-made clearings.</p>

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