Phenology and Tree Radial Growth of Schinus terebinthifolius in a Subtropical Forest

Jaçanan Eloisa De Freitas Milani,Tomaz Longhi - Santos,Maria Raquel Kanieski,Carlos Velozzo Roderjan,Franklin Galvão,Erika Amano,Rodrigo De Andrade Kersten

doi:10.1590/2179-8087-floram-2020-0036

Abstract

During a period of 5 years, we monthly monitor the phenology and the stem diameter increment of 12 of Schinus terebinthifolius trees. Dendrometer bands were used for it. This study was aimed to answer the following questions: (i) Are there conflicting demands for resource allocation in different phenophases? (ii) In which period does the stem diameter increment occur? (iii) Which phenophases are more likely related to stem radial growth? The phenological observations were carried out using the Activity Index. In order to identify patterns in phenology and diameter increment over the assessment period (2010-2015), we performed an analysis of seasonal decomposition, followed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Apparently, there is no conflicting demand for resources, but an optimized distribution of them, regulated mainly by the allocation of nutrients derived from leaf senescence, as well as, temperature rise and photoperiod. Higher diameter growth rates occurred from December to March which coincided with the flowering period.

Highlights

The relationship between plant phenology and growth in both tropical and subtropical forests in South America has been very little explored (O’brien et al, 2008), and scientific knowledge of alluvial environments is even more scarce
This study was aimed to answer the following questions: (i) Are there conflicting demands for resource allocation in different phenophases? (ii) In which period does the stem diameter increment occur? (iii) Which phenophases are more likely related to stem radial growth? The phenological observations were carried out using the Activity Index
There is no conflicting demand for resources, but an optimized distribution of them, regulated mainly by the allocation of nutrients derived from leaf senescence, as well as, temperature rise and photoperiod

Summary

Introduction

The relationship between plant phenology and growth in both tropical and subtropical forests in South America has been very little explored (O’brien et al, 2008), and scientific knowledge of alluvial environments is even more scarce. Understanding the dynamics of alluvial environments in different biomes remains a major challenge in ecology. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the remaining fragments are mostly small, isolated and composed of disturbed secondary vegetation, comprising less than 50 ha (Ribeiro et al.,2009). Forest corridors are considered the best-known factors to reduce the negative effects of fragmentation (Lees and Peres, 2008). In this context, riparian vegetation, currently protected under laws and regulations by means of “Areas of Permanent Protection”, (APPs) plays a very important role in the preservation of such ecosystems. Further studies on the ecological aspects of riparian vegetation are required for the establishment of environmental conservation strategies as they will benefit future generations

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