Abstract
The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of light and temperature on seed germination and the effect of light on seedling emergence of Clausena excavata, an invasive exotic species. Seeds were incubated at constant temperatures (10 to 40 ºC), under continuous white light and darkness. Seedling emergence was evaluated under full sun and canopy shade. There was no significant difference between seeds germinated in the presence or absence of light at temperatures between 20 and 35 ºC. Seeds maintained at 20 ºC germinated more slowly than other temperatures. Independent of temperature, seed germination was much more synchronised under white light than under darkness. In the field, emergence occurred in both environments, but a greater percentage was observed under full sun. Seedling emergence occurred at the same rate and synchronisation index under both conditions. C. excavata has a high invader potential in open areas and shaded environments.
Highlights
Biological invasions represent one of the greatest dangers to local and global biodiversity (Washitani, 2001)
In the process of biological invasion, invasive exotic species become dominant in the environment and harm native species and ecosystem functioning, and may even cause the extinction of native species (Pivello, 2007)
The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of light and temperature on seed germination of Clausena excavata under laboratory conditions and the effect of light on seedling emergence under natural conditions, in order to understand the invasive capacity of this species
Summary
Biological invasions represent one of the greatest dangers to local and global biodiversity (Washitani, 2001). Little is known about invasive species in Brazil (Petenon and Pivello, 2008). These invasions can cause harm on several levels, affecting individuals (e.g. mortality and growth), population dynamics (abundance, population growth and extinction), the community (abundance of species and diversity) and ecological processes (Parker et al, 1999). In the process of biological invasion, invasive exotic species become dominant in the environment and harm native species and ecosystem functioning, and may even cause the extinction of native species (Pivello, 2007).
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