The role of Pteridium arachnoideum(Kaulf) on the seed bank of the endangered Brazilian Cerrado

R O Xavier,R H Marrs,J G Alday,D M S Matos

doi:10.1590/1519-6984.21814

R O Xavier, R H Marrs + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.21814

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Abstract

The native bracken (Pteridium arachnoideum) often occurs in mono-specific stands in the Brazilian Cerrado, and this dominance can impact on both the above-ground vegetation and soil seed bank. This study investigated how invasion by this species over a 20-year period changed the seed bank and the relationship between the seed bank and litter mass. We extracted soil samples from three replicated invaded and uninvaded sites, and followed seedling emergence for six months. We collected the above-ground biomass and litter of P. arachnoideum in ten 1m2 plots from three invaded sites. There was no difference between invaded and uninvaded areas in seed bank richness, diversity or overall abundance. The most abundant family was the Melastomataceae, followed by the Poaceae. The Melastomataceae was more abundant in uninvaded sites, but the most common species of this family (Tibouchinastenocarpa) was not affected. The grasses were more common in invaded sites in the rainy season and were affected by heterogeneity in the litter layer. The seed bank could play a role in the recovery of these invaded areas, but the presence of weeds and invasive grasses could constrain their use as a management strategy.

Highlights

Invasive species often form monospecific stands that impact on native plant communities (Pivello et al, 1999).These invasive species can outcompete established native species, reducing both their number and abundance, and altering the structure and function of the invaded communities (Marchante et al, 2011)
A total of 2793 seedlings emerged during the experiment, from areas invaded by P. arachnoideum and 1262 from uninvaded areas
Our results suggest that abundance, richness and species diversity of the soil seed bank in sites dominated by P. arachnoideum was similar to uninvaded sites

Summary

Introduction

Invasive species often form monospecific stands that impact on native plant communities (Pivello et al, 1999). These invasive species can outcompete established native species, reducing both their number and abundance, and altering the structure and function of the invaded communities (Marchante et al, 2011). The restoration potential of the ecosystem is affected, especially in areas where dispersal from nearby seed sources is limited (Funk et al, 2008). Many invasive species have been shown to impact negatively on the soil seed bank (Pakeman and Hay, 1996; Gioria et al., 2012). Even after either a natural decline or.

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