The role of seed size in the emergence and survival of seedlings in contrasting environments: the case of Ceiba aesculifolia

Abstract

In the tropical low deciduous forest, seed size has been recognized as a functional trait that can contribute to the development of restoration strategies due to its influence on the processes of germination, survival and growth of seedlings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed size on the seedling emergence and establishment of seedlings of Ceiba aesculifolia in pastures and remnants of tropical low deciduous forest in central Veracruz, Mexico. Three seed sizes were evaluated: small (120–218 mg), medium (219–316 mg) and large (317–414 mg). Seedling emergence rate was estimated, height, foliar production, stem thickness and insect herbivory were measured monthly in the seedlings. Seedling emergence differed significantly among seed sizes. The large seeds emerged at 40% in the pastures and 24% in the forest remnants, while the medium seeds presented 20 and 27% in these sites, respectively. The small seeds emerged similarly in the pasture (33%) and forest remnant (28%) sites. In the pastures, regardless of seed size, the seedlings presented significantly higher growth rates and foliar production, as well as an increase in the percentage of herbivory. At the end of the study, there was no difference in seedling survival between seed sizes or sites. The results suggest that the seed size only influences the seedling emergence, while the growth and responses to herbivory depend on their functional traits to face the environmental conditions of the sites. Finally, the ecological and management implications for future restoration programs are discussed.