Abstract
We aimed to determine any differences in hydraulic conductivity between pioneer species/early secondary and non-pioneers. To make this determination, we measured maximum vessel length (Mvl), specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks), percentage of embolized vessels (Pev), leaf hydraulic conductivity (Kl) and wood density at equilibrium moisture content-12% (Wd12). The pioneer/early secondary species we examined were Guazuma ulmifolia, Inga marginata and Maclura tinctoria. The non-pioneers we examined were Paubrasilia echinata, Cariniana legalis and Myroxylon peruiferum. The results were submitted to statistical analyses, including multiple comparison tests and t test, to verify differences between successional groups and regression analysis to verify the relationship between Ks and the other variables. Pioneer species had higher Ks than non-pioneers. Non-pioneers had a higher percentage of embolized vessels and wood density. Successional groups did not differ in Mvl, which is positively related to hydraulic conductivity in both successional groups since the percentage of embolized vessels was related negatively. Wood density is positively related to Ks in non-pioneer species, while a negative correlation was observed between Ks and Kl in the pioneer species.
Highlights
Successional groups did not differ in maximum vessel length (Mvl), which is positively related to hydraulic conductivity in both successional groups since the percentage of embolized vessels was related negatively
Tree species are separated by ecological groups; this classification is based on successional dynamics, the process of opening and closing gaps and natural regeneration (Maciel et al, 2003)
Maximum vessel length did not differ between ecological groups
Summary
Tree species are separated by ecological groups; this classification is based on successional dynamics, the process of opening and closing gaps and natural regeneration (Maciel et al, 2003). Different approaches have been employed to assess forest dynamics and the separation of species into ecological groups. We will use the proposal by Swaine and Whitmore (1988) who consider two ecological groups: pioneers and climaxes (not pioneers). Pioneers are those species capable of growing in a completely open environment, while non-pioneer species need to develop canopy. Few studies have investigated the adaptive strategies of trees in these ecological groups when considering wood anatomy in relation to hydraulic efficiency (e.g., Wagner et al, 1998; Baas et al, 2004). Hydraulic efficiency can be determined and/or estimated from hydraulic conductivity tests and quantitative vessel analyses (Sperry et al, 2008; Fonti et al, 2010; McCulloh et al, 2012)
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