Forest Seeds Research Articles

Classificação fisiológica de sementes de maçaranduba quanto a tolerância à dessecação e ao armazenamento

The demand for native forest seeds has been increasing due to the production of seedlings, used in the recovery of abandoned and degraded areas, as well as reforestation zones. To properly conserve these seeds, however, one needs to understand their tolerance to desiccation and storage. Thus, the objective of this work was to classify Manilkara huberi seeds regarding desiccation tolerance and storage behavior. After processing and water content determination of the newly harvested seeds, they were submitted to the drying process, followed by germination tests. According to the results, it is concluded that the seeds of M. huberi are classified as recalcitrant because they do not tolerate the drying process and the storage at low temperatures. The species M. huberi belongs to the group of climax species.

啮齿动物对秦岭松栎混交林建群种种子扩散格局的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 啮齿动物对秦岭松栎混交林建群种种子扩散格局的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201804140859 作者: 作者单位: 西北农林科技大学林学院,西北农林科技大学林学院,西北农林科技大学林学院,西北农林科技大学林学院,河南师范大学生命科学学院 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（31470644） Effects of rodents on seed dispersal patterns of constructive species in the pine-oak mixed forests of the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China Author: Affiliation: College of Forestry,Northwest A & F University,College of Forestry,Northwest A & F University,College of Forestry,Northwest A & F University,College of Forestry,Northwest A F University,College of Life Science,Henan Normal University Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:森林群落中的啮齿动物对林木种子存在着一定的取食偏好性，这种偏好性会使啮齿动物形成不同的捕食和贮藏策略，从而导致林木种子形成不同的扩散格局。以秦岭中段松栎混交林建群种锐齿槲栎、油松、华山松为研究对象，采用塑料标签标记种子方法，研究啮齿动物对种子传播和扩散格局的影响。结果表明：（1）种子特征是影响啮齿动物对其进行扩散的重要因子，油松种子以其质量小、种皮薄等特点吸引啮齿动物大量捕食，其原地取食率达到83.33%，显著高于华山松和锐齿槲栎种子。（2）锐齿槲栎和华山松种子大部分被搬运一定距离后再被取食和埋藏，其中，扩散距离在1 m以内、1-3 m和5-8 m的锐齿槲栎种子分别占59.12%、18.23%和13.26%，最远扩散距离达12 m处；华山松种子扩散距离主要介于在1-3 m（37.85%）和3-5 m（23.73%），在距离5-8 m（13.56%）、8-10 m（11.86%）和大于10 m（11.30%）区间也有一定的分布，最大扩散距离为12 m。（3）啮齿动物倾向于将锐齿槲栎种子搬运至松林内取食，而将华山松种子搬运至栎林内埋藏，说明不同林分类型及其环境因素对林木种子扩散后的分布格局具有重要影响。（4）3种类型种子被啮齿动物捕食的比例以油松最大（96.90%），锐齿槲栎次之（73.57%），华山松最小（50%）；次年调查时，未被捕食的种子大部分已经被取食，仅有极少数锐齿槲栎种子萌发成幼苗（1.67%）。啮齿动物的捕食和贮藏行为对林木种子扩散及其成功更新都至关重要。 Abstract:Rodents in forest communities have a feeding preference for tree seeds. This preference will lead to different predation and storage strategies for rodents, resulting in different diffusion patterns of tree seeds. In this study, the seed fate of Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata, Pinus armandii, and Pinus tabuliformis was studied to analyze the seed dispersal patterns of constructive species in the pine-oak mixed forests of the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China. The results demonstrated that seed traits are the main factor affecting their removal by rodents. The in-situ seed predation rate of P. tabuliformis seeds was 83.33%, which was notably higher than that of other seed types, indicating that rodents preferentially fed on the small P. tabuliformis seeds. Q. aliena var. acuteserrata seeds and P. armandii seeds were transported to distant locations for feeding and burying. The Q. aliena var. acuteserrata seeds with diffusion distances of less than 1 m, 1-3 m and 5-8 m accounted for 59.12%, 18.23%, and 13.26% of predated seeds, respectively; the farthest diffusion distance was 12 m. The seed diffusion distance of P. armandii was mainly between 1-3 m (37.85%) and 3-5 m (23.73%), and was within the range of 5-8 m (13.56%), 8-10 m (11.86%), and greater than 10 m (11.30%);the maximum diffusion distance of P. armandii seeds was also 12 m. Rodents tended to transport Q. aliena var. acuteserrata seeds to the pine forest for feeding, while transporting the seeds of P. armandii to the oak forest, indicating that different forest types are an important factor in seed dispersal. P. tabuliformis seeds were the most predated on by rodents (96.90%), followed by Q. aliena var. acuteserrata seeds (73.57%), and P. armandii seeds (50%). In the following year's survey, most of the predated seeds had been consumed, and only a handful of Q. aliena var. acuteserrata seeds had sprouted into seedlings (1.67%). Rodent predation and storage behaviors are critical for the spread of forest seeds and their successful renewal. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNAL MORPHOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF Leucaena leucocephala SEEDS USING IMAGE ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT The use of new methodological approaches and inclusion of non-destructive evaluations in determining the quality of forest seeds has proven to be of great importance for the development of forest production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a semi-automated tool for measurement of digital images obtained by the X-ray test in seed lots of Leucaena leucocephala and their relationship to seed physiological quality. Seeds were collected from five mother trees in Viçosa, MG. The study was performed through analysis of radiographic images of the seeds. It was determined the percentage of damaged seeds (predation and fungi) and measured: the area, perimeter, circularity, relative density, and integrated density of the seeds. After the X-ray test, a germination test was performed on the seeds, from which ten variables related to seed physiological quality were extracted, including a vigor index. The use of semi-automated measurement tools associated with the X-ray test was effective for evaluating the internal morphology of Leucaena leucocephala seeds, and the variables determined are related to seed physiological quality.

BEHAVIOR OF THE EMERGENCE OF NATIVE FOREST SEEDLINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECOVERY OF THE RIPARIAN FOREST

Understanding the behavior of the emergence of native forest seeds is essential to achieve greater successes in forest recovery. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the emergence of native forest species (Cassia grandis L.F., Cecropia pachystachya Trec., Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong, Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., and Libidibia ferrea var. leiostachya (Benth.) L.P.Queiroz.) in riparian areas of the Piauitinga River, in the municipality of Lagarto (state of Sergipe, Brazil). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (DBC) with four blocks in triple scheme (4 x 2 x 6): four forest species emerged (Cassia grandis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Guazuma ulmifolia, Libidibia ferrea var. leiostachya), with and without treatment to overcome dormancy, evaluated every fortnight for 90 days (6 periods). It was verified by the statistical analysis that the four species that had emergencies interacted in the two treatments used throughout the six evaluation periods. The species, in both treatments, presented a large number of seeds emerged in the first weeks after sowing, reducing over time. The species studied have a characteristic pattern of emergence over time, considering both seeds with and without treatment to overcome dormancy.

Evaluation of the electrical conductivity of forest seeds after digestive tract of wild birds

The production of seedlings encompasses the need for knowledge of plant physiology, mainly related to seeds and their minutiae. The seed is the vehicle that carries the full genetic potential of a cultivar with superior characteristics. Vigor can be described as that seed property that determines its emergence under unfavorable conditions. According to the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The process of reforestation can happen through the production of seedlings and, through seed dispersal, this can occur due to the action of the plant itself (autochory), water (hydrochory), wind (anemochory), animals (zoochory), etc. The current work aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the individual electrical conductivity test to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of forest species after passage through the digestive tract of wild birds. The results allowed inferring that the forest seeds after digestive tract of wild birds presented low electrical conductivity at the individual level. Thus, the seeds in study no presented loss force after digestive tract of wild birds. Therefore, the birds only performed the role of individual dispersant.

Mycorrhizal divergence and selection against immigrant seeds in forest and dune populations of the partially mycoheterotrophic Pyrola rotundifolia.

Plant populations occupying different habitats may diverge from each other over time and gradually accumulate genetic and morphological differences, ultimately resulting in ecotype or even species formation. In plant species that critically rely on mycorrhizal fungi, differences in mycorrhizal communities can contribute to ecological isolation by reducing or even inhibiting germination of immigrant seeds. In this study, we investigated whether the mycorrhizal communities available in the soil and associating with the roots of seedlings and adult plants of the partially mycoheterotrophic Pyrola rotundifolia differed between populations growing in sand dunes and forests. In addition, reciprocal germination experiments were performed to test whether native seeds showed higher germination than immigrant seeds. Our results showed that the mycorrhizal communities differed significantly between forest and dune populations, and that within populations seedlings and adults also associated with different mycorrhizal communities. In both forest and dune populations, mycorrhizal communities were dominated by members of the Thelephoraceae, but dune populations showed a higher incidence of members of the Inocybaceae, whereas forest populations showed a high abundance of members of the Russulaceae. Reciprocal germination experiments showed that native seeds showed a higher germination success than immigrant seeds and this effect was most pronounced in dune populations. Overall, these results demonstrate that plants of P.rotundifolia growing in dune and forest habitats associate with different mycorrhizal communities and that reduced germination of non-native seeds may contribute to reproductive isolation. We conclude that selection against immigrants may constitute an important reproductive barrier at early stages of the speciation process.

Parameters based on X-ray images to assess the physical and physiological quality of Leucaena leucocephala seeds

ABSTRACT Non-destructive and high performance analyses are highly desirable and important for assessing the quality of forest seeds. The aim of this study was to relate parameters obtained from semi-automated analysis of radiographs of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to their physiological potential by means of multivariate analysis. To do so, seeds from five lots collected from parent trees from the region of Viçosa, MG, Brazil, were used. The study was carried out through analysis of radiographic images of seeds, from which the percentage of damaged seeds (predation and fungi), and measurements of area, perimeter, circularity, relative density, and integrated density of the seeds were obtained. After the X-ray test, the seeds were tested for germination in order to assess variables related to seed physiological quality. Multivariate statistics were applied to the data generated, with use of principal component analysis (PCA). X-ray testing allowed visualization of details of the internal structure of seeds and differences regarding density of seed tissues. Semi-automated analysis of radiographic images of Leucaena leucocephala seeds provides information on seed physical characteristics and generates parameters related to seed physiological quality in a simple, fast, and inexpensive manner.

Processing and physical and physiological quality of the native forest seeds of <i>Vernonanthura discolor

ABSTRACT. The objective was to study the processing of Vernonanthura discolor seeds, evaluating their physical and physiological qualities and defining parameters for purity analysis and determine the weight of one thousand seeds. The seeds extracted from the infructescences were processed in a blower, testing combinations of openings of the calibration valve and the side air passage. After processing, the seeds went through water content determination, germination tests, first count of the germination test, purity analysis, weight of one thousand seeds and percentage of full seeds. Compared to the control, seeds processed in a regulated blower with the calibrator valve in position 10 plus three 360° turns of side air passage obtained an approximately three-fold increase in germination and vigour and had 96% purity. We conclude that the processing of V. discolor seeds was best done by combining the rubbing of the seeds on circular sieves (1.8 and 1.6 mm in diameter) and then passage in an adjusted seed blower (calibration valve in position 10 plus three 360° turns of side air passage). The weight of one thousand seeds is 0.500 g, and the working sample for purity analysis must be 1.3 g.

Analisis Pola Kemitraan Bibit Albesia antara CV Flora Bali di Kabupaten Karangasem dengan UD Tunas Jaya di Kabupaten Klungkung

Analysis of Albesia Seed Pathership Pattern Between CV Flora Bali in Karangasem Regency with UD Tunas Jaya in Klungkung Regency
 Cultivation of forest crops can involve various parties, among others, business entities, government, non-governmental organizations and private parties One of the private parties who market forest tree seeds is UD Tunas Jaya. Business partnership relationship between UD Tunas Jaya with CV. Flora Bali in its journey there has been no further analysis of the mechanism of partnership and what benefits have been obtained. This study aims to determine the pattern of partnership business seeds of forest plants between CV. Flora Bali with UD.Tunas Jaya in Pempatan Village, Rendang Sub-district, Karangasem Regency. This research is descriptive conducted at CV Flora Bali and Tunas Jaya by collecting data through in-depth interview and observation. Quantitative data analysis is done by using analysis of farming. The result of the research shows the partnership pattern that has been done between CV Flora Bali and UD Tunas Jaya in the form of Subcontract which is the pattern of partnership relationship between the business partner company that is UD Tunas Jaya with the business partner that produces the seed of forest plant that is CV Flora Bali. The distinctive feature of this subcontract partnership form is to make a joint contract that includes volume, price and time. CV Flora Bali with UD Tunas Jaya in the subcontract partnership pattern is the increase of productivity, labor efficiency and time, the seeds produced in the quality, quantity, and continuity are acceptable to the consumer, social relationships, and increase the income and welfare for the perpetrator Partnership.

English

The aim of this work was to evaluate allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts from Bambusa vulgaris leaves and culm on Lactuca sativa L. germination. Plant material was collected at Dois Irmaos State Park in Recife, Brazil, and analysis was performed at Laboratory of Forest Seeds Analysis at Rural Federal University of Pernambuco. Experiments were conducted under natural conditions using leaf and culm extracts at concentrations of 100, 75, 50 and 25%, using distilled water as control. Seed germination was evaluated for seven days. Percentage of germination (%G), speed index of germination (SIG), mean time of germination (MTG), and mean speed of germination (v) were determined. Aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves negatively influenced percentage of germination and speed of germination index of L. sativa seeds. Control treatment showed the best means, being statistically superior than other treatments that did not differ among each other. Considering L. sativa as a bioindicator, it is possible that allelopathic effects might significantly interfere on other species establishment and germination. This is due to substances present on plant residues deposited or incorporated to the soil annually. Finally, the inhibitory allelopathic behaviour of the germination process of L. sativa seeds in response to aqueous extracts of B. vulgaris was observed in all parts and concentrations tested. Key words: Allelopathy, allelochemicals, culm, bioindicator, Lactuca sativa, Bambusa vulgaris.

СевНИИЛХ – история, современное состояние и вектор развития

В статье приводятся основные направления исследовательской деятельности института за 60-летнюю историю его существования. Проблемы экологии, экономики лесного хозяйства, интенсификации использования и воспроизводства лесов остаются одними из ключевых в настоящее время. The article is devoted to the history of the forest science development in the European North of Russia and synthesis of the scientific results of the Northern Research Institute of Forestry. Since the foundation of the Northern Research Institute of Forestry, its scientists conducted fundamental research on the nature of taiga and pre-tundra forests, typology of forests and cutting areas, natural and artificial reforestation, mechanisms of mutual influence and growth of basic tree species in the extreme conditions of the North. The theoretical regulations of taiga forestry were systematized and forest management systems developed in forests for various special purposes. The processes of stands development of derivative formations were studied, and the economic and biological assessment of the change of tree species were given [1]. The development, analysis and systematization of regional forest taxation standards, which have found wide application in forestry practice is considered the most important result of the Institute's research [2]. Ecological and silvicultural basics for improving the quality and productivity of artificial forests in the European North, the system of targeted forest growing, the system of felling for the main use, based on silvicultural, ecological and technological requirements for technical means were developed. The results of long-term scientific work on the state, ways of conservation and restoration of larch forests of the North were summed up. The southern boundary of pre-tundra forests of Russia on the basis of a comprehensive study of the protective role of extremely northern forests were established. The ways to increase the productivity of forests using methods of selection, drainage reclamation and application of mineral fertilizers were developed, technologies for the production of resinous substances were improved, an extensive network of coniferous geographical cultures which allows the zoning of forest seeds in the European North was created. A «Dynamic model for multivariate multifactor calculations of forest use» was developed in order to conform with the principle of sustainable forest management; it makes possible the determination of size of the estimated cutting area for coniferous economy that does not decrease during the whole logging turnover, takes into account the impact on the cutting area, the period of natural regeneration, increase of forest productivity. Methods of economic evaluation of forest resources and economic evaluation of the effectiveness of forest management measures were also developed. In conclusion, the article states that, despite the listed successes in the awareness of the northern forests, further more in-depth study of the nature of the northern forests is needed.

Breaking seed coat dormancy of six tree species

Breaking physical dormancy in some forest seeds is a challenge for scientists and forest managers to obtain an homogeneous germination for larger seed samples. The role played by the seed coat in seed dormancy of six trees with great interest in agroforestry (Robinia pseudoacacia, Leucaena leucocephala, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Styphnolobium japonicum, Acacia dealbata and Brachychiton populneus) was tested by the effects of the pretreatment and its duration on the performance of seed germination, by considering the final germination percentage (FGP) and the mean germination time (MGT). These parameters are estimated at various times of incubation (5, 10 and 15 days) in Petri dishes and stored in darkness at (25 ± 2°C). The pretreatment consists of an immersion of seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid during 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
 Sowing without pretreatment (control) revealed no germination induction for B. populneus and A. dealbata, except for R. pseudoacacia, L. leucocephala and S. japonica where the germination does not exceed 12% for all the experience duration. Generally, pretreatments were very useful to improve seed germination. The time of immersion into sulphuric acid significantly affected (P < 0.0001) the FGP and the MGT in all studied species. A duration of 30 minutes of soaking was adequate to give a very high rate of germination for L. leucocephala, E. gilliesii, S. japonica and A. dealbata with respective FGP of 100%, 95%, 100% and 100%. However, an extended duration of pretreatment of 60 minutes was necessary for a maximal germination for R. pseudoacacia and B. populneus with FGP of 85% and 100%, respectively. A prolonged duration of 90 minutes of presowing was very fatal for L. leucocephala, A. dealbata and B. populneus. An excellent germinative strength is characterized by a higher FGP and a reduced MGT.

Phytotoxicity of exotic plants on the physiological potential of seeds of native species of caatinga

The introduction of species is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. Invasive exotic plants adapt, propagate and dominate, damaging both natural processes and native species. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of three exotic species in the caatinga, on the physiological quality of
 native forest seeds. Aqueous extracts of leaves of Azadirachta indica, Prosopis juliflora and Cryptostegia madagascariensis were tested to evaluate their effect on the seed germination and seedling vigor of Piptadenia moniliformis, Mimosa tenuiflora and Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia. Seed germination of M. tenuiflora was inhibited
 by the aqueous extracts of P. juliflora and A. indica in 100% and 42%, respectively, with a reduced GVI with the extracts of P. juliflora and C. madagascariensis. Regarding AEI, P. juliflora extract had positive effect on P. moniliformis seeds and negative on M. tenuiflora seeds, close to -1. A reduction in height of P. moniliformis was observed when the seedlings were in contact with the extracts of the invasive plants studied. For M. tenuiflora, the extract of P. juliflora prevented the formation of seedlings, and M. caesalpiniaefolia presented higher inhibitory effect with extracts of P. juliflora and A. indica. Therefore, M. tenuiflora showed to be sensitive to P. juliflora phytotoxicity.

POTENCIAL ALELOPÁTICO DOS EXTRATOS DE FOLHAS E FRUTOS DE Pityrocarpa moniliformis SOBRE A GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE Mimosa caesalpiniifolia

RESUMO: A alelopatia tem sido definida como uma interação química entre espécies, por meio de metabólitos denominados aleloquímicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial alelopático dos extratos aquosos de folhas e frutos de Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson sobre a germinação de sementes e crescimento inicial de plântulas de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. Os extratos de folhas e de frutos de P. moniliformis foram obtidos por imersão em água destilada durante 24 h, obtendo-se as concentrações de 0 (água destilada), 25, 50, 75 e 100 g.L-1. A semeadura foi realizada em papel toalha e as sementes mantidas para germinar a 25 °C com fotoperíodo de 12 h. As variáveis avaliadas foram: porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da raiz principal e da parte aérea de plântulas. A germinação de sementes de M. caesalpiniifolia não sofreu influência dos extratos de P. moniliformis, porém sua velocidade foi reduzida. O extrato foliar reduziu o comprimento da raiz à medida que se aumentou a concentração até 57 g.L-1, enquanto os extratos dos frutos proporcionaram redução até a concentração de 68 g.L-1. O extrato de folhas acarretou no aumento do comprimento da parte aérea das plântulas, enquanto que o extrato dos frutos proporcionou redução até a concentração de 61,5 g.L-1. Os extratos aquosos de frutos e folhas de P. moniliformis não afetam a germinação de sementes de M. caesalpiniifolia, entretanto há efeito alelopático negativo sobre a velocidade e o crescimento inicial das plântulas de M. caesalpiniifolia.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Aleloquímicos, Heterotoxidade, Sementes florestais, Vigor.

Xylaria karyophthora: a new seed-inhabiting fungus of Greenheart from Guyana

ABSTRACTIn 2010–2011, a Xylaria sp. was documented growing from seeds of both Chlorocardium rodiei and Chlorocardium venenosum, a commercially valuable timber in Guyana. We conducted extensive surveys in 2015–2016, where this Xylaria sp. was observed fruiting from ca. 80% of dispersed seeds in both natural and logged forests in the Upper Demerara-Berbice, Potaro-Siparuni, and the Cuyuni-Mazaruni districts of central Guyana. Species of Xylaria are ascomycetous fungi generally characterized by black, carbonaceous, multiperitheciate ascoma commonly found growing on dead wood. Combined teleomorphic and molecular data indicate that the fungus represents a novel species, described here as Xylaria karyophthora.

Gradient (elevation) vs. disturbance (agriculture) effects on primary Cloud forest in Ecuador: seed predation, seed pathogens, germination

BackgroundGradients and disturbances affect plant communities. Cloud forests exist on elevational gradients and are often disturbed by being cleared for agriculture, so they present a unique opportunity for the investigation of how gradients and disturbances affect their structure, function and dynamics. The focus of the current study was on seed predation, seed pathogens and seed germination: all key factors in tree recruitment and regeneration.MethodsThree hundred seeds of three species—Solanum stenophyllum Bitter (Solanaceae: bird-dispersed), Palicourea amethystina (Ruiz & Pav.) DC. (Rubiaceae: bird-dispersed) and Clusia flaviflora Engl. (Clusiaceae: mammal-dispersed)—were studied at primary (1°) cloud forest at Guandera Reserve. After 2 weeks in the field, losses due to seed predation or pathogens were counted and the remaining seeds were tested for germination. These results were then compared with similar data collected and published previously from a 1° cloud forest and a secondary (2°) cloud forest, both at Maquipucuna Reserve, Ecuador.ResultsIn both closed-canopy forest and tree-fall gaps at Guandera Reserve, S. stenophyllum Dunal seeds suffered the greatest losses to predators, P. amethystina seeds had the greatest germination and C. flaviflora seeds had the greatest losses to pathogens. Comparison with data from Maquipucuna Reserve showed the following: (1) Solanum sp. suffered the greatest losses for seeds lost to seed predators in general but Cecropia sp. and Ficus sp. also had high losses in Maquipucuna 1° cloud forest; (2) for seeds lost to pathogens, species that lost the most seeds were unique to each study site: Clusia flaviflora seeds at Guandera 1° cloud forest, Cecropia sp. seeds at Maquipucuna 1° cloud forest and Piper aduncum L. seeds at Maquipucuna 2° cloud forest; (3) for seeds that germinated the most, species were again unique to the study site: Palicourea amethystina seeds at Guandera 1° cloud forest, Otoba gordoniifolia (A. DC.) A.H. Gentry seeds at Maquipucuna 1° cloud forest and Solanum ovalifolium Dunal seeds at Maquipucuna 2° cloud forest; and (4) in general, forest types differed significantly for both seed predation and seed pathogens. Within the 1° cloud forest at Maquipucuna, there was a significant difference among tree seed species for pathogens and a significant difference among the tree seed species for germination, and within the 2° cloud forest at Maquipucuna, there was a significant difference among tree seed species for pathogens.ConclusionsAs elevation increases in 1° cloud forests, the proportion of seed that germinates remain largely constant, but the major seed loss shifts from being due to predators to being due to pathogens. Conversion to agriculture also leads to seeds mainly lost to predators, but individual species loss levels depended on what crop had been planted previously.

English

The correlation between seed size and biomass production of Moringa oleifera, was conducted in a field experiment at Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) in 2014. The experiment included eleven M. oleifera provenances from West Africa according to four agro-ecological characteristics (Sahelian, Sub Equatorial, South Sudanian and North Sudanian). Differences among provenances seed traits, leaf morphology, and dry mass (DM) were established by analyses of variance. Significant level was fixed at P < 0.05. Pearson’s correlation analysis was done to evaluate the relationships between seed traits, leaf morphology, and dry mass. The results showed that significant differences in seed traits were observed among provenances. Provenances were significantly different in leaf morphology (length, width and number of pinnae/seedling). The provenance of National Forest Seed Center (CNSF) from the northern sudanese area of Burkina Faso produced the longest leaf. The mean shoot biomass accumulation per seedling differed signii¬cantly among provenances. Significant correlation coefficients were observed among seed traits but no important correlation were found between seed traits and other plant characteristics. No significantly correlation of seed size with either leaf morphology or dry mass were found. Plant grown from large seeds compared to those grown from small seeds was more vigorous and produces greater dry matter. Key words: Moringa seedling, dry biomass, correlation, seed length, seed weight, seed width.

Reproductive Phenology and Growth of Riparian Species along Phra Prong River, Sa Kaeo Province, Eastern Thailand

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the duration of flowering and fruiting and the growth of riparian species in the natural forest along Phra Prong River, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo province. The occurrence of flowering and fruiting was recorded every month from February 2015 to January 2016 (12 months) along a 7km distance of the riversides. Sixty six species belonging to 36 families were seen flowering and fruiting in this study. They were observed during February – April. The peak of flowering and fruiting occurred in March (early summer). Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus, Uvaria rufa, and Combretum latifolium had a long lasting flowering and fruiting period. Oxystelma esculentum, Capparis micracantha, Connarus cochinchinensis, Derris scandens, and Ficus racemosa produced flowers and fruits more than once a year. Those species may play an important role in availability of food resources for animals in the riparian forest. The appropriate time to collect seeds in Phra Prong riparian forest starts from February and lasts until August. The germination test indicated that Xanthophyllum lanceatum and Crateva magna had a high germination rate, about 70%. Growth of some riparian species, including Cinnamomum iners, Dipterocarpus alatus, Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus and Hopea odorata was monitored every three months from July 2015 to June 2016. Diameter growth of D. alatus was significantly higher during the wet season (Jul-Sep) than other seasons. In contrast, the rest of the species showed no significant differences among monitoring periods. Height growth rate of C. iners was significantly highest late in the dry period (Jan-Mar).

Landscape‐level tree cover predicts species richness of large‐bodied frugivorous birds in forest fragments

AbstractLarge‐bodied frugivorous birds play an important role in dispersing large‐sized seeds in Neotropical rain forests, thereby maintaining tree species richness and diversity. Conversion of contiguous forest land to forest fragments is thought to be driving population declines in large‐bodied frugivores, but the mechanistic drivers of this decline remain poorly understood. To assess the importance of fragment‐level versus local landscape attributes in influencing the species richness of large‐bodied (&gt;100 g) frugivorous birds, we surveyed 15 focal species in 22 forest fragments (2.7 to 33.6 ha, avg. = 16.0 ha) in northwest Ecuador in 2014. Fragment habitat variables included density of large trees, canopy openness and height, and fragment size; landscape variables included elevation and the proportion of tree cover within a 1 km radius of each fragment. At both the individual species level, and across the community of 12 species of avian frugivore we detected, there was higher richness and probability of presence in fragments with more tree cover on surrounding land. This tendency was particularly pronounced among some endangered species. These findings corroborate the idea that partially forested land surrounding fragments may effectively increase the suitable habitat for forest‐dwelling frugivorous birds in fragmented landscapes. These results can help guide conservation priorities within fragmented landscapes, with particular reference to retaining trees and reforesting to attain high levels of tree cover in areas between forest patches.

White‐tailed deer as the last megafauna dispersing seeds in Neotropical dry forests: the role of fruit and seed traits

AbstractEndozoochory is a prominent form of seed dispersal in tropical dry forests. Most extant megafauna that perform such seed dispersal are ungulates, which can also be seed predators. White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the last extant megafauna of Neotropical dry forests, but whether it serves as a legitimate seed disperser is poorly understood. We studied seed dispersal patterns and germination after white‐tailed deer gut passage in a tropical dry forest in southwest Ecuador. Over 23 mo, we recorded ca 2000 seeds of 11 species in 385 fecal samples. Most seeds belonged to four species of Fabaceae: Chloroleucon mangense, Senna mollissima, Piptadenia flava, and Caesalpinia glabrata. Seeds from eight of the 11 species dispersed by white‐tailed deer germinated under controlled conditions. Ingestion did not affect germination of C. mangense and S. mollissima, whereas C. glabrata showed reduced germination. Nevertheless, the removal of fruit pulp resulting from ingestion by white‐tailed deer could have a deinhibition effect on germination due to seed release. Thus, white‐tailed deer play an important role as legitimate seed dispersers of woody species formerly considered autochorous. Our results suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the ecological and evolutionary effects of the remaining extant megafauna on plant regeneration dynamics in the dry Neotropics.