Seed germination ecophysiology of the wild pineapple, Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract

-(Seed germination ecophysiology of the wild pineapple, Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. (Bromeliaceae)). In this study we investigated the effects of light, temperature, and storage on seed germination of the wild pineapple Ananas ananassoides, an understorey species found in cerrado woodlands. Seeds were germinated at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC and a 12-hr photoperiod and continuous darkness for 30-d. Seeds were photoblastic and the optimum temperatures for germination were 25 and 30 ºC. Seeds stored for 12-mo at room temperature and at 4 ºC were set to germinate at optimum conditions. Germinability of stored seeds did not differ from that of recently collected seeds, regardless of storage temperature, indicating their physiological potential for seed bank formation. Our results suggest that as in tropical rainforests, light may be an important factor controlling recruitment from seed banks for small-sized species from the cerrado woodlands.

Relações espaciais entre Ananas ananassoides (Bromeliaceae) e Tachigali vulgaris (Fabaceae) influenciando a estrutura florestal na transição Amazônia/Cerrado no Brasil

“…Ananas ananassoides (Baker) LB Sm., also known as wild pineapple, is a terrestrial bromeliad, perennial, and pollinated by animals (e.g., birds and tortoises), with an annual or intermediate flowering period (Jerozolimski et al 2009;Silveira et al 2010;Stahl et al 2012). This species is considered a pioneer once it presents small and photoblastic seeds and higher germination rates in areas with high luminosity (Silveira et al 2010).…”

“…This species is considered a pioneer once it presents small and photoblastic seeds and higher germination rates in areas with high luminosity (Silveira et al 2010). However, A. ananassoides does not show differences in photosynthetic rates in different light conditions, indicating shade tolerance (Keller and Lüttge 2005).…”

“…However, A. ananassoides does not show differences in photosynthetic rates in different light conditions, indicating shade tolerance (Keller and Lüttge 2005). Thus, the factors responsible for establishment and growth (sexual and asexual) of A. ananassoides are complex, and may be related to the germination conditions determined by the dynamics of gaps (Silveira et al 2010). The species grow individually or in clumps, being generally found in areas of Cerrado 'sensu stricto', but occurs in forests (Proença and Sajo 2007;Silveira et al 2010).…”

“…Thus, the factors responsible for establishment and growth (sexual and asexual) of A. ananassoides are complex, and may be related to the germination conditions determined by the dynamics of gaps (Silveira et al 2010). The species grow individually or in clumps, being generally found in areas of Cerrado 'sensu stricto', but occurs in forests (Proença and Sajo 2007;Silveira et al 2010). The plasticity in the establishment and colonization in different environments can condition changes in the patterns of spatial distribution of this species, in view of the direct competition for space and light with tree species (Oliveira et al 2007).…”

“…The species were negatively associated with one another (χ=-0.311, P=0.997; Figure 1D), with small groupings of up to 15 m and large groupings measuring between 30 and 60 m ( Figures 1A and 1B). The aggregate pattern of both species may be connected with their pioneer characteristic and preferential occupation of places with greater availability of light or forest gaps (Proença and Sajo 2007;Silveira et al 2010). This explains the formation of groups of varying sizes along the habitat, which may be related to the size of the forest gaps.…”