Disentangling plant establishment in sandy coastal systems: biotic and abiotic factors that determine Allagoptera arenaria (Arecaceae) germination

Abstract

Germination rate and establishment success of plants in harsh environments depend on the ability of seeds to withstand unfavorable environmental conditions and avoid predators. Brazilian coastal plains, known as restinga, are subject to environmental factors that seriously limit plant establishment and survival (e.g. salinity, desiccation, oligotrophy, fl ooding, high temperature and radiation levels). We tested, both in fi eld and laboratory experiments, conditions for germination and establishment of Allagoptera arenaria, a palm tree often found in restinga ecosystems of southeastern Brazil, and which have a principal role in plant community dynamics. Our results showed that the absence of mesocarp, high radiation exposure, and temperature were the main drivers of seed germination. In the fi eld, the highest germination rate was linked to nude seeds buried in open areas. High temperatures and/or predation damaged seeds that remained on the soil surface, especially if they were close to the mother plant and alongside dung piles made by dispersers. Under controlled conditions, seeds exhibited optimum germination at 35 ºC. Th erefore, the germination and establishment of A. arenaria depend as much on environmental conditions as on a network of interactions including vertebrates and invertebrates, which allow this species to colonize harsh, open areas in restinga ecosystems.

Interaction of seed dispersal and environmental filtering affects woody encroachment patterns in coastal grassland

“…() found that Morella occupies only 46% of suitable habitat (based on elevation and distance to shoreline), suggesting that the heterogeneous landscape onto which seeds disperse may not be advantageous for germination or establishment (Menezes et al. ).…”

“…Since fruit ripening of Morella coincides with the migratory season, seed dispersal may be extensive (Mabey et al 1993). Zinnert et al (2011) found that Morella occupies only 46% of suitable habitat (based on elevation and distance to shoreline), suggesting that the heterogeneous landscape onto which seeds disperse may not be advantageous for germination or establishment (Menezes et al 2017).…”

Trends and gaps in the literature on native palms of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…The focus on ecological and physiological research with Allagoptera is due to the characteristics of the species A. arenaria : (i) under high temperatures they have a high germination rate (Menezes et al, 2017); (ii) as a pioneer species, it colonizes open areas favouring the entry of other species into the community (Scarano et al, 2001); (iii) by creating a microclimate conducive to germination and development of other species, it can play the role of facilitator (Menezes et al, 2017) and (iv) after the fire, it will germinate in a few days (Menezes & Araujo, 2004). Even though this species has so many characteristics that give it a high germination plasticity, no study has been carried out to investigate the properties of its fruits and seeds, which we believe should be a prime area in future research.…”

The mutualism–antagonism continuum in Neotropical palm–frugivore interactions: from interaction outcomes to ecosystem dynamics

“…This contributes to increasing the genetic diversity of palm populations (Sezen et al ., 2009 ; Browne, Ottewell & Karubian, 2015 ; Browne & Karubian, 2018 a ). Long‐distance seed dispersal by frugivores that eliminate viable palm seeds has been suggested for carnivores (Gatti et al ., 2006 ; Silva et al ., 2011 ; Quintela, Iob & Artioli, 2014 ; Menezes et al ., 2018 ), fish (Anderson et al ., 2011 ) and primates (Link & De Luna, 2004 ; Link & Di Fiore, 2006 ; Canale et al ., 2016 ). Large bird species (e.g.…”