Natural Regeneration of Maritime Pine: A Review of the Influencing Factors and Proposals for Management

Abstract

The main objective of the present work was to review the current knowledge about the factors that influence the different phases of the natural regeneration of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) and propose scientifically based management schedules. The review focused on the natural regeneration of maritime pine within its most representative areas (Portugal, Spain, and France). First, a brief characterisation of the main phases of the natural regeneration of maritime pine is described. Next, information on the factors affecting the natural regeneration of the species is provided, highlighting its positive and negative effects. Finally, management proposals are presented to promote the natural regeneration of maritime pine species. Numerous factors influencing the natural regeneration of maritime pine were identified. Fires and climatic factors can intervene in all three regeneration phases (seeding, germination, and seedling survival and development). The natural regeneration failure of maritime pine species can be aggravated in drier scenarios. Forest management plays an important role as it can promote the natural regeneration of the species.

Influence management and disturbances on the regeneration of forest stands

“…They open after being exposed to heat (high temperatures or fire). Seed release is closely linked to fire, e.g., Pinus pinaster (Ribeiro et al, 2022) or high temperatures in the summer (Wyse et al, 2019).…”

“…Seedling establishment depends on environmental (e.g., precipitation, temperature, and light), biological (e.g., species traits, competition, and browsing) and silvicultural (e.g., stand structure and silvicultural systems) factors (Davis and Jonhson, 1987;Smith et al, 1997;Leonardsson et al, 2015) as well as physiography and site quality (Ribeiro et al, 2022). Shade tolerance and main stand crown cover may constrain seedling development.…”