Seedling survival and growth of three species of mountain cloud forest in Mexico, under different canopy treatments

Seedling biomass allocation and vital rates of cloud forest tree species: Responses to light in shade house conditions

“…Despite this situation, no reforestation programme in Mexico has ever included the massive production of CF tree species, which may be a result of an insufficient knowledge of various aspects related to their propagation, particularly those concerning the establishment phase (Ortíz-Arrona, 1999;Pedroza and WilliamsLinera, 2003;Ramírez-Bamonde et al, 2005). Previous studies have shown that most CF tree species regenerate mainly in the shaded understoreys, although some appear to be capable of establishing also in small gaps or in forest edges (Saldañ a-Acosta, 2001).…”

“…However, there is a group of CF tree species that are considered to be pioneers, such as pine species and Liquidambar styraciflua, which are able to achieve high growth rates in open areas facilitating the establishment of other species (e.g. Magnolia dealbata and Persea americana) beneath their canopy (Ramírez-Bamonde et al, 2005;Sá nchez-Velá squez et al, 2008). Adaptive successional reforestation for restoration purposes (Herrera et al, 1990;Jardel, 2008), must acknowledge the regenerative individual or collective behaviours of these species (Martínez-Garza and Howe, 2003).…”

Survival and growth of three endangered oak species in a Mexican montane cloud forest

“…For example, the North American white oak Q. alba registered 32 % higher growth under shaded canopies than under full sun (Dillaway et al 2007). Likewise, the Mediterranean Q. ilex and Q. pyrenaica exhibited 25 % and 23 % higher growth respectively under 13 % of total light Previous studies about Q. xalapensis reported lower growth and biomass production under closed canopy compared to open areas, although light availability data was not presented (De la Riva et al, 2014;Ramírez-Bamonde et al, 2005). In contrast Montes-Hernández & López-Barrera (2013) found that seedlings of Q. insignis grew taller under partial shade (about 34.5 % of full light) compared to growth in full light.…”

“…Several oak species are important large canopy dominants of these forest types, yet today they are often poorly represented in smaller size classes raising concerns about regeneration limitations (Alfonso-Corrado et al 2014). While a number of studies have evaluated regeneration characteristics of Mexican cloud forest tree species (Figueroa-Rangel & Olvera-Vargas 2000, Ramírez-Bamonde et al 2005, few have directly compared germination and early establishment across multiple oak species (López-Barrera et al 2006). Tree regeneration processes are affected by biotic and abiotic factors, which determine the success of the species.…”

“…and Q. sartorii Liebm., all native species of American tropical mountain cloud forests (González-Espinosa et al 2011). These species are considered important canopy dominants of Mexican cloud forests; however, there is limited information about their regeneration ecology, growth and suitable environments for their establishment (González-Espinosa et al 2011, Ramírez-Bamonde et al 2005. Conservation of these endangered oak species is essential due to increasing loss of montane cloud forest to agriculture and development.…”