百山祖常绿阔叶林灌草层物种组成和 分布的10年动态

森林群落的动态受多方面因素的影响。林下的草本植物和木本植物幼苗幼树对于森林的更新及动态具有重要作用。为了解百山祖常绿阔叶林群落下层植物物种组成和分布的动态变化, 我们分析了2003-2013年间百山祖5 ha森林动态样地灌草层物种(包括DBH < 1 cm的木本植物和所有草本植物)在物种重要值、α多样性以及物种分布等方面的变化。结果表明: (1) 10年间, 群落灌草层植物个体数减少了28.7%, 其中草质藤本植物个体数下降比例最大(76.9%), 而乔木的幼苗和幼树下降比例最小(14.4%); (2)整个灌草层的物种数明显下降, 同时乔木的幼苗和幼树及直立灌木的均匀度均下降, 而草本植物均匀度有所上升; (3)除短尾柯(Lithocarpus brevicaudatus)、叶萼山矾(Symplocos phyllocalyx)、显脉野木瓜(Stauntonia conspicua)和福建悬钩子(Rubus fujianensis)等植物重要值逆势上扬外, 直立灌木物种重要值10年间的变化值与其在2003年时的重要值呈显著正相关, 而其余各类生活型植物都显示, 初始重要值越高的物种在10年后下降幅度越大; (4)物种分布与生境类型的相关性变化复杂, 除与山谷生境正相关的物种数量增加外, 研究期间与生境存在显著相关性的物种数都有所减少; (5) 10年来仅陡坡处物种多样性指数没有显著下降。总体来说, 百山祖常绿阔叶林灌草层群落仍未达到顶极状态, 2003-2013年间正缓慢向顶极群落演替。群落内部的种间和种内竞争应是当前群落动态的主导因素。     

长白山次生针阔混交林乔木幼苗存活的影响因素分析

基于长白山次生针阔混交林样地, 以520个1 m × 1 m幼苗样方中胸径小于1 cm的乔木幼苗为研究对象, 选取2013年和2014年的幼苗调查数据, 运用广义线性混合模型(GLMM)分析了生物邻体和生境异质性对幼苗存活的影响, 探讨了次生针阔混交林幼苗存活影响因素及物种共存机制。结果表明: (1)适宜大树生长的局域生境同样也适宜幼苗的存活, 幼苗存活率与土壤含水量和有效氮等土壤养分显著正相关。(2)幼苗个体之间存在明显的竞争, 较多的幼苗邻体显著降低幼苗的存活率。同种大树邻体和同种幼苗邻体与幼苗存活显著负相关, 表明存在负密度制约效应。(3)随着幼苗年龄的增加, 生境异质性对幼苗存活的影响逐渐增大。该研究证实了密度制约效应和生境异质性对幼苗存活有着重要影响, 其相对重要性随着幼苗年龄级、功能群以及物种种类而变化。     

亚热带-温带过渡区秦岭落叶阔叶林幼苗组成及数量动态研究

以秦岭落叶阔叶林25 hm²固定样地的木本植物幼苗为研究对象,于2015 - 2019年对幼苗种类、数量、萌发和死亡情况进行调查,并对幼苗的物种组成、数量及动态特征进行分析。结果显示：5年间调查到的幼苗分属24科42属,共69个物种,累计记录 11 408 株;样地中的树种组成和优势树种组成基本不变,但整体物种数有减少趋势;幼苗数量在年际间和不同物种间有较大差异,17个物种幼苗数量较多,大于100株,其总和占幼苗总量的56.28%,产生新增幼苗的物种有53个,累计增加6280株;死亡幼苗6929株,其中4469株为新生幼苗,占新增幼苗总数的74.14%,新苗的死亡数远远大于旧苗死亡数;幼苗新增和死亡的高峰期大致吻合,出现在每年的5 - 7月。整体看来,秦岭大样地的幼苗数量处于平稳波动状态,物种更新较为稳定。     

吉林蛟河针阔混交林乔木幼苗组成及其密度格局影响因素

以吉林蛟河次生针阔混交林42 hm ²固定监测样地中209个幼苗监测站内的乔木幼苗为研究对象, 基于2016和2017年幼苗调查数据, 探究幼苗物种组成、数量动态等特征, 并运用广义线性混合效应模型分析了幼苗密度与生物邻体及其生境因素的相关性。结果表明: (1)该样地内所有幼苗监测站共调查到幼苗4 245株, 分属10科12属18种, 新生幼苗的数量在物种和调查年份间均有明显差异, 其中水曲柳(Fraxinus mandschurica)和紫椴(Tilia amurensis)幼苗表现出大量出生和死亡的动态特征。(2)群落水平上, 幼苗密度与局域同种成体胸高断面积之和、土壤全磷和有效钾等养分含量显著正相关, 适宜大树生长的生境同样适宜幼苗的生长。(3)水曲柳幼苗密度的影响因素与群落水平一致, 红松(Pinus koraiensis)存在明显的生境偏好, 在湿度较小、土壤全磷、有效氮和有效磷含量较低的生境中密度更高。相对于多年生幼苗, 同种成年邻体对当年生幼苗密度影响更加显著。该研究证实了扩散限制和生境过滤共同影响幼苗密度格局, 生物邻体和生境异质性的相对重要性随幼苗物种种类和年龄级变化。     

Drivers of composition and density pattern of tree seedlings in a secondary mixed conifer and broad-leaved forest,Jiaohe, Jilin,China

以吉林蛟河次生针阔混交林42 hm ²固定监测样地中209个幼苗监测站内的乔木幼苗为研究对象, 基于2016和2017年幼苗调查数据, 探究幼苗物种组成、数量动态等特征, 并运用广义线性混合效应模型分析了幼苗密度与生物邻体及其生境因素的相关性。结果表明: (1)该样地内所有幼苗监测站共调查到幼苗4 245株, 分属10科12属18种, 新生幼苗的数量在物种和调查年份间均有明显差异, 其中水曲柳(Fraxinus mandschurica)和紫椴(Tilia amurensis)幼苗表现出大量出生和死亡的动态特征。(2)群落水平上, 幼苗密度与局域同种成体胸高断面积之和、土壤全磷和有效钾等养分含量显著正相关, 适宜大树生长的生境同样适宜幼苗的生长。(3)水曲柳幼苗密度的影响因素与群落水平一致, 红松(Pinus koraiensis)存在明显的生境偏好, 在湿度较小、土壤全磷、有效氮和有效磷含量较低的生境中密度更高。相对于多年生幼苗, 同种成年邻体对当年生幼苗密度影响更加显著。该研究证实了扩散限制和生境过滤共同影响幼苗密度格局, 生物邻体和生境异质性的相对重要性随幼苗物种种类和年龄级变化。     

片断化常绿阔叶林的土壤种子库及天然更新

生境片断化扰乱了种子的生产和扩散机制,越来越严重地威胁着生物多样性.华东地区的常绿阔叶林片断化程度较为严重,以古田山自然保护区为中心,在周边另选取5个常绿阔叶林的典型片断,采用样线法采集土壤样品,通过网筛分选和温室萌发相结合的方法对其种子库特征进行了研究,同时,在样地各土样采集点附近设立天然萌发小样方,对种子库的天然更新机制进行了研究.结果显示:(1) 5个片断化样点的种子库密度为(207±38)～(1332±337)ind./m2,共有29～57种植物种子.而古田山连续常绿阔叶林样点的种子库密度为(1776±344) ind./m2,分布有46种植物种子.各样点的种子库物种组成主要以乔木和灌木树种为主,草本种类非常稀少,并且不能反映地上植物的组成.(2)片断化样地土壤上层(0～5cm)与下层(5～10 cm)的种子密度比平均为3.6:1,而连续森林样地为2.5:1,说明连续森林土壤种子垂直下移相对较深,有利于更多物种种子的储存.(3)幼苗的天然更新强度受种子物种丰富度的影响较大(P=0.005),而受种子密度的影响不明显(P=0.159).(4)同一生境条件很难同时满足较高的种子库密度和较快的幼苗天然更新速率.生境片断化降低了种子库密度和物种丰富度,但由于林隙的大量存在和较低的乔冠层盖度,却促进了幼苗的快速更新.     

不同取样强度下古田山木本植物幼苗组成 及其分布格局比较

幼苗阶段是森林群落更新的瓶颈, 研究木本植物幼苗组成和分布格局对正确认识森林群落构建以及多样性维持机制具有十分重要的意义。以往基于幼苗阶段的研究取样强度较小, 主要涉及常见种, 缺乏对稀有种的有效监测。我们对古田山24 ha森林样地幼苗监测网络进行了扩建, 在已有507个1 m × 1 m幼苗监测样方的基础上, 增设了285个5 m × 5 m幼苗样方, 对样方内所有高度≥ 10 cm且胸径< 1 cm的木本植物幼苗按大样地监测标准进行了定位、挂牌、鉴定和测量。本研究利用2012年5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方的首次调查数据, 比较了24 ha大样地中不同取样强度下幼苗和非幼苗(胸径≥ 1 cm的木本植物)个体在物种组成、多样性分布格局以及生境偏好等方面的差异。结果表明: (1) 285个5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方共计有木本植物幼苗138种20,581株, Shannon-Wiener多样性指数以及经多度校正的物种丰富度指数均显著高于1 m × 1 m幼苗监测样方以及24 ha大样地的非幼苗个体, 该结果与基于Rarefaction方法计算的物种数期望值结果一致; 与1 m × 1 m幼苗监测样方结果相比, 5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方内物种数-取样面积曲线趋于饱和。(2) 5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方幼苗与24 ha大样地非幼苗个体物种多度呈异速增长关系, 表明植物在幼苗阶段受到负密度制约效应的影响, 死亡率相对较高。(3)取样强度和胸径阈值的选取对群落稀有种的界定有重要影响, 朱砂根(Ardisia crenata)、山鸡椒(Litsea cubeba)、美丽胡枝子(Lespedeza thunbergii subsp. formosa)等物种在24 ha样地水平被认为是稀有种, 但是在5 m × 5 m幼苗样方却属于常见种。(4)指示种分析结果表明, 基于不同取样强度的幼苗生境指示种与基于大样地非幼苗个体的分析结果存在较大差异。在5 m × 5 m幼苗样方中, 13个物种与单一生境类型显著相关, 其中仅有3个物种与1 m × 1 m幼苗样方指示种相同, 与24 ha大样地非幼苗相比, 仅有2个共有指示种。总之, 不同取样强度可显著影响幼苗物种多样性格局的分析结果, 通过样方扩建对林下幼苗进行系统监测, 可进一步加深对群落生物多样性维持机制的认识。     

梭梭萌生与初期存活的关键影响因素

在梭梭的主要分布区——古尔班通古特沙漠南缘,就种子萌发、幼苗存活展开研究,以确定在梭梭萌生初期,决定其成活的关键影响因素。实验于2008年36月进行,设置了9个水分处理(3倍降雪、正常降雪、无降雪条件与人工降雨、自然降雨、无降雨处理的交叉组合),同步监测梭梭萌发、存活数量动态及春季短命植物数量。结果表明,梭梭种子萌发数量与积雪量增加无显著相关关系,短命植物萌发数量与积雪量呈显著正相关。总体水分条件较好时,梭梭幼苗与短命植物萌发数量都增多,但由于短命植物竞争,幼苗成活率未必高;反之,在水分条件较差时,梭梭幼苗与短命植物萌发数量都降低,短命植物消耗的水分减少,梭梭幼苗存活率反而高。也就是说,在梭梭幼苗的生长初期,它在与短命植物的水分竞争中处于劣势,直接的降水增加并不能提高其存活率。     

吉林蛟河不同演替阶段针阔混交林乔木幼苗数量组成及其时间动态

为了解蛟河地区木本植物幼苗的数量特征及其年际动态, 以及影响幼苗数量的生态学过程, 该文以不同演替阶段针阔混交林监测样地为基础, 在样地内共设置了451个种子雨-幼苗观测样站.通过2012-2014年连续3年的幼苗监测调查, 对木本植物幼苗物种组成,数量特征,高度级结构及其年际动态进行了分析, 并用多元回归的方法分析了幼苗数量与林分类型,同种成体胸高断面积之和及林冠开阔度的关系.结果表明: (1)林下幼苗层主要木本植物的组成在不同演替阶段林分中差异不大, 并与样地内主要树种组成保持着一定相似性, 但幼苗重要值排序在年际间和不同演替阶段稍有波动.(2) 3个样地内幼苗个体数量和物种数都主要集中在5-20 cm高度级之间, 之后随高度级增加而逐渐减少, 但幼苗个体数量减少更快.表明与种间竞争相比, 物种内部的相互作用是导致幼苗死亡的主要原因, 证实了负密度制约效应在幼苗更新过程中的作用.(3) 5个主要树种的幼苗数量都与同种成体胸高断面积之和呈显著的正相关关系, 还呈现出明显的生境偏好, 表明扩散限制和生态位过程也会影响幼苗的数量和分布.该文间接证实了负密度制约效应,扩散限制和生态位过程对温带地区不同演替阶段森林群落中幼苗数量组成的影响.     

不同生境条件下紫茎泽兰实生幼苗的生存特性比较

外来植物紫茎泽兰(Eupatorium adenophorum)入侵我国西南地区并造成了严重的生态灾难, 了解其幼苗的生存特性, 有助于预防和治理其危害。本研究于2005年8月到2006年8月通过盆栽实验和样方调查, 研究了不同光照和水分条件下紫茎泽兰幼苗的生长、生存状况和开花比例。结果表明: (1) 紫茎泽兰从种子萌发到1年后形成幼苗并开花结果的概率为1.16×10^–13–2.43×10^–11; (2) 湿润偏阴生境利于紫茎泽兰的种子萌发和幼苗存活, 其萌发出现率和存活率都达到最高, 分别为13.93%和79.50%; (3) 在水分充足的情况下, 增加光照有利于紫茎泽兰生长; (4) 出土1年后的紫茎泽兰有3.92–5.05%的植株开花结果, 产生的种子密度为23,000–52,000 inds./m²。虽然紫茎泽兰种子个体成功生存的概率很小, 但种子产量大增加了该物种成功定居的机会, 特别是湿润偏阴环境能够促进幼苗的定居。     

Survival and growth of dominant tree seedlings in seasonally tropical dry forests of Yucatan: site and fertilization effects

Aims Seasonally tropical dry forests of the Yucatan Peninsula are typically found in sites with nutrient-poor soils because of the recent geological origin of the region. The landscape is dominated by extensive karstic plates that shape environments where vegetation regeneration through seed germination may be limited by the availability of suitable microsites. In this study, we documented the survival and growth of seedlings from three dominant tree species (Bursera simaruba, Piscidia piscipula and Lysiloma latisiliquum) in seasonally tropical dry forests in Yucatan. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of nutrient addition (N and P, separately and in combination) on seedling survival and growth across three sites with differing levels of precipitation.Methods We conducted a nutrient addition experiment, whereby we established 12 plots of dimensions 10×10 m (100 m 2) at each site, from which three plots were randomly selected to receive one of four treatments: N addition, P addition, N and P addition and no nutrient addition (controls). Prior to treatment application, in each plot, we planted 10 seedlings of each species in October 2010 and subsequently conducted surveys of plant growth and survival every 20 days from November 2010 to April 2011.Important findings Overall, nutrient addition increased seedling survival and the magnitude of this effect was similar among sites. We did not observe an additive effect of the N + P treatment on survival. Similarly, we observed a positive effect of nutrient addition on seedling growth, but this effect was contingent upon site; regarding survival, the effects of N and P on seedling growth were not additive. These results suggest that seedling recruitment and growth in the three dominant species of trees in Yucatan are limited by nutrient availability but that the magnitude of this effect, particularly on seedling growth, is specific for species and site.     

Heterogeneity of terrestrial bromeliad colonies and regeneration of Acacia praecox (Fabaceae) in a humid-subtropical-Chaco forest, Argentina

In several tropical and subtropical forests, plants of the understorey act as an ecological filter that differentially affects woody species regeneration. In convex sectors of the Schinopsis balansae (Anacardiaceae) forests of the Southeastern Chaco there are dense colonies of terrestrial bromeliads. These may influence forest regeneration by intercepting rain water and propagules in their tanks. Within colonies, the spatial distribution of bromeliads is clumped because their clonal growth leaves numerous internal gaps. In this study we describe the internal heterogeneity of three bromeliad colonies (plots) and analyze how this heterogeneity affects Acacia praecox regeneration (i.e. seedling recruitment and survival). In January 1996, we randomly placed three transects with 150 contiguous quadrats of 100 cm(2) in each plot. For each quadrat we recorded the type of floor cover (i.e. bromeliads, herbs, litter, or bare soil) and the presence of A. praecox seeds or seedlings. In July 1996 we relocated the transects and recorded seedling survival. Bromeliad colonies showed a high internal heterogeneity. Almost half of the 450 quadrats were covered by two terrestrial bromeliads. Aechmea distichantha was recorded in 81% of all quadrats with bromeliads, and Bromelia serra in the others. All quadrats with bromeliads were covered by litter. Half of them were occupied by the bases of bromeliads and the others were covered by their leaves. In contrast, where bromeliads were not present, soil surface was covered by litter in 83% and by herbaceous vegetation in 11% of the quadrats; very few quadrats were covered by bare soil. In January 1996, we recorded 127 seeds and 176 seedlings of A. praecox. Seed and seedling densities of A. praecox were similar in quadrats with and without bromeliads, but variability in seedling density of A. praecox was higher within than among plots. Seed density was higher in quadrats covered by bromeliad leaves than inside the tanks. Seedling survival of A. praecox was slightly higher in quadrats with bromeliads in only one of the three plots. No seedling survived inside the bromeliad tanks. Apparently. bromeliad colonies have no effect on seedling regeneration of A. praecox.     

辽东山区次生林乔木幼苗组成及其年际动态

为了解辽东山区次生林乔木幼苗组成及其年际动态, 本文以4 ha动态监测样地为平台, 对样地内1,600个 5 m × 5 m样方进行监测。依据2014-2016年连续3年的调查, 对样地内乔木幼苗的组成、高度分布、新增和死亡年际动态、空间分布格局等进行分析。结果表明: (1)调查期间共记录到22种乔木幼苗, 3年间幼苗组成没有发生变化, 但各个样方间出现极大差异, 并且幼苗优势树种组成与样地内优势树种成分保持着一定的相似性。(2)幼苗数量在不同树种和年际间表现出较大的差异: 花曲柳(Fraxinus rhynchophylla)、色木槭(Acer mono)、胡桃楸(Juglans mandshurica)在3年间幼苗数量最多, 占幼苗总数的75.6%; 花曲柳和胡桃楸幼苗数量表现出较明显的年际波动, 其他树种波动较小, 不同树种的幼苗密度差异很大。(3)幼苗新增和死亡存在明显的种间和年际差异: 2014-2015年间幼苗的新增数量(3,888)明显高于2015-2016年间(1,710), 同时2014-2015年间幼苗死亡率(23.7%)也明显高于2015-2016年间(12.7%)。对2015-2016年间新增幼苗和已有幼苗的死亡情况进行比较可以发现, 新增幼苗总体死亡率(18.8%)明显高于已有幼苗(8.1%)。(4)对比幼苗和大树的空间分布可以发现, 样地内优势幼苗都表现出集群分布的特征。在空间分布上, 幼苗与母树保持一定的相似性。     

Post-fire natural regeneration of a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinaster</Emphasis> forest in NW Spain

The aim of this study was to analyse the regeneration of Pinus pinaster after wildfire and the possible inter and intraspecific competition during the first 3 years after fire. The study area is located in a P. pinaster stand in León province (NW Spain). Three study sites (S1, S2 and S3) were established in an area burned in 1998. In each site, three permanent plots (20 × 1 m) were marked. A total of 20 quadrats of 1 m ² were studied in each plot. The number and height of pine seedlings 1, 2 and 3 years after fire was recorded in each quadrat. The regeneration of understorey vegetation in the quadrats was analysed concurrently. The significance of linear correlations among the number and height of seedlings and understorey vegetation cover was tested by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients.Seed germination and seedling emergence took place massively during the first year after the fire and decreased through time. The height growth was constant over the 3 years at site S2, while a growth burst could be observed between years 2 and 3 at sites S1 and S2. Also, pines from site S2 reached shorter maximum heights in all years compared to pines from site S1 and S3. The understorey vegetation showed minimal regeneration during the first year but then increased greatly with time. Woody understorey cover and total vegetation cover were negatively correlated with pine seedling density in sites with a high number of seedlings (e.g. S1 and S3). When woody cover, total cover and pine seedling density were low (e.g. S2), there were no correlations. There was a positive correlation between vegetation cover and the maximum height of Pinus seedlings in all study sites.     

濒危树种望天树大量结实后幼苗的生长和存活

 在云南西双版纳州勐腊自然保护区补蚌村的灰阴河望天树(Shorea wantianshuea)林, 选择群落结构均一的100 m×200 m区域,设置3条垂直于 沟谷并沿谷底到坡顶纵向延伸的20 m×100 m样带 (间隔50 m),在每一样带内每隔20 m设置谷底、低坡、中坡、次坡顶和坡顶5个均匀分布的 观测样地,每一样地内设置两个3 m×3 m的小样方。从2004年12月初到2005年9月底每隔2 ～3个月重复记录幼苗株高、基径和叶片数,统计幼 苗死亡数和被动物捕食数,计算幼苗死亡率、动物捕食率和存活率;同时测定各样地土壤含水量。实验结束收获全部现存幼苗,测定和计算幼 苗单株叶面积、比叶面积、总生物量和根冠比等生长参数。结果表明：在干旱季节,从谷底到坡顶,各样地土壤含水量依次降低,而幼苗死亡 率则依次增大,这种趋势一直持续到实验结束,此时幼苗在谷底、低坡、中坡、次坡顶和坡顶的死亡率分别为55.0%、54. 3%、39.4%、35.9%和 26.5%。动物捕食导致望天树幼苗的大量损失,但各样地间差异不显著,幼苗的“丢失”也可能是动物捕食的结果。水分胁迫对幼苗生长的影响 在干旱季节更为明显,实验结束时幼苗株高在谷底和低坡较大,而在坡顶和次坡顶较小,其它生长参数也都表现出类似的特点,但在实验结束 时这些差异并不显著。该文就各种环境因素对望天树幼苗生长与存活的影响进行了讨论。研究的结果可为探寻望天树的致危原因、有效地保护 这一珍稀濒危树种和退化次生林的恢复等提供幼苗生态学方面的理论依据。     

The role of onion-associated fungi in bulb mite infestation and damage to onion seedlings

In Israel Rhizoglyphus robini is considered to be a pest in its own right, even though the mite is usually found in association with fungal pathogens. Plant protection recommendations are therefore to treat germinating onions seedlings, clearly a crucial phase in crop production, when mites are discovered. The aim of this study was to determine the role of fungi in bulb mite infestation and damage to germinating onion seedlings. Accordingly we (1) evaluated the effect of the mite on onion seedling germination and survival without fungi, (2) compared the attraction of the mite to species and isolates of various fungi, (3) assessed the effect of a relatively non-pathogenic isolate of Fusarium oxysporum on mite fecundity, and (4) determined the effects of the mite and of F. oxysporum separately and together, on onion seedling germination and sprout development. A significant reduction of seedling survival was recorded only in the 1,000 mites/pot treatment, after 4 weeks. Mites were attracted to 6 out of 7 collected fungi isolates. Mite fecundity on onion sprouts infested with F. oxysporum was higher than on non-infested sprouts. Survival of seedlings was affected by mites, fungi, and their combination. Sprouts on Petri dishes after 5 days were significantly longer in the control and mite treatments than both fungi treatments. During the 5-day experiment more mites were always found on the fungi-infected sprouts than on the non-infected sprouts. Future research using suppressive soils to suppress soil pathogens and subsequent mite damage is proposed.     

Mechanisms associated with tolerance to flooding during germination and early seedling growth in rice (Oryza sativa)

Background and Aims

Flooding slows seed germination, imposes fatalities and delays seedling establishment in direct-seeded rice. This study describes responses of contrasting rice genotypes subjected to flooding or low oxygen stress during germination and discusses the basis of tolerance shown by certain cultivars.

Methods

In one set of experiments, dry seeds were sown in soil and either watered normally or flooded with 10 cm of water. Seedling survival and shoot and root growth were assessed and seed portions of germinating seedlings were assayed for soluble sugars and starch concentrations. The whole germinating seedlings were assayed for amylase and peroxidase activities and for ethylene production. Activities of enzymes associated with anaerobic respiration were examined and gene expression was analysed separately with seeds germinating under different amounts of dissolved oxygen in dilute agar.

Key Results

Flooding during germination reduced survival but to a lesser extent in tolerant genotypes. Starch concentration in germinating seeds decreased while sugar concentration increased under flooding, but more so in tolerant genotypes. Amylase activity correlated positively with elongation (r = 0·85 for shoot and 0·83 for root length) and with plant survival (r = 0·92). Tolerant genotypes had higher amylase activity and higher RAmy3D gene expression. Ethylene was not detected in seeds within 2 d after sowing, but increased thereafter, with a greater increase in tolerant genotypes starting 3 d after sowing. Peroxidase activity was higher in germinating seeds of sensitive genotypes and correlated negatively with survival.

Conclusions

Under low oxygen stress, tolerant genotypes germinate, grow faster and more seedlings survive. They maintain their ability to use stored starch reserves through higher amylase activity and anaerobic respiration, have higher rates of ethylene production and lower peroxidase activity as germinating seeds and as seedlings. Relevance of these traits to tolerance of flooding during germination and early growth is discussed.Key words: Amylase, anoxia, crop establishment, direct-seeded rice, ethylene, flooding, germination, hypoxia, Oryza sativa     

Variation in stand structure,light and seedling abundance across a tropical moist forest chronosequence,Panama

Abstract. We asked whether forest structure and understory light environments across a tropical moist forest chronosequence followed predictions of a 4‐phase model of secondary succession (establishment, thinning, transition and steady‐state) and whether seedling density and diversity were functions of light availability as predicted by this model. Using aerial photographs, we identified eight second‐growth stands (two each aged ca. 20, 40, 70, and 100 yr) and two old‐growth stands within Barro Colorado Nature Monument, Panama. Trees and seedlings were sampled in nested, contiguous quadrats in 2 160‐m transects in each stand. Light was measured as percent transmittance of diffuse photosynthetically active radiation (TPAR) at each seedling quadrat and by estimation of percent total incident radiation during the growing season from hemispherical canopy photographs. Basal area, tree density, and canopy height followed predictions of the 4‐phase model. Percent total radiation, but not TPAR, declined with stand age as did seedling density. While seedlings were more likely to occur in quadrats at higher light levels, much variation in seedling density was not related to light availability. Seedling patch sizes were small irrespective of light patches, estimated as semivariance ranges. Seedling species richness was a function of seedling density; estimates of species diversity unbiased by density did not vary systematically as a function of stand age. Proximate seed sources, efficient dispersal mechanisms, and appropriate establishment conditions can promote establishment of species‐rich communities early in successions of heterogeneous tropical moist forest.     

How significant are endophytic fungi in bromeliad seeds and seedlings? Effects on germination,survival and performance of two epiphytic plant species

In bromeliads, nothing is known about the associations fungi form with seeds and seedling roots. We investigated whether fungal associations occur in the seeds and seedling roots of two epiphytic Aechmea species, and we explored whether substrate and fungal associations contribute to seed germination, and seedling survival and performance after the first month of growth. We found a total of 21 genera and 77 species of endophytic fungi in the seeds and seedlings for both Aechmea species by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The fungal associations in seeds were found in the majority of corresponding seedlings, suggesting that fungi are transmitted vertically. Substrate quality modulated the germination and growth of seedlings, and beneficial endophytic fungi were not particularly crucial for germination but contributed positively to survival and growth. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of an endophytic fungal community in both the seeds and seedlings of two epiphytic bromeliads species that subsequently benefit plant growth.     

Temporal and spatial patterns in emergence and early survival of perennial plants in the Sonoran Desert

Seedling emergence and survival of 15 perennial species were studied for six years in a 557-m² permanent plot at Tumamoc Hill, Arizona, USA, an ungrazed site in the northern Sonoran Desert. The minimum rain required for germination and emergence ranged from 17.5 to 35.6 mm. Few species emerged in every year of the study. First-year survival averaged across all 15 species was 3.7%; only 0.1% of seedlings lived as long as four years. The odds of survival in the first year improved with increased rain. About three times as many seedlings died from predation as desiccation. In 2-m² subplots, mortality of three woody species in the first 30 days after emergence appeared to be independent of seedling density. Short-, moderate-, and long-lived species displayed distinct survival strategies. Long-lived species compensated for generally poor seedling survival by frequent germination and emergence. Moderate-lived species exhibited highly episodic germination and emergence, a potentially risky behavior that might have been offset to some extent by relatively good long-term survival. Short-lived species had the highest seedling survival. Because these species can bloom in their first year, good early survival meant that some individuals were able to reproduce before they died.