The coupling of recruitment and disturbance by fire in two resprouting Proteaceae species |
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Authors: | Andrew J Denham Robert J Whelan Tony D Auld Robert J Denham |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Conservation Biology and Law, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia;(2) Climate Change Science Section, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, PO Box 1967 Hurstville, NSW, 2220, Australia;(3) Department of Environment and Resource Management (Queensland), GPO Box 1401, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia |
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Abstract: | Recruitment in plant populations is often tightly coupled to major disturbances such as fires. For species with persistent
seed banks, fire-related cues may allow or enhance germination. The litter layer influences germination and may modify the
impact of seed predators on seeds and seedlings. The litter layer is obviously affected by fire, providing one mechanism by
which disturbance can determine recruitment. We tested the role of litter in the disturbance–recruitment coupling of two species
with contrasting seed release timing after fire—Banksia serrata (canopy seed bank) and Telopea speciosissima (transient seed bank) by planting their seeds both early and late in the post-fire recruitment period (PRP) and manipulating
litter density in orthogonal treatments. Vertebrate seed predators were excluded. Both species established more seedlings
late in the PRP, although results were strongly influenced by very poor establishment at one site. Invertebrate seed predators
consumed more T. speciosissima seeds in sites early (69.5%) than late in the PRP (51.2%), while consumption of B. serrata seeds was lower overall and comparable across sites (average 47.3%). Surprisingly, litter had very little effect on establishment
and none on invertebrate seed predation, suggesting that other factors are more important. Recruitment was only loosely coupled
to disturbance for the canopy seed bank species; for the transient seed bank species, the coupling was tighter but separated
in time from the disturbance. Understanding both the strength and temporal aspects of the disturbance–recruitment coupling
is necessary for appropriate management of plant functional diversity in fire-prone habitats. |
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