Effects of experimental defoliation on growth, reproduction and survival of Astrocaryum mexicanum.
Por:
Mendoza A., Pinero D., Sarukhan J.
Publicada:
1 ene 1987
Resumen:
Completely defoliated juvenile and immature palms produced significantly fewer leaves than control plants. In mature palms, the removal of the oldest portions of the crown increased leaf production by 30%. Complete defoliation and removal of 2/3 of the oldest leaves had the effect of reducing leaf abscission in all stages, except for seedlings. Defoliation had a significant effect on reproduction during all years, except 1978. Completely defoliated palms had a lower probability of reproduction and produced no fruits for 3 yr. Removal of a small proportion of the oldest tissue significantly increased fruit production. Defoliations >33% of the total number of leaves reduced reproductive capacity, except when the oldest tissue was removed. Survival of totally defoliated juvenile and immature individuals was 50% less than that of undefoliated plants. Survival of mature individuals was not significantly affected by the defoliation. -from Authors
Filiaciones:
Mendoza A.:
Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apartado 70-233, 04510 Mexico, D.F., Mexico., Mexico
Pinero D.:
Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apartado 70-233, 04510 Mexico, D.F., Mexico., Mexico
Sarukhan J.:
Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apartado 70-233, 04510 Mexico, D.F., Mexico., Mexico
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