Effects of a native bamboo species on tree regeneration diversity of a subtropical Atlantic forest

Impacts of bamboo dominance and die‐off on seedling dynamics in a tropical secondary forest (Brazil)

“…However, our study results did not agree with the results reported by other works that described the role of increased light levels after bamboo die-off on the growth of seedlings or saplings established before a bamboo-flowering event (Caccia et al, 2015;González et al, 2002;Holz & Veblen, 2006). Notwithstanding the majority of papers reported that forests occupied by bamboos have reduced levels of light which imposes restriction on the germination of species (Budke et al, 2010;Caccia et al, 2009;Campanello et al, 2007;Canavan et al, 2019;Capellesso et al, 2022;Montti, Campanello, & Goldstein, 2011), our study observed greater incident radiation in the bamboo habitats.…”

“…In this case, these authors suggest intervention and use of management practices to maintain tree diversity in forest fragments. On the other hand, studies carried out in the same area over 11 years after M. skvortzovii died‐off found that reestablishment showed an increase in abundance, species richness, beta diversity and functional attributes indicating that the reconstruction of the understory community is possible despite the presence of bamboos (Capellesso et al., 2022); they therefore concluded that this species does not need management in subtropical forests.…”

“…In general, literature has discussed and confronted bamboo dominance and forest reestablishment after bamboo die‐off without fully considering the ecological distinctiveness among the bamboo species and communities affected (Budke et al., 2010; Capellesso et al., 2022; Montti, Campanello, Gatti, et al., 2011; Montti, Campanello, & Goldstein, 2011). The association between flowering system, and the consequences it has on gap creation size, light incidence, biogeochemical cycles, reduction or increase in herbivore abundance and subsequent dominance by one or a few species is necessary to comprehend the impacts of bamboos on native forests and define management practices (Buziquia et al., 2019; Makita, 1998; Marchesini et al., 2009).…”

“…In general, studies have showed that changes in biotic and abiotic conditions after bamboo die‐off (such as decreases in invertebrate abundance, higher light penetration, higher temperatures and less moisture) can boost opportunities for seed overstorey germination and seedling growth (Abe et al., 2005; Austin & Marchesini, 2011; Caccia et al., 2015; Giordano et al., 2009; Takahashi et al., 2007; Vieira et al., 2022). This positively affects tree seedling dynamics and richness and promotes successful forest regeneration and stabilization (Budke et al., 2010; Capellesso et al., 2016, 2022; Marchesini et al., 2009). Our results partially agree with findings reporting that bamboo super‐abundant forest stands are more dynamic regarding seedling recruitment, growth and mortality caused by physical damages and by desiccation due to a high incidence of solar radiation (Griscom & Ashton, 2006; Lima et al., 2012; Rother et al., 2018).…”

“…This subsequent die-off promotes conspicuous changes in abiotic and biotic conditions that can exert both positive and negative effects on tree seedling dynamics and composition (Budke et al, 2010;Caccia et al, 2015;Giordano et al, 2009;Holz & Veblen, 2006;Marchesini et al, 2009) by increasing light availability to forest understory, reducing invertebrate abundance (herbivory; Abe et al, 2005;Caccia et al, 2015) and/or by altering nutrient cycling (Austin & Marchesini, 2011;Marchesini et al, 2009;Takahashi et al, 2007;Vieira et al, 2022). The change of initial conditions after the bamboo die-off (Budke et al, 2010;Montti, Campanello, Gatti, et al, 2011;Montti, Campanello, & Goldstein, 2011;Santos et al, 2012) may be followed, after longer periods, by tree regeneration and stabilization of forest structure (Capellesso et al, 2016(Capellesso et al, , 2022, or by a fast bamboo recolonization, interfering with the forest regeneration process (Lacerda & Kellermann, 2019;Montti, Campanello, & Goldstein, 2011). Bamboos display a range of ecological responses to canopy disturbance, invading natural tree gaps, forest edges and open areas and proliferating where a forest had been disturbed by logging or burning.…”