Prior fertilization enables higher survival of relocated terricolous orchids?

Abstract

The construction of highways causes several impacts on the environment, including, the suppression of vegetation, which can lead to reduced biodiversity. One mitigating measure involves reallocating plant to protected areas and orchids might be important for this use. An example could be the terricolous orchid Sauroglossum nitidum. In an attempt to optimize the survival of S. nitidum following reallocation, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the fertilization can increase the survival of this orchid. For this, five lots with ten plants per lot were randomly separated, with five plants submitted to soluble fertilization with NPK 10-52-10 (1 g.L-1), spraying each plant with 1 mL of the fertilizer, and the other five sprayed with the same volume of distilled water. This treatment was repeated fortnightly for two months before reallocation. The plants were relocated in September 2015 and monitored monthly until November 2016. Overall orchid survival was 92%. Additionally, flowering was observed to be significantly higher in fertilized plants. In conclusion, reallocation of S. nitidum with previous NPK fertilization is recommended.

Simultaneous relocation strategy of bromeliads as epiphytes or terricolous in the Montane Dense Ombrophilous Forest of Parque Estadual da Cantareira, São Paulo State, Brazil.

“…Among the alternatives, the relocation of plant species removed from the area destined to road works in conservation sites where the natural occurrence of these species has been detected (Araújo 2006). Primack (2008) and, more recently, Guardia et al (2021) and Suzuki et al (2021) have highlighted the importance of transplanting species from areas aimed for vegetation removal to other places considered suitable for their relocation, as has been recommended by Jasper et al (2005) and Duarte & Gandolfi (2013), primarily in protected areas (Santos Júnior & Tamaki 2014).…”