Seed banking in the columnar cactus<i>Stenocereus stellatus</i>: distribution, density and longevity of seeds

Álvarez-Espino, Ricardo; Godínez–Álvarez, Héctor; Torre-Almaráz, Rodolfo De La

doi:10.1017/s0960258514000324

Cited by 25 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…According to Álvarez‐Espino et al . (), the determination of the presence of a soil seed bank in cactus populations must be done using an integrative approach, including seed distribution, seed density and seed longevity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…; Holland & Molina‐Freaner ; Álvarez‐Espino et al . ), while other studies have only evaluated their existence experimentally (Bowers , ; Cheib & García ). According to Álvarez‐Espino et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To understand whether a plant forms a SSB, it is necessary to demonstrate that viable seeds remain in the soil for a given period of time and determine its distribution, density and longevity (Álvarez‐Espino et al . ). The two first traits can be highly heterogeneous due to spatio‐temporal fluctuations in seed production, seed dispersal and seed predation (Harper ; Mull & MacMahon).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 86%

“…; Cheib & García ; Álvarez‐Espino et al . ). Of all the studies on SSBs in cactus species, only one has simultaneously evaluated seed distribution patterns, seed density and seed longevity (Álvarez‐Espino et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Do cacti form soil seed banks? An evaluation using species from the Southern Central Andes

et al. 2018

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There is controversy over whether cactus species form soil seed banks. Although it is commonly assumed that cacti do not form seed banks, very few studies have evaluated them. In this work, we analysed whether cactus species form soil seed banks, studying seed distribution, seed density and seed longevity in the Southern Central Andes. Soil samples were collected in two microhabitats (under nurse plants and in bare areas) at 12 selected sites. We determined seed presence-absence, density and distribution for 32 native cactus species. Seed longevity for six of these species was determined through a burial experiment. We recorded viable seeds for 62.5% of the 32 evaluated species, finding variation in seed density between microenvironments and among populations. In some species, the highest seed density was found under potential nurse plants. Seed germination and seed viability decreased with burial time, with seed longevity always being <24 months after burial. Our results show strong evidence that cactus species do form seed banks. Seed density can vary between microenvironments and among populations, suggesting that cactus-nurse plant associations can also be explained by differential seed dispersal and not only by differential establishment. We found that Echinopsis and Gymnocalycium species form short-term seed banks. Our results will help to better understand the population dynamics of cactus species, a focal species group for conservation actions because many of them are threatened by human activities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Do cacti form soil seed banks? An evaluation using species from the Southern Central Andes

et al. 2018

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“…; Álvarez‐Espino et al . ). In the Tehuacán‐Cuicatlán Valley, there are several S. stellatus populations such as wild, managed in situ and cultivated populations (Casas et al .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Seed removal in a tropical North American desert: an evaluation of pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed removal in Stenocereus stellatus

2017

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To determine seed removal influence on seed populations, we need to quantify pre- and post-dispersal seed removal. Several studies have quantified seed removal in temperate American deserts, but few studies have been performed in tropical deserts. These studies have only quantified pre- or post-dispersal seed removal, thus underestimating the influence of seed removal. We evaluated pre- and post-dispersal seed removal in the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus in a Mexican tropical desert. We performed selective exclosure experiments to estimate percentage of seeds removed by ants, birds and rodents during the pre- and post-dispersal phases. We also conducted field samplings to estimate abundance of the most common seed removers. Birds (10-28%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than ants (2%) and rodents (1-4%) during pre-dispersal seed removal. Melanerpes hypopolius was probably the main bird removing seeds from fruits. Ants (62-64%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than birds (34-38%) and rodents (16-30%) during post-dispersal seed removal. Pogonomyrmex barbatus was probably the main ant removing seeds from soil. Birds and ants are the main pre- and post-dispersal seed removers in S. stellatus, respectively. Further studies in other S. stellatus populations and plants with different life forms and fruit types will contribute to evaluate seed removal in tropical American deserts.

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What are the demographic consequences of a seed bank stage for columnar cacti?

et al. 2021

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The dynamics of plant populations are often limited by the early stages in their life cycles. However, information regarding seed bank dynamics and how these may influence the whole life cycle of plant species is remarkably scarce or not considered explicitly. This lack of knowledge is due mainly to the challenges in quantifying seed vital rates. Studies of arid land plant species have historically been focused on the drivers of sporadic recruitment. However, little attention has been given to the demographic consequences of early developmental stages, and how seed banks affect their dynamics. Here, we evaluate the effects of seed bank survival and seedling recruitment vital rates on the population dynamics and viability of 12 columnar cacti species. Recent evidence suggests that cacti seeds may remain viable for the short-term. We assess how changes in the vital rates of these processes and the inclusion of a seed bank affect population growth rate (λ). We found that a seed bank in the examined matrix population models significantly increased λ as well as the vital rate elasticities of λ to growth and fecundity, whereas that of overall survival decreased. Our numerical simulations showed that seed survival had a more considerable effect on λ than seedling recruitment and establishment. We suggest that the seed bank may explain the structure and population dynamics. Thus, we reconsider that this early stage in demographic models will generate more informed decisions on the conservation and management of columnar cacti.

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Seed banking in the columnar cactusStenocereus stellatus: distribution, density and longevity of seeds

Abstract: 2014). Seed banking in the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus: distribution, density and longevity of seeds.

Cited by 25 publications

References 40 publications

Do cacti form soil seed banks? An evaluation using species from the Southern Central Andes

Do cacti form soil seed banks? An evaluation using species from the Southern Central Andes

Seed removal in a tropical North American desert: an evaluation of pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed removal in Stenocereus stellatus

What are the demographic consequences of a seed bank stage for columnar cacti?

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