Survival of planted star cactus,<i>Astrophytum asterias</i>, in southern Texas

Reemts, Charlotte M.; Conner, Patrick J.; Janssen, Gena K.; Wahl, Kimberly

doi:10.1894/n05-jb-40.1

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…On the other hand, four species ( H. fragrans , H. portoricensis , P gaumeri and C. polylophus ) have some degree of endangered status so increasing the seed‐seedling transitions can provide solutions for conservation strategies. The cost‐efficient management of cacti would indicate that for conservation purposes, the reintroduction by transplanting nursery reared seedlings or juveniles (reducing seedling limitation) be a better strategy than sowing seeds (seed augmentation) directly into the wild (Birnbaum et al, 2011; Reemts et al, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…On the other hand, four species ( H. fragrans, H. portoricensis, P gaumeri and C. polylophus ) have some degree of endangered status so increasing the seed-seedling transitions can provide solutions for conservation strategies. The cost-efficient management of cacti would indicate that for conservation purposes, the reintroduction by transplanting nursery reared seedlings or juveniles (reducing seedling limitation) to be a better strategy than sowing seeds (seed augmentation) directly into the wild (Birnbaum et al, 2011; Reemts et al, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Arroyo-Cosultchi

Mandujano

Salguero‐Gómez

et al. 2020

Preprint

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The dynamics of plants populations are often limited by the early stages in their life cycles. The question if the columnar cacti have or not a seed bank in predictable environments. Yet, information regarding seed bank dynamics and how these may influence the full life cycle of plant species is remarkably scarce or ignore. This lack of knowledge is mostly due 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, including seed banks. 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 larger effect on λ than seedling recruitment and establishment. We suggest that seed bank may explain the structure and population dynamics. Thus, we argue 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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“…Pers com), therefore manipulations to reduce seedling limitations through the introduction of nursery reared seedlings are a better management strategy than sowing seeds directly into the wild (Birnbaum et al, 2011;Reemts et al, 2014)…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Affecting Germination and Establishment Success of an Endemic Cactus of the Chihuahuan Desert

Martínez

Golubov

Mandujano

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Seeds and seedlings are the most critical stages of cacti life cycles. From the thousands of seeds produced in a reproductive season, only a small fraction successfully germinate, the rest are lost to predation, go dormant and remain viable in the seed bank or lose viability. These early stages often depend on facilitation by nurse plants for germination and seedling recruitment. We aim to prescribe actions for the conservation of Cephalocereus polylophus by improving recruitment in the population. The viability of seeds with different storage times was evaluated as an indicator of their potential to form a short-term seed bank. Through the analysis of seed germination and seedling survival under the canopy of two nurse plant species and open areas, we assessed the importance of facilitation for recruitment. A predator exclusion experiment evaluated the intensity of herbivory on seeds and seedlings of different ages. Seeds had germination rates above 90\% under laboratory conditions, even after two years of storage. Seed germination was only registered under one of the two nurses and after two years, up to 4 % of the seedlings planted under both nurse plants survived and protection against herbivores increased seedlings survival. Considering that facilitation and age are crucial for seedling survival of C. polylophus, future conservation programs should include the protection of plant communities and the introduction of seedlings instead of seeds.

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Survival of planted star cactus,Astrophytum asterias, in southern Texas

Cited by 5 publications

References 4 publications

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

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

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

Factors Affecting Germination and Establishment Success of an Endemic Cactus of the Chihuahuan Desert

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