Comparative análisis of variables associated with germination and seedling establishment for Prosopis nigra (Griseb) and Acacia caven (Mol.) Mol.

PRATOLONGO, PAULA DANIELA; QUINTANA, RUBEN DARIO; MALVÁREZ, ANA INÉS; CAGNONI, MARCELA

FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2003 vol. 175 p. 15 - 25

0378-1127

The purpose of this work was to compare different variables associated with the germination and growth of Prosopis nigra and Acacia caven seedlings. Fieldwork was carried out in 1999 on materials collected in Entre Rı́os province, Argentina. Germination percentages and rates were measured in order to determine the effect of immersion in water for different periods of time and of the ingestion of P. nigra fruits by the greater rhea. Seedling growth was compared for both species as a function of stem elongation, increase in volume, leaf production rate and survival percentage during the first 60 days following germination. Results indicate that, unlike A. caven, P. nigra seeds are negatively affected by immersion in water as seeds submitted to different immersion periods showed a significant decrease in final germination percentages with respect to untreated seeds. P. nigra seeds ingested by the greater rhea also showed lower final germination percentages as compared to those not ingested. Nevertheless, those that succeeded in germinating achieved significantly higher germination velocities. A. caven seedlings attained significantly higher heights than those of P. nigra from the 20th day onwards. Volume growth for A. caven was also higher, as well as leaf production and survival until the 60th day. Results suggests that in order to maintain P. nigra dominance, practices favoring prolonged waterlogging periods should be avoided, thus promoting a high seedling yield.