| dc.description.abstract | Although regeneration of recalcitrant-seeded tree species can be affected by prolonged drought, especially in Mediterranean regions, little is known about the response of such species to varying site conditions. A
field experiment was performed to determine the effect of irrigation and leaf litter cover on seed germination
and early seedling survival of the vulnerable recalcitrant-seeded tree Beilschmiedia miersii (Lauraceae). Two levels
of irrigation (non-irrigated and irrigated units) and three levels of leaf litter depth (0, 5 and 12 cm) were applied
to 72 groups of 30 seeds along a wet ravine of the Coastal Range of Central Chile, equally distributed across
sites with different levels of canopy cover. Seed germination was significantly increased by irrigation only under
closed-canopy cover, and by leaf litter cover (>5 cm) under all canopy conditions. The effect of leaf litter on germination increased with canopy openness, while the effect of irrigation did not show any tendency. Meanwhile,
early seedling survival was significantly increased by irrigation under intermediate canopy cover, and by leaf litter
(>5 cm) under closed-canopy cover. As a result of its overall positive effect on germination, leaf litter should be
maintained within B. miersii communities, particularly under intermediate to closed-canopy conditions, where it
can also increase early seedling survival, and both seed germination and early seedling survival might be
increased through additional water inputs. The presence of leaf litter might help retaining such inputs, prolonging their effect on regeneration of B. miersii communities. We see this as a baseline assessment of regeneration
and persistence that needs further testing on species with similar traits, given the expected increase in the frequency and length of dry periods into the future. | |
