Latin America and Caribbean
Postdispersal Seed Fate of Tropical Montane Trees in an Agricultural Landscape, Southern Costa RicabackgroundThis study seeks to understand postdispersal seed fate in Montane Costa Rica in order to better identify factors driving forest regeneration. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seed germination of Loxopterygium guasango, a threatened tree of coastal Northwestern South AmericabackgroundLoxopterygium guasango is a tree native to Ecuador with threatened status as of 1993, despite its durable wood, history of timber use, and potential use in reforestation. This study reports on seed germination, a potential cause of its low regeneration rates. Open access copy available |
Natural History, Seed Predation, and Germination of Prosopis juliflora Relative to a Reforestation Project in Southwestern EcuadorbackgroundThis article provides information on the natural history of Prosopis juliflora in Ecuador and describes the efforts to use this native species in reforestation of tropical dry forest in the Proyecto Eduardo Aspiazu Estrata project. Research Goals & MethodsOver 200 sacks of pods (around 15-20 kg) of seeds were collected in March-May 1994 and examined at the seed bank. Open access copy available |
Seed rain and seed limitation in a planted gallery forest in BrazilBackgroundSeed dispersal by wind (anemochorous) and animals, usually birds and bats (zoochorous), is an important driver of succession. This study examines seed rain in a planted gallery forest (riparian corridor) in Brazil. Available with subscription or purchase |
Direct Seeding to Restore Tropical Mature-Forest Species in Areas of Slash-and-Burn AgriculturebackgroundDirect seeding of three mature-forest species into areas of slash-and-burn agriculture was conducted to evaluate the germination and establishment of these species. Research Goals & MethodsDifferent fallow times were evaluated, less than 5 years, 8-15 years, and greater than 50 years. Germination, survival, and growth for 1-2 years was evaluated for 1800 seeds planted per species (200 on each of three replicate sites per forest age). Open access copy available |
Growth analysis of nine multipurpose woody legumes native from southern MexicoBackgroundDeforestation in Mexico has produced significant soil degradation. Reforestation with native leguminous shrubs and trees can contribute to restoration of soil properties. This study evaluates early growth of nine leguminous tree and shrub species in nursery conditions in an ejido (communal agricultural land) in southern Mexico. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seedling survivorship, growth, and response to disturbance in Belizean mangalBackgroundSpecies zonation patterns across tidal gradients in mangrove forests are formed by successful seedling establishment and maintained by replacement of adults by conspecific seedlings. These two processes have rarely been examined experimentally in neotropical mangrove. This study examines survivorship and growth of seedlings of Rhizopora mangle and Avicennia germinans across a tidal gradient in Belize. Open access copy available |
An Evaluation of Direct Seeding for Reforestation of Degraded Lands in Central São Paulo State, BrazilbackgroundOpen access copy available |
Isolated Trees and Grass Removal Improve Performance of Transplanted Trema micrantha (L.) Blume (Ulmaceae) Saplings in Tropical PasturesbackgroundThis research evaluates the survival and growth of saplings of Trema micrantha when transplanted into recently abandoned pastureland in southeast Mexico. Trema micrantha is a pioneer species native to Mexico with ecological and physiological properties that would make it viable for planting in open fields. Research Goals & MethodsSaplings were planted in 2004 and evaluated every three months for the following year. Available with subscription or purchase |
Factors Affecting Community Composition of Forest Regeneration in Deforested, Abandoned Land in PanamabackgroundThis study tests how Saccharum spontaneum, an invasive grass, affects early forest succession and community composition in an area of previously abandoned pasture. Open access copy available |

