Herbivoría por insectos en plántulas de Swietenia macrophylla (Meliaceae) y su relación con la densidad y distancia al árbol parental
Abstract
Analicé la relación de la densidad y distancia al árbol parental con la herbivoría por insectos en plántulas de Swietenia macrophylla King que crecen en una zona sin influencia de aprovechamiento forestal. La distribución de las plántulas se correlaciona negativamente con la distancia al árbol parental y respondiendo al principal patrón de dispersión (anemocoria), existe una mayor acumulación de plántulas en los cuadrantes sudeste y sudoeste del tronco del árbol madre. No existe diferencia significativa entre el establecimiento de plántulas en los claros del bosque con relación a las plántulas que emergen en zonas con sombra. Las superficies foliares dañadas no se relacionarían ni con la densidad ni con la distancia de las plántulas a los árboles parentales y podría ser independiente de la zona del sotobosque donde llegan a germinar las semillas. Aunque las tasas de herbivoría son bajas, pueden originar el desarrollo de mecanismos de defensa anti-herbívoro en las plántulas y sumarse desfavorablemente al proceso de reclutamiento de brinzales.
This study analizes the relation of density and distance on insect herbivory in mahogany's seedlings Swietenia macrophylla King growing in a region not influenced by logging activities. Plant distribution was negatively correlated with the distance to the mother tree. There was a greater abundance of plants in the southeastern and southwestern quadrants from the mother tree which is interpreted to be a function of anemocory and prevailing wind directions. However, there was no significant difference between seedling density in forest opening, in comparison to shadow. There was no relationship between the damaged foliar surface and density nor with the distance from the mother tree. The damage is independent from the zone of understory where the seed sprout. Even low rates of folivory can trigger the development of defense mechanisms in seedlings and impede sapling recruitment to the canopy.
This study analizes the relation of density and distance on insect herbivory in mahogany's seedlings Swietenia macrophylla King growing in a region not influenced by logging activities. Plant distribution was negatively correlated with the distance to the mother tree. There was a greater abundance of plants in the southeastern and southwestern quadrants from the mother tree which is interpreted to be a function of anemocory and prevailing wind directions. However, there was no significant difference between seedling density in forest opening, in comparison to shadow. There was no relationship between the damaged foliar surface and density nor with the distance from the mother tree. The damage is independent from the zone of understory where the seed sprout. Even low rates of folivory can trigger the development of defense mechanisms in seedlings and impede sapling recruitment to the canopy.
Description
No. 33