Seed production potential of Pinus montezumae Lambert in central Mexico

• Published in: Ciência florestal Vol. 34; no. 1
• Main Authors: Herrera-Hernández, Raquel, López-Upton, Javier, Muñoz-Gutiérrez, Liliana, Ramírez-Herrera, Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria 01-01-2024
• Subjects: ECOLOGY; ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES; FORESTRY; Reproductive indicators; Eficiencia de producción; Endogamia; Indicadores reproductivos; Endogamy; Peso de la semilla; Reproduction efficiency; Seed weight
• ISSN: 1980-5098; 1980-5098
• DOI: 10.5902/1980509871911

ABSTRACT The forests that surround the cities of Mexico, Puebla and Tlaxcala are a source of environmental services for 25 million people. Pinus montezumae Lamb. is an abundant species in the area that is under anthropocentric pressure. The objective of the study was to determine the repopulation capacity of Pinus montezumae through its seed production capacity related with environmental (climate, soil) and ecological variables (tree density). In eight populations, 10 cones per tree were collected from 15 trees per population (1200 cones). Data analysis was carried out by parametric and non-parametric methods according to the behavior of each variable. Correlations were estimated using the Pearson and Spearman method. In all variables, significant differences were found (p<0.05) between populations and 3 out of 11 variables between trees. On average, 132 developed seeds were obtained per cone, 55% full, 43% empty and 2% pest-ridden. Production efficiency, reproductive efficiency and endogamy index were 0.33, 28.7 and 0.43, respectively. Some seasonal climatic factors showed associations with seed production. A lower seed production potential (r < -0.70) was observed in populations with high temperature and low precipitation and a higher seed weight when the average temperature increased (r = 0.74). Organic matter has a negative influence on seed weight (r = -0.94), while more acidic soils have greater potential for seed production (r = 0.76). Stand density did not show any significant correlation (p<0.05; r<±0.26). Despite the high fragmentation and low stand density in the populations, the reproductive indicators do not show a deficiency in the production of full seed, which indicates a correct natural regeneration process by seed. The substantial increase in temperature and reduction in precipitation could reduce the species' seed production and its ability to repopulate naturally. This warns of the need for adequate management of forests under an unfavorable climate scenario, and one that is focused on the renewal of populations through reforestation programs.