Decomposition of yellow ipê [Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos] seeds in the litter (serrapilheira)

Abstract

Studies aiming to understand native species seeds permanence in the seed bank of a forest may enhance the knowledge about forest ecology and the ecological restoration of degraded and/or disturbed environments. Therefore, the work aimed to evaluate Handroanthus chrysotrichus reproductive strategy in a forest environment. The seeds collected from the parent plants were sorted, classified, and categorized as: a) Viable; b) Predated; c) Aborted; d) Dark; e) Undefined. In the field, the seeds had the following treatments: a) seeds under litter; b) seed under the ground. Monthly experiment consisted of the following treatments: a) C - Control; b) SLP - seeds stored in the litter and that are predated; c) SLD - seeds stored in the litter and show signs of decomposition; d) SLI - seeds stored in the litter and thar are intact; e) SSP - seeds stored in the soil and that are predated; f) SSD - seeds stored in the soil and that show signs of decomposition; and g) SSI - seeds stored in the soil and that are intact. For the statistical analysis of the results, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and the Chi-Square tests were used. The Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart. ex DC) Mattos species is an “R” strategist plant; The high decomposition and predation of its seeds, when dispersed in the soil or litter, prevent its permanence in the seed bank; The investment of the species in seeds with polyembryony is a survival strategy.

Keywords

• Seed bank
• Germination
• Handroanthus chrysotrichus
• Yellow-Ipê
• Temperature