Asian tropical pioneer tree species show differential seed germination and seedling establishment success in response to simulated gap conditions

摘要

Seed germination of Neotropical pioneers tree species can be inhibited by far red light under shade and stimulated by larger change in diurnal temperature fluctuation, soil water potential, nutrient availability, modulated by seed size (Vazquez-Yaneset al 1982, Daws et al 2002, Daws era/ 2008). However, limited knowledge exists for Asian tropical species. Using six pioneer species from the family Euphorbeaceae, we assessed whether seed traits could be good predictors of germination, seedling emergence and seedling establishment success, by subjecting them to six simulated gap environmental conditions.