Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Biology
Probability Of Tree Seedling Establishment Changes Across A Forest–Old Field Edge Gradient, Scott J. Meiners, Steward T.A. Pickett, Steven N. Handel
Probability Of Tree Seedling Establishment Changes Across A Forest–Old Field Edge Gradient, Scott J. Meiners, Steward T.A. Pickett, Steven N. Handel
Scott J. Meiners
Forest edges affect many aspects of plant communities, causing changes in microclimate, species composition, and community structure. However, the direct role of edges in regulating forest regeneration is relatively unknown. The pattern of tree establishment across a forest–old field edge was experimentally examined to determine the response of three tree species to the edge gradient. We placed 100 1-m2 plots in a 90 3 90 m grid that began 30 m inside the forest, extended across the edge, and ended at 60 m into the old field. Into each plot, we planted seeds of Acer rubrum, Acer saccharum, and Quercus …
Additive And Nonadditive Effects Of Herbivory And Competition On Tree Seedling Mortality, Growth, And Allocation, Scott J. Meiners, Steven N. Handel
Additive And Nonadditive Effects Of Herbivory And Competition On Tree Seedling Mortality, Growth, And Allocation, Scott J. Meiners, Steven N. Handel
Scott J. Meiners
The interaction between simulated cotyledon herbivory and interspecific competition was studied in a greenhouse experiment using two species of trees, Acer rubrum and Quercus palustris, which commonly invade abandoned agricultural fields. Herbivory treatments were applied as a gradient of cotyledon removal for A. rubrum with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of cotyledon tissue removed. Cotyledons from Q. palustris were clipped and removed (control, early, and late removal) to create a gradient of seed reserve availability. The competition treatment consisted of plugs of old-field vegetation that filled the pots with perennial cover. Mortality of seedlings was higher with competition. There …