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<p><i>Eriobotrya japonica</i> is an emerging invader in peri-urban secondary cloud forest of central Veracruz, Mexico. Previous research has indicated that this tree is shade- and drought-tolerant, a prolific resprouter, and exhibits relatively high growth in forest gaps. However, its reproductive capacity still needs to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate seed germination under different light levels and across seed aging, determine the effect of desiccation on seed viability, and assess whether depulped, ejected seeds collected beneath tree perches germinate faster than seeds manually extracted from fruits. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments revealed that the time between radicle and epicotyl emergence was 16 days, with the epicotyl elongation beginning once the radicle reached approximately 12&#xa0;cm. Seeds were recalcitrant: desiccated seeds did not germinate, whereas seeds maintained under laboratory condition achieved 70% germination. Germination percentage was consistently higher in shade treatments (57 ± 7%) and lowest under open-light conditions (ca. 46 ± 11%). Germination declined with seed age, from approximately 90% in one-day-old seeds to 7% in 24-month-old seeds. Germination rates were similarly high (93%) for both bird-ejected and extracted seeds. We concluded that seed germination behavior is a key trait enabling the establishment of this invader which, combined with vigorous regenerative traits, ensures the reproductive success of this woody species.</p>

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Germination behavior as a trait to become a dominant tree invader in a Periurban cloud forest

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月18日

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  • Guadalupe Williams-Linera,
  • Milton H. Diaz-Toribio

摘要

Eriobotrya japonica is an emerging invader in peri-urban secondary cloud forest of central Veracruz, Mexico. Previous research has indicated that this tree is shade- and drought-tolerant, a prolific resprouter, and exhibits relatively high growth in forest gaps. However, its reproductive capacity still needs to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate seed germination under different light levels and across seed aging, determine the effect of desiccation on seed viability, and assess whether depulped, ejected seeds collected beneath tree perches germinate faster than seeds manually extracted from fruits. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments revealed that the time between radicle and epicotyl emergence was 16 days, with the epicotyl elongation beginning once the radicle reached approximately 12 cm. Seeds were recalcitrant: desiccated seeds did not germinate, whereas seeds maintained under laboratory condition achieved 70% germination. Germination percentage was consistently higher in shade treatments (57 ± 7%) and lowest under open-light conditions (ca. 46 ± 11%). Germination declined with seed age, from approximately 90% in one-day-old seeds to 7% in 24-month-old seeds. Germination rates were similarly high (93%) for both bird-ejected and extracted seeds. We concluded that seed germination behavior is a key trait enabling the establishment of this invader which, combined with vigorous regenerative traits, ensures the reproductive success of this woody species.