Factors affecting seed germination and seedling establishment of Harrisia portoricensis (Cactaceae) in Mona Island

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Date
2009-11Author
Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa
Meléndez-Ackerman, Elvia J.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Germination, establishment, and survival of young
plants appear to be the most critical phases in the life
cycle of cacti (Godínez-Alvarez et al. 2003). Thus,
understand factors affecting processes of germination
and establishment in cactus species is important to
develop successful conservation and management
strategies.
Harrisia portoricensis is an endangered cactus
endemic to Puerto Rico and geographically restricted
to three small Caribbean Islands located to the west
of Puerto Rico: Mona, Monito and Desecheo (USFW
1990).In this study we evaluated the effect of contrasting
sunlight exposure (open and shade areas), different
shade provider species (two native shrubs and one
exotic grass species), and variable microenvironmental
conditions (temperature, PAR, RH) on
the germination, survival, and growth of Harrisia
portoricensis seedlings.