Content uploaded by Peter Hietz
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Peter Hietz on Oct 08, 2014
Content may be subject to copyright.
Population Structure of Three Epiphytic Orchids (Lycaste aromatica, Jacquiniella leucomelana, and J. teretifolia) in a Mexican Humid Montane Forest
Abstract
The population structure of three epiphytic orchids (Lycaste aronatica, Jacquiniella teretifolia, and J. leucomelana) was studied in a Mexican humid montane forest. We measured all individuals on several trees and related plant size, number, and fertility to branch height and diameter. While Lycaste preferred thick branches, which are usually more shaded and stable, Jacquiniella spp. grew on thinner and more exposed branches with a higher rate of branchfall. The size-class distribution of Lycaste was relatively homogeneous, pointing to low recruitment and high survival. Jacquiniella leucomelana had a much higher proportion of juveniles, suggesting high recruitment and low survival. In J. teretifolia, recruitment appears irregular. The observed size classes and fertility rates are interpreted to reflect strategies of species adapted to different branches and, in part, as effects of individuals growing on branches of different sizes and stabilities. Using the regular production of pseudobulbs in Lycaste, we estimated the age when the first plants become fertile (10 years) and the time to reach full size (ca. 20 years).
... In populations of epiphytes without extraction, the population structure is skewed towards smaller plants; for example, in a population of Vriesea sanguinolenta (Bromeliaceae), plants in the smallest size category accounted for 20% of individuals, while the largest category comprises only 7% (Schmidt and Zotz, 2000). In orchid populations of Jacquiniella leucomelana (Winkler and Hietz, 2001), Jacquiniella teretifolia, Maxillaria densa and Scaphyglottis livida (Solis-Montero et al., 2005), 'between 58% and 60% of the individuals were young. A high proportion of juvenile plants does not guarantee maintenance of the population, since seedling mortality is higher than that of larger plants and they may be susceptible to catastrophic events, as recorded in a population of Dimerandra emarginata (Zotz, 1998); but a high proportion of juvenile plants provide evidence that fruit production is occurring and there are suitable conditions for recruitment (Solis-Montero et al., 2005). ...
... The historical production of inflorescences suggests that flowering increases with plant size and was similar among the studied populations. The same results have been found in at least the orchids: Aspasia principissa (Zotz and Schmidt, 2006), Jacquiniella leucomelana (Winkler and Hietz, 2001), J. teretifolia, Maxillaria densa, Scaphyglottis livida (Solis-Montero et al., 2005), and Tipularia discolor (Zimmerman and Whigham, 1992). The relationship between plant size and the probability of reproduction is because plants must accumulate resources to allow reproduction (Shefferson, 2006). ...
Chronic anthropogenic disturbance caused by the extraction of plant sections or entire individuals from wild populations can modify the population structure of the plants. Population structure, plant biomass capital and reproductive probability were compared in five Laelia autumnalis populations under different extraction intensities. For each plant, the number of pseudobulbs was counted and the biomass of each pseudobulb estimated and its live/dead status recorded along with the presence of inflorescence remnants. The live biomass of each plant was related to its total number of pseudobulbs. In populations under greater levels of extraction, the plants accumulate less biomass as they become larger. In populations under lower extraction, there was a greater abundance of small plants (1–9 and 10–18 pseudobulbs). In contrast, populations under higher extraction presented a structure with a greater abundance of large individuals (>19 pseudobulbs). In all populations, the frequency of the remains of inflorescences increases with plant size. In contrast, the development of inflorescences in the study season decreased as the intensity of extraction increased. In conclusion, extraction of Laelia autumnalis plants causes them to accumulate less biomass and become less likely to develop inflorescences as they age, and ultimately modifies their population structure toward an abundance of large, old plants.
... As González et al., 2011). The data indicate that this population of O. poikilostalix is mature and dynamic, with a healthy rate of recruitment and replacement, and the high proportion of mature individuals would be influential in the reproduction and expansion of the species, being the most important life stage for orchids (Zotz, 1998;Winkler and Hietz, 2001;Mondragón, 2009). ...
... Typically, epiphytic orchids tend to grow and mature slowly (Hernández-Apolinar, 1992;Larson, 1992;Zotz, 1998;Winkler and Hietz, 2001;Schmidt and Zotz, 2002); however, O. poikilostalix does not conform to that standard. During the period 2013-2014, 20.46% of O. poikilostalix individuals classified as young plants in 2013 reached maturity in 2014, while for 2014-2015, the value was 13.31%. ...
Background and Aims:
Biological invasions are considered as second to habitat loss as a cause of the extinction of species. The study of population dynamics is particularly relevant for species with expansive behavior. The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate the population ecology of Oncidium poikilostalix in shaded coffee plantations in Mexico, (2) evaluate the reproductive behavior of O. poikilostalix in this habitat, and (3) determine whether this orchid should be considered as an invasive species.
Methods:
During 2013-2015, most of the individuals of the Mexican population of O. poikilostalix (located south of the state Chiapas) were marked and measured. Additionally, the flower and fruit production (first flowering and repeated flowering), mortality and recruitment of new individuals were registered annually, and its potential distribution was modeled.
Key results:
Within this period a population increase of 1.11% was observed, with a proportional increase in the number of flowers and fruits. There was a strong correlation between the leaf area of individuals and the production of flower spikes (R=0.690, p<0.001) and flowers (R=0.775, p<0.001). The number of mature individuals that had repeated flowering varied from 47.1% in 2013 to 22.5% in 2015. There was also correlation between the leaf area of individuals with the fact that they do not flower, flower once and repeated flowering (X²=277.65, p<0.001). The Mexican population of O. poikilostalix is located on the northern limit of the potential distribution of this species.
Conclusions:
It is unlikely that O. poikilostalix behaves as an invasive species. Despite being a locally abundant taxon, with an apparently healthy population established in traditional shaded coffee plantations, its distribution in Mexico is limited, which may represent a serious risk to its survival in the country.
... población hacia nuevos hábitats no ocupados, lo que coincide con lo planteado por García-González & Riverón-Giró (2014). Winkler & Hietz (2001) y Zotz (1998), concluyeron que la etapa adulta es la más importante en el ciclo de vida de las orquídeas epífitas, donde las mismas pasan la mayor parte del mismo y la que permite el mantenimiento de la población mediante la reproducción. Por su parte, los individuos inmaduros garantizan el relevo poblacional, de ahí la importancia de esta clase en las poblaciones naturales (Mújica 2007). ...
... Respecto al patrón gaussiano, Primack & al. (2001) plantearon que es un indicador de que las poblaciones no están en equilibrio, debido a que el reclutamiento de nuevos individuos es limitado. No obstante, el bajo número de juveniles de Encyclia pyriformis (clase I de cada histograma) podría sugerir que el evento de reclutamiento más reciente fue fallido o que hubo un reclutamiento rápido hacia otras clases superiores de vida, tal como Winkler & Hietz (2001) suponen para Lycaste aromatica (Graham) Lindley. La primera de estas suposiciones es poco probable debido a la gran abundancia de adultos en la población y a la elevada disponibilidad de forófitos en el área de estudio; por lo cual el reclutamiento hacia las siguientes clases de estado sería a explicación más apropiada al patrón gaussiano encontrado en los cuatro análisis de la estructura etaria de la población de E. pyriformis en Los Pretiles. ...
ABSTRACT
The Orchidaceae is one of the most numerous families of vascular plants, at a worldwide level as well as in Cuba. Encyclia pyriformis is a species of Cuban orchid, endemic of the white sands areas in the western region of the country. As there are no population studies on this pecies, the goal of this research is to typify its population structure in the Ecological Reserve of “Los Pretiles”, Mantua, Pinar del Río, Cuba. We marked 39 plots in the White Sands area and counted in each plot, the number of individuals of E. pyriformis. For each individual we measured the height, the diameter of the pseudobulb from the larger leaf and the width and length of this leaf. In the sampled area 141 individuals of E. pyriformis, were found for a population density of 3.61 individuals/m2. The predominant age classes were the second and third class, which indicates a well established population.
... The scale of studies of epiphytic communities is very different: from three to five species (Winkler and Hietz, 2001;Winkler et al., 2007Winkler et al., , 2009 to 336 species (Kluge and Kessler, 2011) and from 127 individual specimens involved in the study (Adhikari et al., 2012a(Adhikari et al., , 2012b up to 39735 specimens (Linares- Palomino et al., 2009). Relatively few studies have been devoted to the dynamics of the transformation of the structure of epiphytic communities over time (Bennett, 1986;Rosenberger and Williams, 1999;Schmit-Neuerburg, 2002;Laube and Zotz, 2007;Winkler et al., 2007Winkler et al., , 2009Goode and Allen, 2008;Werner, 2011). ...
... Масштаб исследований эпифитных сообществ самый разный: от 3-5 видов (Winkler, Hietz, 2001;Winkler et al., 2007Winkler et al., , 2009) до 336 видов (Kluge, Kessler, 2011) и от 127 отдельных экземпляров, вовлеченных в исследования (Adhikari et al., 2012a, b), до 39735 (Linares-Palomino et al., 2009). Динамической стороне трансформации структуры эпифитных сообществ во времени посвящено сравнительно немного исследований (напр., Bennett, 1986;Rosenberger, Williams, 1999;Schmit-Neuerburg, 2002;Laube, Zotz, 2007;Winkler et al., 2007Winkler et al., , 2009Goode, Allen, 2008;Werner, 2011). ...
В обзоре, первом на русском языке, затронуты вопросы экологического и ботанического феномена
эпифитизма сосудистых растений. Обсуждается проблема происхождения эпифитизма, его экологических границ и современного понимания экоморфологических особенностей эпифитов. Рассмотрены различные подходы к классификации эпифитов, включая авторские, обсуждается соотношение
современной англоязычной терминологии и традиционной для русскоязычной литературы. Обсуждены наиболее дискуссионные проблемы в понимании феномена эпифитизма в мировой литературе.
Рассмотрены механизмы существования растений, порвавших с наземными источниками минерального питания и воды. Изложена проблематика и степень изученности САМ (crassulacean acid metabolism) у эпифитов в контексте их ксероморфоза. Рассмотрен механизм и функциональная
роль образования подвешенных почв. Отражены существующие теории и дискуссионные проблемы минерального питания эпифитов, в частности азотного питания. Обобщены различные биологические аспекты освоения крон: диаспорология, строение эпифитных сообществ и экосистемная роль эпифитов.
... The contributions of greatest magnitude for each year and in each site were made by the largest plants (S3 and S4). This information must be taken into account if we need to develop a management plan to control O. maculata expansion, bearing in mind that adults are usually considered as the most important life stage in the life cycle of the orchids (Zotz 1998;Winkler and Hietz 2001;García-Soriano 2003;Mondragón 2009;García-González et al. 2016). ...
The expansion of invasive species is a global concern. Within the Orchidaceae there are a number of invasive species. One of the most widely distributed invasive orchids in Mexico is Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl. By examining the population dynamic variations of an invasive species in its range of expansion, we can identify the factors that have contributed to that variation. Life Table Response Experiments (LTRE) were used to describe the dynamic of four populations of O. maculata in different ecosystems in south Chiapas, Mexico. Our goals were to quantify the contributions of differences between years and sites, and their interactions, to overall differences in population growth rate (λ), and to underlying vital rates. Fertility, survival and growth made the largest contributions, both positive and negative, to annual differences in λ. Spatial variations in λ were also found. The largest plants (S3 and S4) made the contributions of greatest magnitude each year and in each site. In seven of eight cases, the inclusion of the interaction term gave a better estimate of the population growth rate. This investigation highlights the need for taking into account life-history variations at different scales when the research goal is to study expansion of an invasive species in a heterogeneous landscape. The usefulness of LTRE studies was also demonstrated to better understand the natural history of the species and thus lay the groundwork for planning efficient management strategies, either for the conservation of rare, endangered species, or for the control of invasive species.
... La distribución de las plantas epífitas está fuertemente influenciada por las características de su forófito, que provee el sustrato necesario para el establecimiento (Hirata et al. 2009). Entre las características del forófito de mayor influencia está la arquitectura arbórea (Flores-Palacios & Ortíz-Pulido 2005, Otero et al. 2007, Winkler & Hietz 2001, las características físicas y químicas de la corteza, su estabilidad, la disponibilidad de área colonizable y la cobertura vegetal (Callaway et al. 2002, Maldonado & Mondragón-Chapano 2007. Estas características junto a las condiciones microclimáticas y los requerimientos ecofisiológicos de las epífitas puede limitar la distribución y abundancia de las mismas (Maldonado & Mondragón-Chapano 2007, McCormick et al. 2012. ...
The distribution of epiphyte plants is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the host plant,
which provides the area needed for the establishing process. Encyclia pyriformis (Lindl.) Schltr. is typical
from the white sands region of eastern Cuba, with a restricted distribution which is a key element when
managing the population over time. The goal of this research is to characterize the use of the microhabitat
of E. pyriformisand to analyze the relation between the environmental and morphological variables. The
study was carried out in 39 plots (25 m
2
) in the Ecological Reserve Los Pretiles. Individuals of E. pyriformis
were identified and six environmental variables were measured. The average values of the environmental
variables were 9.42 cm for the diameter of the trunk, 66.58% for the vegetal cover, 373 m for the distance
from the coast, 0.84 m for the height above ground and 2.37 m for the height of the host plant. For the
morphological variables the average values were 24.9 cm for the height of the individual, 1.87cm for the
diameter of the pseudobulb, 13.62 cm and 2.06 cm respectively for the length and width of the leaf. No
correlation was found between the environmental and morphological variables. This seems to indicate that
the combination of environmental variables analyzed apparently do not have an effect on the morphology of
E. pyriformis. To understand the environmental factors limiting and affecting the distribution of species is
critical to keep of biodiversity. To identify the factors limiting the colonization’s potential of orchids would
enable accurate predictions faced with future changes in the community and the ecosystem, which could
influence the management strategies for this species.
... La distribución de las plantas epífitas está fuertemente influenciada por las características de su forófito, que provee el sustrato necesario para el establecimiento (Hirata et al. 2009). Entre las características del forófito de mayor influencia está la arquitectura arbórea (Flores-Palacios & Ortíz-Pulido 2005, Otero et al. 2007, Winkler & Hietz 2001, las características físicas y químicas de la corteza, su estabilidad, la disponibilidad de área colonizable y la cobertura vegetal (Callaway et al. 2002, Maldonado & Mondragón-Chapano 2007. Estas características junto a las condiciones microclimáticas y los requerimientos ecofisiológicos de las epífitas puede limitar la distribución y abundancia de las mismas (Maldonado & Mondragón-Chapano 2007, McCormick et al. 2012. ...
La distribución de las plantas epífitas está influenciada por las características de su forófito, que provee el sustrato necesario para el establecimiento. Encyclia pyriformis (Lindl.) Schltr. es una especie característica de las arenas blancas del Occidente de Cuba, con una distribución restringida, lo cual es un elemento clave para el manejo y mantenimiento de la población en el tiempo. El objetivo del trabajo es caracterizar el uso del microhábitat de E. pyriformis y analizar la relación entre las variables ambientales y morfológicas. El estudio se realizó en 39 parcelas (25 m2), en la Reserva Ecológica Los Pretiles. Se identificaron a los individuos de E. pyriformis, en los cuales se midieron seis variables ambientales y cuatro morfológicas. Los valores promedios de las variables ambientales fue de 9.42 cm de diámetro del tronco, 66.58% de cobertura vegetal, 373 m de distancia a la costa, 0.84 m de altura sobre el suelo y 2.37 m de altura del forófito. Para las variables morfológicas los valores promedios fueron de 24.9 cm para altura del individuo, 1.87 cm de diámetro del pseudobulbo, 13.62 cm y 2.06 cm de largo y ancho de la hoja, respectivamente. No se encontró correlación entre las variables ambientales y morfológicas. La ausencia de correlación entre los dos grupos de variables parece indicar que la combinación de variables ambientales analizadas no tienen un efecto evidente sobre la morfología de los individuos de E. pyriformis. Entender los factores ambientales que limitan y afectan la distribución de las especies es crítico para el mantenimiento de la diversidad. Identificar los factores que limitan el potencial de colonización de las orquídeas permitiría predicciones certeras ante cambios futuros en la comunidad y el ecosistema, lo cual puede influir en las estrategias de manejo de la especie.
... It is important to consider that the establishment of new plants and the permanence of adult individuals are generally the principal bottlenecks of population dynamics and growth (Martínez-Ramos et al. 2016). An elevated number of adults can greatly influence the reproduction and expansion of orchid populations, as the adult life stage is particularly important for this group of plants (Zotz 1998;Winkler and Hietz 2001;Mondragón 2009;Schödelbauerová et al. 2010). Lepanthes acuminata is generally considered a flexible, adaptable species, which is often abundant within its natural area of distribution (Salazar and Soto 1996). ...
We assessed the current population status of three orchid species growing in Mexican coffee plantations and evaluated two scenarios derived from simulating the transient behaviour of their populations to disturbance, considering different life stages.
... It is important to consider that the establishment of new plants and the permanence of adult individuals are generally the principal bottlenecks of population dynamics and growth (Martínez-Ramos et al. 2016). An elevated number of adults can greatly influence the reproduction and expansion of orchid populations, as the adult life stage is particularly important for this group of plants (Zotz 1998;Winkler and Hietz 2001;Mondragón 2009;Schödelbauerová et al. 2010). Lepanthes acuminata is generally considered a flexible, adaptable species, which is often abundant within its natural area of distribution (Salazar and Soto 1996). ...
Background: Epiphyte removal forms part of routine management in shade coffee plantations. This could affect to a greater or lesser extent the populations of the epiphytic orchid species of this habitat.
Aims: We assessed the current population status of three orchid species growing in Mexican coffee plantations and evaluated two scenarios derived from simulating the transient behaviour of their populations to disturbance, considering different life stages.
Methods: We modelled the short-term response of eliminating (a) non-reproductive juveniles, or (b) reproductive adult plants from coffee bushes, on populations of Oncidium poikilostalix, Lepanthes acuminata and Telipogon helleri (Orchidaceae). First, we calculated the transient dynamics per se and second, we made a perturbation analysis on population inertia. Finally, we made a comparison with a traditional sensitivity analysis.
Results: All three species had a positive asymptotic growth rate: O. poikilostalix (λmax = 1.106), L. acuminata (λmax = 1.209), and T. helleri (λmax = 1.012). The effect of eliminating the major part of the juvenile or adult orchids resulted in population inertia in relation to steady state, respectively, (+19%, -24%) for O. poikilostalix, (+17%, -28%) for T. helleri and (+57%, -35%) for L. acuminata.
Conclusions: Eliminating juveniles or adults affects orchid population dynamics in different ways. In the short term, orchid population dynamics is strongly dependent on size stages. This is due to the differential impact on size stages exerted by the non-linear effects associated with important disturbances that currently affect orchids growing in coffee plantations. With this information, it would be possible to design effective short-term management procedures for these coffee plantations, which at the same time should be friendly to their community of orchids and vascular epiphytes in general.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.