Environmental Factors Affecting Germination and Seedling Survival of Carolina Willow (Salix Caroliniana)

    Authors

    L. M. Castro-Morales; P. F. Quintana-Ascencio; J. E. Fauth; K. J. Ponzio;D. L. Hall

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Wetlands

    Keywords

    Florida; Hydrology; Invasive species; Restoration; Riparian zone; Salix; spp.; TAMARIX-RAMOSISSIMA; RESPONSES; REGIMES; RESTORATION; FLOODPLAINS; SALICACEAE; DEMOGRAPHY; AUSTRALIA; ECOSYSTEM; SAWGRASS; Ecology; Environmental Sciences

    Abstract

    In recent decades, invasive shrubs have replaced herbaceous wetlands in many parts of the world. In Florida, the native shrub Salix caroliniana Michx. (Carolina willow) expanded its distribution throughout the upper St. Johns River, replacing herbaceous marshes with willow swamps. To identify ways to prevent its expansion, we experimentally tested the effects of watering regime, temperature, substrate, and seed source on willow germination and seedling survival. In growth chamber experiments, germination and survival were most affected by watering regime and were greatest in saturated, organic soils. Survival decreased with soil inundation and on drier, sandy soils. Variable texture and nutrient content in native soils had no differential effect on germination or survivability of willow. Time of seed production, seed source, and delay in watering significantly affected germination. Seed germination occurred quickly after being sown. However, seed viability declined just as quickly. Whenever a soil held sufficient water, especially through capillarity, seeds of Carolina willow germinated and survived well. Seasonal manipulation of water levels to flood marshes during seed-fall and to inundate willow seedlings provides managers with an effective strategy for reducing establishment of Carolina willow.

    Journal Title

    Wetlands

    Volume

    34

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    469

    Last Page

    478

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000336288800006

    ISSN

    0277-5212

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