Abstract Detail

Tropical Biology Section

Halle, Ernestine Mefor [1], Ssali, Frederick [2], Gikonyo, Nancy [3].

Leaf Production in Relation to Damage of Seedlings in Amani Nature Reserve, (ANR).

This study was carried out in Amani Nature Reserve (ANR), Tanzania and focused on leaf production and its response to simulated leaf damage of seedlings on four fast growing species: Leptonychia usambarensis, Chostas spiras, Piper capense and Macaranga kilimandscharica. A total of six study sites were selected in the forest gaps. Overall, the effect of damage on leaf production was strongest in Macaranga kilimandscharica where the rate of leaf growth decreased with increase in extent of damage. This implies that Macaranga kilimandscharica is more sensitive to damage compared to the other study species since its growth rate slows down when damaged. The results from this study suggest that the different species had different rates of shoot growth, leaf growth and leaf production. Macaranga kilimandscharica had the highest rate of leaf growth, second highest rate of shoot growth and the highest rate of leaf production. There was also no significant difference in the level of herbivory between leaves of different ages. Similar studies on leaf production in relation to damage of seedlings can be carried out on fast growing canopy species, such as Macaranga kilimandscharica in generating up to-date information so as to enhance further understanding of plant-animal interactions.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Tropical Ecology/Conservation Biology

1 - Ghent University, Plant And Animal Science, Voetweg 64/470, Gent, N/A, 9000, Belgium
2 - Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
3 - National Museums of Kenya, Kenya

Keywords:
leaf production
Macaranga kilimandscharica
leaf damage
Fast growing species.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PTB001
Abstract ID:68
Candidate for Awards:None