Seed dispersal by wind of the tree species Aspidosperma tomentosum Mart., Qualea grandiflora Mart. and Vochysia tucanorum in Paraguay, South America

The focus of the investigations is the seed dispersal by wind of three tree species Aspidosperma tomentosum Mart., Qualea grandiflora Mart. and Vochysia tucanorum in Paraguay, South America. So far, little is known about the regeneration (seed dispersal, germination, development of young plants) of these tree species. The study area is located in the Mbaracayú nature reserve. The research questions of the present proposal include primarily (i) the seed dispersal of the above mentioned tree species, which are all anemochorously dispersed. In this context, the main focus is on recording the dispersal distances, starting from the mother trees. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the species-specific, spatial distribution of the seeds in the study area. In addition, conclusions can be drawn about the influence of the environmental factors wind (speed, direction), temperature and precipitation or relative humidity. (ii) The spatial distribution of the resulting seedlings and established seedlings is another important parameter in regeneration ecology studies. Of particular interest within this stage of the regeneration cycle of tree species is the question of the characteristics of suitable microsites (safe sites) and the resulting density of successfully established regeneration plants.

Overall, the study aims to gain a basic understanding of the regeneration-ecologically decisive processes in the development of these rare tree species in order to be able to draw conclusions about potential distribution foci and suitable ecological niches. Only with the help of this knowledge can strategies for the sustainable protection of these tree species within the reserve be derived.